Hello, I have been a clinical social worker for almost 45 years and although retired, I continue to love helping kids, teenagers, adults and couples. I also am very interested in working with seniors since I am now a member of that group. The wisdom acquired over the years has given me grace to know myself: where I end and you begin. How I can help, how I cannot. How lucky am I to get to wake up every morning feeling excited, curious and ready for whatever life throws at me. (within reason!.) I look forward to working with you and hope to earn your trust and confidence.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to think of our first session as a chance to get to know each other through questions and answers and at the end of the session, we can both decide if we can work together. It is the relationship that is most important and also your confidence in me by our brief time together. I am not rigid in terms of filling out an intake form, if you need to talk about something we both agree is relevant, we will. I can do both: focus on your immediate problem as well as get information.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients say "she's really smart... asks good questions I never thought about....." and my empathy sets the foundation for an authentic therapeutic relationship. I am gentle but firm, encouraging without being indulgent, curious without being intrusive and sincere as I point out your progress or lack of. I say what I think in a way that conveys that I have your best interest at heart. I'm told that I'm funny and my use of metaphors and analogies helps clarify the point at hand.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with Gen X adults, parents, teenagers, and of course baby boomers. My clients vary in terms of their issues: grief, trauma, loss, attachment problems, parenting, adolescent issues, life transitions and critical points. I really can't categorize the type of client who likes to work with me; everyone is so different. But I can say that the majority of my clients feel supported, understood and know that I have their back.
About FLORENCE A SIMCOE
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The structure of CBT helps people identify and change negative or distorted thoughts. By doing this, it often changes the way people feel and consequently act. can help people learn practical strategies to manage their emotions and cope with stressful situations. CBT can help people think more positively about themselves and their lives. I have found that CBT helps break down problems into manageable parts. It focuses on current problems rather than past issues unless those past issues present obstacles from reframing thoughts. Thoughts, rather than feelings seem to be less threatening and as clients become comfortable and feel safe, I can move or change my methods. CBT is a method that seems to make sense to many of my clients and helps open up a deeper dive into their problems.
Strength-Based
Strength based therapy helps clients focus on their strengths, use their resourcefulness, and learn how past positive experiences and personal strength have helped them build resilience. Collaborative treatment planning calls on clients to use their strengths in setting goals. As their therapist, I am able to point out what's working and what is not. Clients are able to think of themselves as their own expert.
Supportive
I use many techniques from a wide variety of psychotherapy models. As I fan of Erik Erikson, I find his psychosocial developmental stages relevant to any age, role in life or identity. I also do my best to foster and protect the alliance with my client. I am able to identify and ally with the clients strengths or use them to seek their help in the best interests of the client. I can tolerate affect and manage transference, positive and negative.