My name is Tesfamariam (Tesfay) Kefle. I am a licensed Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked in the field for 27 years and I have being in Private practice for the last 5 years. My Practice is goal oriented with a focus on behavioral and cognitive therapy. I believe in the human potential and ability to overcome life's difficulties. I take 'set back' in life as a learning experience that could foster growth. As a therapist, I strive to be that person that is able to help a client recognize that inner strength within. The strength that needs to be tapped and be used to re-energize the client to face the challenges at hand. I hold two degrees--MSW(with Mental health concentration) from University of Illinois M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in Theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) training in a , psychiatric setting. All in all these have shaped the way I view our human values as to promote human dignity and re-ignite the human potential.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
An undivided attention with empathic non judgmental presence. A comfortable experience where the client feel safe to share and explore difficult emotions, process negative thought patterns . In that therapeutic atmosphere I want to be fully present to you - walk with and guide you to clarify the problem. This might mean perhaps to identify some of the faulty thinking you might have which might have lead to maladaptive behaviors. I consider myself emphatic and non judgmental therapist. This might take more than one session and after carefully assessing the problem with you - you and I will come up with concrete short and long term goals .Throughout our therapy sessions we would assess the progress, review the goals set and deal with any challenges that might emerge.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize mostly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing with the intention of creating a safe space for clients to explore difficult emotions ,process negative thought patterns, identify and build on strength and stay centered and balanced during life transitions and adjustments. My counseling style is interactive , supportive and non judgmental. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and allow them to be their real self and feel safe to be true to themselves and share freely what is bothering them.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I think my biggest strengths is my ability to make people feel comfortable and welcomed. I show my respect and maintain their dignity as a person. I am open and not judgmental. Emphatic and genuine in interacting with them. I believe in innate inner strength that has been bestowed from the Divine. I see myself as walking along as their go through and revisit their inner world. Which sometimes could be scary to deal with emotions, to gain insight to understand and resolve the conflict that brought them to therapy.