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 stressful life challenges and conditions such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, stress, relationship issues, and life transitions. Through a collaborative approach, I strive to create a supportive environment where you feel safe, validated, and empowered to express your feelings and concerns while working toward your self development and healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I believe you are the expert on your life. During our first session, you 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. My role is to work collaboratively with you and provide the support, validation, and assistance you need to develop, stream-life and achieve your personal goals. This includes creating a therapeutic environment where you can feel safe and emotionally supported to engage in the work of healing. I'll focus on ensuring the work we do together is aligned with your expressed concerns desired personal growth.
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, toxic stress, past and current emotional abuse, substance use concerns, and occupational stress. I have extensive experience supporting adults from diverse backgrounds. I possess a deep understanding how current societal, life, workplace, social, family-related and financial stressors can negatively impact functioning and how life stress affects the mental well-being of individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds and walks of life.
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.