I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). I specialize in providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy to individuals navigating challenges and conditions such as trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, work-related stress, relationship issues, and life transitions. Through a collaborative and person-centered approach, I strive to create a supportive environment where you feel safe, validated, and empowered to achieve your personal goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I believe you are the expert on your life. My role is to work collaboratively with you and provide the support, validation, and assistance you need to set and reach your personal goals. This includes creating a therapeutic environment where you can feel safe and emotionally supported to engage in the work of healing. During our first session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they feel heard and supported. We'll focus on getting to know each other, discussing your goals for therapy, and exploring what brought you to seek support. I'll ask questions to understand your experiences and needs, and together, we'll start to develop a plan for moving forward that feels comfortable and aligned with your desired growth and personal development.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My journey to becoming a therapist is deeply rooted in my lived experiences as a Black woman navigating life stressors and systemic barriers. Growing up in the Deep South, I witnessed the resilience and strength of my community in the face of adversity, which inspired my passion for mental health and social justice. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of culturally responsive, compassionate care. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to turn my challenges into a source of empathy and insight, empowering others to heal, grow, and embrace their authentic selves.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, stress management, emotional abuse recovery, and occupational stress. I have extensive experience supporting adults from diverse backgrounds, with a deep understanding of how systems of oppression affect the mental well-being of women, trauma survivors, and individuals from communities of color.
About Aja Riley Bennett
Aja Riley Bennett offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify, challenge, and reframe unhealthy thinking patterns, addressing challenges like mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, CBT empowers clients to develop coping strategies, improve the quality of relationships, and foster healing, growth, and recovery.
Narrative
For clients processing trauma, Narrative Therapy supports reframing challenges and recognizing resilience by externalizing problems and re-authoring personal stories. Additionally, Motivational Interviewing (MI) fosters collaboration and helps clients navigate ambivalence, facilitating behavior change and personal growth.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I incorporate Solution-Focused Therapy to emphasize clients' strengths and guide them toward practical, future-oriented goals, especially during life transitions or acute stress. As a CEAP with extensive EAP experience since 2008, this approach, combined with Motivational Interviewing (MI), has been invaluable.
Integrative
I use an integrative therapy approach to tailor interventions to each client’s unique needs by drawing from multiple therapeutic modalities. This flexibility allows me to combine techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to address a wide range of challenges. I collaborate with you, providing the validation, support, and guidance needed to help you achieve your personal goals. By adapting methods to fit the individual, integrative therapy fosters a holistic, personalized path toward healing, growth, and resilience.