(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi! I'm Joan Schifaudo, Licensed Clinical Social (LCSW). I graduated from Fordham University in 2002 and had so many wonderful experiences in this helping profession and I want to share them with you! I am both a listener and problem solver with help from you, the client. I use Gestalt and CBT primarily as treatment methods, but I'm not adverse as to what YOU would like to introduce to the sessions so we can create your treatment goals together!
Our first will be a "get to know you session," where I do have to ask you some questions that are a protocol of intake and biopsychosocial (family history, health history, and hospitalizations you've had, etc.) We will also talk about what led you to seek therapy now and if you have been in therapy prior to this and for what reason. This will be the beginning of therapeutic alliance which will grow with time!
I have the unique experiences of working with all sorts of populations including (but not limited to ); issues pertaining to the workplace, negative thoughts and anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and use the "trauma informed" methodology applying to all the issues we face.
My dream client would probably not exist. I had one whose life seemed completely "on track," but would relapse every few months after she terminated therapy with me. Of course I always took them back and it was another opportunity to for us to discuss how a different approach to the therapeutic modality could be altered to serve the client in a more successful approach.
Gestalt
I like to meet the client where that are. Then we can obtain a full psychosocial for background content only to relate to present issues. We will stay in in the present and create goals using Gestalt practice (i.e. "Empty Chair & Grounding) in order to create measurable and attainable objectives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I would use CBT as a practitioner in order to change negative thinking patterns by helping to identifying them and change them. I have several worksheets clients can use to help them identify and change negative behaviors which I can discuss with them during sessions. I find this helpful to intergrate this CBT therapy.
Motivational Interviewing
I use this to check and see when a client is ready is ready to change a behavior using this methodology using The client's input regarding where they are on the "stages of change."