Wendy Savarese earned her Master's Degree in 1994 from Montclair State University. Shortly thereafter, she earned her license to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She then undertook more education and training to become a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). In more recent years, I have moved away from purely drug and alcohol counseling to work with issues of Depression and Trauma. My goal is to help folks to overcome adversity with my knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a desire to understand what the client is experiencing.
I typically use the first session to gather information but I also make sure to give the client some time to discuss what's on their mind right now. I find that folks feel disappointed when they can't discuss the problem they wanted to start therapy for.
I've been told I'm a great listener. I also feel that I have lived experience due to having had clinical depression and suicidal ideations. Although it has been years since, I feel that this puts me in a position where I can relate to the client who is suffering from this mental illness.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are depressed, and those that are depressed with suicidal ideations. I enjoy helping people to find hope and build up their self-esteem. I have also found a strength in helping those who have been traumatized as I have a strength in listening, empathizing, and being non-judgemental.
I teach clients, using CBT, how their thoughts determine their actions and thus how they feel about things. Once the concepts are understood, I give the clients a safe place to learn and become skilled at challenging their negative thoughts.