New to Grow
Hi, my name is Tracy Ward. I am a proud native of San Francisco and have spent my entire life in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. I identify as a dedicated Social Worker and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. I believe that therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals enhance their overall well-being and discover joy in life. My goal is to create a warm, safe, and collaborative space where you feel supported and empowered to explore your thoughts and emotions. Together, we can work towards your mental wellness goals in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to you. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to greater health and happiness.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to understand what brings you to therapy. Through the virtual session, I will actively listen to your concerns, ask gentle questions, and create a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. Together, we’ll explore your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Building a collaborative relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect is central to my approach. My goal is to make you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we begin this journey together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my broad and diverse professional experience, which includes working in Child Protective Services, serving as a juvenile hall counselor, supporting reentry populations, conducting research on supporting African American fathers, and directing a school-based mental health program in Richmond, CA. This extensive background has given me a deep understanding of the challenges many individuals face, especially those from underserved communities where poverty and violence are prevalent. I am highly empathetic and genuinely committed to creating a safe, trusting space for my clients. I believe strongly in each person’s capacity for change and growth, rooted in my personal experience of growing up in an underserved community. I understand firsthand how adversity can impact mental health, and I bring a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to helping others navigate their journeys toward healing and self-discovery.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is an adult who is on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. They are open to exploring new perspectives, trying different approaches, and embracing change. These individuals are ready to do the work, engage in self-reflection, and take ownership of their healing and development. They understand that growth is a process and are committed to creating a gentle, compassionate space for themselves as they move toward greater self-awareness and well-being. If you’re seeking a supportive partner on this journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact their mental health. I believe that this evidence-based approach is effective in creating practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Additionally, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care by tailoring CBT interventions to honor each client’s unique cultural background, values, and life experiences. This involves incorporating culturally relevant examples, understanding the influence of cultural identity on thought patterns, and respecting clients’ cultural perspectives throughout the therapeutic process. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where clients feel understood and empowered to work towards their mental health goals in ways that resonate with their cultural identities.
Narrative
In my practice, I utilize Narrative Therapy to help clients reframe and rewrite the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. This approach emphasizes the power of language and storytelling, allowing clients to explore alternative narratives that promote resilience, empowerment, and a sense of agency. By externalizing problems, clients can gain a new perspective, reduce feelings of shame, and identify strengths within their cultural and personal identities. I am dedicated to providing culturally responsive care by integrating clients’ cultural backgrounds, values, and community contexts into the therapeutic process. This includes honoring diverse narratives, understanding cultural influences on identity and storytelling, and ensuring that interventions are respectful and relevant to each individual’s cultural experience. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to construct meaningful stories that foster growth and healing.