Hi there! My name is Ceresa González and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience working in mental health. I am also the owner of MINDbody Wellness Therapy. I have been very fortunate to recognize early in my life that my ability to intuitively understand and connect with people would lead to a lifelong career helping others do the same. At its core, I believe the relationship with ourselves is what determines how we interact with our environment, other people, and the world. I have had a colorful career dedicated to helping others in many different capacities, including inpatient, outpatient and psychiatric emergency room settings, trauma clinics, schools, shelters, courtrooms, prisons, and criminal justice reform. I have had opportunities to supervise and train other clinicians, educate communities, oversee programs and development, and contribute to social policy change. If you’re feeling stuck, you will be amazed at how capable you are at exploring parts of yourself you never knew existed. I would like to be your guide and offer the chance to uncover patterns you may not be aware of, learn control over your emotions, stop ruminating thoughts, resolve past traumas, confront avoided thoughts, feelings, and conflict, communicate effectively, improve relationships and boundaries, and embrace life transitions - to name a few! Those interested in learning more about my services can contact me via Grow messaging or email me directly at cgonzalez@mbwtherapy.com. Information about my waitlist can also be made available.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I strive to create a comfortable environment where you feel safe to be your truest self. In our first session together, we’ll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you’re facing. This will help you and I create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. I find much value in combining talk therapy with teaching tangible skills so that you can begin to feel more in control. And because one hour a week pales in comparison to the amount of time clients spend outside sessions, I like to sometimes give assignments in between sessions. This helps to encourage practice and solidify these new skills. This may include monitoring thoughts, feelings and behaviors, use of specific skills, body work, completing worksheets, and/or journaling exercises to help you better recognize and manage stress. I’m also available to be contacted any time via Grow messaging or email in between sessions and I do my best to respond within a few hours.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I specialize in treating trauma, as well as grief, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, life transitions, social justice issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, parenting, and child development. I also understand your money and time are valuable, so I try to be as structured and goal-oriented as possible and remain focused on the latest evidence-based practices. My approach is solution-focused, skill-based, and psychodynamic. I utilize an integrative and holistic mind-body approach tailored to your individual needs, including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Prolonged Exposure (PE) Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children/adolescents Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Polyvagal Therapy Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Meditation Spirituality Shadow work A goal of my own is to become certified in hypnotherapy as well!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
It’s true that the therapeutic process takes time and focused work, and it's not always easy. But I promise you are worth it, and you will not have to do it alone. You will have a trusted partner and ally by your side, someone who will gently challenge you when needed, and always listen with empathy. These are my greatest strengths and I'd like to share them with anyone open to receiving them. You can have more balance and control in your life. You can create a version of yourself that makes you proud and smile. I may not know you yet, but I'm certain you are capable of change in your life. If you are ready to start our work together, so am I!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Young and middle-aged adults with histories of trauma, depression and anxiety.