I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed care. I work in partnership with my clients to help them identify goals and values and work towards those goals and live a life in alignment with their values. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that all people who want to make a change in their lives and are willing to put in work have the capacity to do so. I always use an anti-racist, anti-oppressive lens in my practice.
I received my bachelor's degree at Northwestern University, my master's degree at the University of Chicago, and have spent my career working at the Veterans Affairs and Yale New Haven Health.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is all about determining if we are a good fit. I am most interested in knowing "why now?" and what your expectations and hopes of therapy and your therapist are. By "why now?" I mean what lead you on this day, this week, this month, etc. to say "yes I am ready for change." I will tell you about myself, specifically my methodologies, approach to therapy, and what you can expect from me throughout the therapeutic process. I will gather a brief bio-psych-social history from you (this may bleed into the second session) and we will go over logistics such as cancellations, scheduling, etc. so that nothing is a surprise. From there, if you feel what I have to offer matches what you are looking for, and I believe I have the proper qualifications to provide effective treatment, we will schedule a next session which will focus on creating a treatment plan together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am able to empathize with a client and push them towards their goals at the same time, creating an environment that is warm and safe, while fostering the change the client came to me looking for. I have been told by clients that my authenticity and excitement for the work that I do is palpable. I have training in multiple methodologies, giving me the knowledge and skills to tailor treatment to the needs of the individual client. I always bring a strength's based, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens to therapy, and believe the client and I are partners in the journey. Together, we will make change happen.
About Naomi Twickler
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on building a life worth living. It is less concerned with diagnosis and symptoms and more so with values and goals. These are identified by the client with the guidance of the therapist. Client and therapist work together for client to achieve their goals and live a life in-line with their values. It is a collaborative process that incorporates significant mindfulness. I find this treatment particularly helpful with older adults, clients who have a chronic medical illness, and those experiencing a life transition, grief, and loss. I completed course work in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in graduate school and have incorporated it into my practice ever since.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As humans, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are intrinsically linked. We all get stuck in certain "thinking patterns" that negatively impact how we see ourselves, others, and the world. Often, these "thinking mistakes" become so habitual that we don't even realize we are in a pattern or that there is an alternate perspective . We view are thoughts, feelings, and beliefs as facts. The first step is to recognize that we are stuck in pattern. I utilize CBT to bring awareness to these patterns and gently challenge them in order to allow other possibilities and perspectives to emerge. I have used CBT across a range of diagnoses and populations throughout my career. While working at the Veteran Affairs Center I underwent an intensive training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.
Motivational Interviewing
I have undergone training in Motivational Interviewing both in graduate school and at the Veterans Affairs center in my post-graduate training. I find Motivational Interviewing to be particularly helpful with clients who have specific goals they want to achieve; however, are struggling to take steps to move towards them. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative process. Client and therapist are a team, working together, to meet the clients goals.
Trauma Informed Care
During my graduate education I underwent a certification process in Trauma Informed Care. Trauma Informed Care is all about understanding how a client's traumas - whether interpersonal, societal, cultural, or intergenerational - impacts how they view themselves, others, and the world, as well as their presentation, symptoms, and the therapeutic process. I believe Trauma Informed Care necessitates a anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens. I always use Trauma Informed Care when working with clients.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
I took coursework in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in graduate school, took a post-graduate seminar in (DBT) at Yale, and completed the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Foundation Training through Behavioral Tech. While working at Yale New Haven Health Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, I co-facilitated the multi-family DBT group and participated in a DBT consultation group. DBT is my absolute favorite treatment method. I believe the tenants and skills of DBT are ones we would all benefit from incorporating into our lives. Whether doing DBT to fidelity or incorporating DBT skills into a more eclectic approach, I utilize DBT frequently. I believe in full transparency and informed consent. Therefore, my clients will always know what method we are using.
