LCSW, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
Gustavo is a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing therapy for the past 5 years. Overall, he has 17 years of experience in the social work field. Gustavo has worked in child welfare, hospital social work, tele-health and is currently a school mental health provider. These experiences have given Gustavo the tools and skills to be the compassionate clinician that he is. His experiences have also provided him the ability to see life situations through difference lenses. Gustavo's ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment, empathy and hope to individuals who are going through life challenges. He strongly values the importance of empowering clients, acknowledging their strengths and providing hope. On a personal note, Gustavo has been married for 15 years and has 4 children. He enjoys reading mystery, faith based and fictional books.
The first session with Gustavo would be to discuss the reason of seeking therapy and to further assess the client's needs. It is also a great opportunity to set a healthy therapeutic relationship, discuss goals, confidentiality, and the best therapeutic model that would meet the client's needs. It is also an opportunity to connect by being empathetic, encouraging and supportive. Gustavo strongly believes that therapy promotes healing and growth.
What makes Gustavo stand out, is that he himself has seek therapy in the past. As he has evolved as a husband, father, and clinician he has put into practice the skills he learned in therapy. He can relate to clients in many ways as he has been sitting on a chair as a client. His method and approach reflects his belief in providing client centered services. As a result many of his clients have reached their goals and expressed gratitude.
Gustavo practices the following evidence based practices: Short term solution focus, Humanistic intervention and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These approaches help clients to focus on finding solutions to current stressors and teaching healthy coping skills. Gustavo has experience with clients who are struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, career or work challenges, adjustment to a health diagnosis.
As a therapist, it has been important to focus and understand people as a whole. The humanistic approach gives that opportunity to emphasize individual potential, growth, and the importance of environmental support. Key concepts in this treatment method is exploring free will, self actualization and holistic views. This treatment method encourages individuals to thrive in their overall wellbeing. In my experience practicing humanistic approach, allows the client to further explore their strengths, support system, and their ability to overcome challenges.
As a therapist I use the CBT method with the objective of providing structure to individuals who are experiencing anxiety and depression. This method helps clients to identify coping strategies and to regulate their emotions. In addition, it gives the clients an understanding of the correlation between negative thoughts and their behaviors.
Solution focused therapy is a short term goal oriented approach. In my experience, this approach is short term intervention with the goal to resolve a current stressor. This approach focuses on helping the client to problem solve and improve their overall wellbeing. SBT is future focus with the ultimate goal to find solutions rather than the problems that brought a client to therapy.