LCSW, 8 years of experience
Hello! My name is Lynnette Montañez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist and 12 years working with children and and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and sexual abuse, substance abuse, parenting problems, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder, with a special focus in adoption and foster care issues.
In our first session, we will start with a brief introduction, followed by a review of expectations for therapy and finally identifying two goals of therapy. This will help me in developing the appropriate course for therapy moving forward and understanding exactly what you are hoping to achieve with our sessions.
I pride myself in my ability to actively listen to my clients, giving them the space to be their authentic self, and many times, allow for the silence to speak.
I love working with teens and young adults who are learning to manage their everyday complexities in a fast paced world, who are willing to come in and work together to see change and learn new skills to add to their toolbox. I also enjoy working with adults who are looking to learn to manage anxiety or depression or are in need of a voice outside of their personal world that can provide a unique perspective on their struggles.
Using CBT, I assist my clients in learning the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and reinforce reframing negative or dysfunctional thinking/beliefs towards a more constructive reasoning. I believe that our ability to connect our thoughts, feelings and actions is imperative in understanding how we relate to others and ourselves. Learning that we are in control of ourselves can make a world of difference when managing stress and everyday situations.
Through motivational interviewing, I may ask my clients thought provoking questions, to get to their "why," and reflect back what is shared. The client is affirmed and encouraged in their ability to see change for themselves.
Psychoeducation is the basis for learning and understanding about your diagnosis, treatment, and techniques/skills that we will utilize as you progress through your sessions.