New to Grow
Hello! My name is Elisa Carlino and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been devoted to health and wellness for over two decades. I first began helping individuals as a group fitness instructor for 14 years. I then graduated from The State University of New York at Buffalo with a Joint Bachelor of Arts and Master in Social Work. I began working with children and families as a Child and Family clinical therapist, in addition to providing counseling to children who had endured abuse and neglect. Next, I worked as a Medical Social Worker at a cancer hospital, supporting patients through diagnosis and treatment as well as supporting family members’ of patients through diagnosis, grief, and loss. I also worked in the public school system with teachers, students, parents, administration, as well as with community supports. Recently, I have been working as a remote therapist for 4 years.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
For our first session, I will introduce myself and we will collect information on your psycho-social history, as well as discuss presenting problems bringing you to therapy. I understand the therapist and client relationship is extremely important in establishing rapport and trust, which we will begin working on during our first session and thereafter.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
You will notice my therapeutic approach to therapy is similar to a supportive and genuine friend, who can guide clients toward increasing their health, happiness and success within all of their life roles. I also enjoy empowering my clients by teaching them how to practice and master appropriate therapeutic tools they can use for a lifetime. Therefore, my clients will enjoy a safe place to process their emotions, receive guidance and education, having fun along the way, while also using a little humor too!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am specialize in treating clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief/loss, trauma, and relationship issues. I additionally completed a certificate on Maternal Mental Health 2 years ago, including: women facing infertility, miscarriage or loss of babies, postpartum depression, and parenting struggles. Types of therapy I like to incorporate is ACT, CBT, Mindfulness-based therapy, Family systems therapy, trauma informed therapy and exposure therapy. Ideal clients would be those who are willing to collaborate with me in practicing new behaviors in between sessions in order to take baby steps towards achieving your therapeutic goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This therapy is a flexible, experiential approach that helps my clients build psychological flexibility — the ability to stay present, open up to difficult experiences, and take action guided by values.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is driven by understanding how my clients' thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical sensations interact, while identifying and challenging cognitive distortions and implementing behavioral interventions.
Faith based therapy
Faith-based therapy blends traditional psychological approaches (like cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy) with the spiritual or religious principles . It respects and uses my clients' faith as a source of strength, meaning, and healing.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy is a type of counseling that helps my clients cope with the emotional, physical, and psychological pain that follows a loss—most commonly the death of a loved one, but also divorce, miscarriage, job loss, health changes, or other major life transitions.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach to therapy (and healthcare in general) that recognizes how trauma affects my clients' brain, body, emotions, and behavior—and responds in ways that promote safety, empowerment, and healing rather than re-traumatization of my clients.