Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 19 ratings

Sema Contreras

LMSW-C, 8 years of experience

Warm
Open-minded
Authentic
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hi, I’m Sema—and I get it. I know that when you’re going through a difficult time, it can feel like no one truly hears you. Sometimes, even well-meaning people try to “fix” things without fully understanding what you're going through. That’s why I aim to offer something different: a safe, judgment-free space where you feel genuinely heard. My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, connection, and collaboration. I believe in working alongside my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, identify the core of their challenges, and build practical tools to manage and move through them. Together, we don’t just talk about the problem—we work toward healing, growth, and long-term resilience. I earned my LMSW from Wayne State University in 2016 and have since supported individuals navigating a wide range of challenges including mental health concerns, grief and loss, substance use, complex family dynamics, and the emotional toll of physical health issues. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and integrative therapeutic techniques that help clients reframe negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and move toward becoming the best version of themselves. You don't have to do this alone. I'm here to support you, listen to you and walk with you through whatever you're facing.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session together, we'll spend time getting to know each other in a supportive and comfortable space. I'll invite you to share what's bringing you to therapy, and together we'll begin to identify the challenges you're facing. Once we have a clearer picture, we'll work collaboratively to create a plan tailored to your goals and needs so you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to truly hear you. I listen not to just respond but to understand both what is said and what may be left unspoken. Your feelings matter and you deserve to feel seen, heard and supported. I bring empathy, compassion and genuine interest in helping each person I work with. I offer a safe and welcoming environment free of judgment, where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. My goal is to meet you where you are and walk along side you as you gain the insight, tools, and confidence to move forward.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to support individuals who struggle with feeling connected - to themselves, to others, or to the world around them. Many people find it difficult to express their emotions or feel truly heard, and in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and alone in those struggles. My role is to offer a space where you feel safe, supported and understood. I listen without judgment and work collaboratively to help you identify the barriers in your way. Together, we'll explore practical tools and strategies to move forward so you can live the life you were meant to live with greater clarity, confidence and connection. My focus is on individual therapy and I do not currently offer family or group sessions.

Specialties

Top specialties

Grief

Other specialties

AnxietyDepressionHealth/Medical IssuesSelf Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I am a dedicated mental health professional specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My approach focuses on identifying the challenges my clients face and exploring the thoughts associated with those challenges to help reframe their mindset and promote positive change. I integrate CBT techniques when working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and physical health challenges. By teaching effective coping strategies and emotional regulation tools, I aim to empower clients to take control of their well-being and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. My work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to evidence-based practices.

Integrative

I am a licensed mental health professional specializing in integrative therapy, drawing from multiple evidence-based modalities to create personalized treatment plans that meet each client’s unique needs. By combining techniques from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and others, I’m able to tailor sessions that are both flexible and effective—helping clients work through challenges related to mental health, substance use, and physical well-being. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative space where individuals feel empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop practical tools for long-term change and personal growth.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 19 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

May 22, 2025

Sema was very warm and welcoming, very easy to talk to. She made me feel very validated and was able to identify some of things in my head before I even said them out loud based on what I was telling her. Looking forward to meeting with her again!

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 1 with Sema

May 16, 2025

Very good at forming rapport and appears to care about helping people cope better.

Verified client, age 65+

Review shared after session 1 with Sema