LICSW, 23 years of experience
Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.
In our first session together, the focus would be on getting to know each other. I would like to know what your ideas about therapy are, previous experience (pros and cons), and how you would like your life to change. I would do General Housekeeping, explaining what will happen in therapy and how we will develop a Treatment Plan. In the second session, we would complete the Treatment Plan and begin discussing how to proceed.
Having worked with all age groups for over 20 years, I can help you develop how you want your life to change. Then we can develop a tailored plan to help you take the first steps towards changing your life. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of life situations. And, of course, whatever you discuss will be confidential.
I have worked with all age groups. I am most interested in working with adults, particularly those who are not quite sure what to do with their lives. I can be a sounding board and help you think about where you would like to go or what you would like to do.
Sometimes people need to explore their past relationships with family members, particularly parents. Exploring can help alleviate anxiety or depression.
With CBT, people learn that thoughts are not facts. They also learn how their thoughts may affect their feelings and in turn their behaviors. I have given worksheets to explain CBT and also to give the client an opportunity to reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
My primary experience is with person-centered or Rogerian therapy. It involves looking at the client as a person, as a part of his/her environment. It provides respect for the person and seeing each client as an individual.
I am aware that individuals reflect their culture---and they should. I am female, Catholic and Italian-American. I want to learn about cultures that are different from mine, and how your perspectives affect the way you are feeling.
Sometimes the client needs to look at the situation the way it is. From there the client can explore how he/she wants things to be different.