I do not believe in a "one size fits all" kind of approach. While uncomfortable feelings might be a commonality (especially in today's world,) I believe we are all individuals who learn, experience, and react to situations differently. One thing I know for sure, if everything was going "great" chances are you would not be reading this bio right now. BRAVO to you for taking this monumental step and investing in yourself!!! Hi, I'm Masha Andreoni, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 10+ years of professional experience and 48 years of lived experience. A majority of my work experience has been spent working with Veterans and Active Duty Reservists focusing on post deployment issues, substance use/abuse, and military sexual trauma. Today, I work with individuals/groups/families within a multitude of populations. Most importantly, I do not believe that individuals fit snuggly into a particular mental health "box." For example, if diagnosed with PTSD... there is a good chance that anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship difficulties, work-related issues (etc.) may be present. If struggling with addictions...anxiety, depression insomnia, relationship difficulties, work-related issues (etc.) may be present (you get it). My focus/goal is to understand where you are coming from, what you hope to achieve, avoid making any particular judgements/labels, and work together as we embrace this journey of solution focused change and betterment. While I can take the time to tell you how my approach is warm, motivating, understanding, open....in the end, this is for you to decide. I can however assure you that regardless of diplomas achieved, I never stop pursuing education in this ever-changing field/world. I am here to be of service. With me comes my personality, knowledge, humor (when appropriate,) and respect! Truly looking forward to working with you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect genuine empathy from me. I understand that "going to therapy" can be a daunting/difficult decision to make sometimes. BUT, guess what....it may not be so daunting/difficult after all. It could actually be "fun" sometimes. Worth giving a shot, IMHO (with me or with someone else....it's worth the investment in yourself!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I approach my practice with non-judgement (ALWAYS)! I try to understand your challenges/struggles from your point of view... and then we work together towards a solution focused outcome. Most importantly, I believe in approaching my sessions with high-regard/RESPECT! WE got this!
About "Masha" Miriam Andreoni
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-Centered Therapy, also known as "Rogerian therapy" or "client-centered therapy," is a humanistic approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. Ok the above is a web description on what PCT (Person Centered Therapy) means. However to me.... It is ALWAYS #1 on my list. As a therapist, with her own/many personal experiences...it does NOT mean I understand your world/life/past-present-future. BUT, through active listening, empathy, positive regard...perhaps you can assist me in assisting you. RESPECT.....ALWAYS!!!!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) encourages a collaborative relationship between the therapist and you...the client. This partnership fosters trust and empowers individuals to take an active role in their treatment or personal development. It also incorporates learned tools, that one (you/me/us/they) can use use well beyond our time together, professionally. Anxiety, life circumstances, challenges, etc...are unavoidable. This is stuff of life that is unavoidable and integral to our (i.e. you/me/our loved ones) growth and healing. Imagine having some immediate/memorized tools/"tricks"/tips (pick a word...any word) that can help with future anxieties/fears/difficulties, minus the unhealthy/non helpful behaviors?!? WOW....and that's CBT in n a nutshell. Tools for living, checking one/my/your/their self and decompressing, when needed. P.S. and side note (IMHO,) CBT ROCKS!!!!
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) encourages clients to develop a sense of self as a context, rather than identifying solely with their thoughts, emotions, or past experiences....This can help you/me/us/them cultivate self-compassion, flexibility, and psychological flexibility by exploring different aspects of their identity and encouraging a more flexible perspective in life. IMHO....ACT, with it's metaphors, is NOT only easy to digest....but also easy to memorize. Just sayin'...;)
Couples Counseling
In a nutshell, I have worked with many couples.... and I find that as long as I incorporate all of the above modalities, there tends to be forward movement (for the MOST part). If there is active addiction, abuse, denial, etc.....it can sometimes prove to be challenging. However, if BOTH are on the same page and wanting to move forward (in a positive direction)....we got this!!!! ;)
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented method of communication designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. Here's how you can apply it in your practice: Establish Rapport: Build a warm, empathetic, and trusting relationship with your clients. Establishing rapport is crucial for creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their ambivalence and considering change. Express Empathy: Demonstrate empathy by actively listening to your clients' perspectives, validating their experiences, and showing understanding and compassion for their struggles. Empathy helps clients feel understood, accepted, and supported, which enhances their readiness to engage in the change process. Develop Discrepancy: Help clients recognize discrepancies between their current behavior and their goals, values, or aspirations. Use reflective listening and open-ended questions to explore the potential negative consequences of their current behavior and the benefits of change. By highlighting these discrepancies, you can increase clients' motivation to pursue change. Avoid Arguing and Confrontation: Adopt a non-confrontational and nonjudgmental stance toward your clients. Avoid arguing, lecturing, or imposing your views on them, as these approaches can evoke resistance and undermine the therapeutic alliance. Instead, collaborate with clients to explore their concerns, ambivalence, and reasons for change. Roll with Resistance: Respond to resistance with empathy and curiosity rather than defensiveness or confrontation. Acknowledge and validate clients' perspectives, even if they express ambivalence or reluctance to change. Explore the underlying reasons for their resistance and help them resolve any internal conflicts or barriers to change. Support Self-Efficacy: Help clients build confidence in their ability to change by highlighting their strengths, resources, and past successes. Encourage them to set realistic goals, identify potential barriers, and develop action plans for change. Offer affirmations and encouragement to bolster their belief in their capacity to achieve their goals. Use Socratic Questioning: Engage clients in guided self-reflection and exploration through the use of open-ended questions and Socratic dialogue. Encourage clients to examine their beliefs, values, and motivations for change, rather than providing direct advice or solutions. Elicit Change Talk: Facilitate clients' expression of change talk, which includes statements indicating their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change. Use reflective listening and strategic questioning to elicit and amplify change talk, as it indicates increased motivation and readiness for change. By integrating motivational interviewing principles and techniques into your practice, you can empower clients to explore their ambivalence, resolve their concerns, and enhance their motivation and commitment to change. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of autonomy, self-efficacy, and empowerment, ultimately facilitating positive behavioral change and personal growth. P.S. thank you Chat GPT....couln't of said it better myself. ALL TRUE, lol!!!