LCSW, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
My name is Adilsa Encarnacao, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I invite you to begin your healing journey with me, knowing that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. I believe in honoring each individual’s unique experiences, needs, and pace. My role is to support and guide you through a personalized path toward emotional wellness and growth. With over seven years of experience, I’ve worked with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in creating a safe, calm, and empathetic space where you can feel supported, understood, and empowered to heal. Whether you’re seeking relief, clarity, or transformation, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Your first session with me is all about creating a foundation of trust, comfort, and understanding. We’ll start by exploring what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to gain from the process. This is your space, and you’re welcome to share as much, or as little, as you feel ready to. Most importantly, my goal is to ensure that you feel safe, heard, and supported. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, just come as you are. Healing takes time, and this first session is simply the beginning of a collaborative journey where your needs and pace will always be respected. Together, we’ll identify what healing looks like for you, and I’ll support you in creating a path toward it that feels authentic, sustainable, and empowering.
What sets my therapeutic approach apart is my ability to blend evidence-based modalities with a deeply compassionate, individualized style of care. I recognize that each person’s healing journey is unique, so I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I meet clients where they are, with empathy, cultural humility, and clinical insight, and tailor treatment to fit their specific needs, goals, and pace. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival and into a place of healing, empowerment, and growth.
I am best positioned to support individuals who are ready to explore healing, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. Many of the clients I work with are navigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, or major life transitions. Some are feeling overwhelmed or stuck, while others are high-functioning but internally struggling to manage their emotional world. I specialize in working with adults who are open to personal growth and willing to engage in meaningful self-exploration. Whether you're working through past trauma, adjusting to change, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I provide a grounded, compassionate space to help you gain clarity and move forward.
I have been working in the mental health field for the past seven years, primarily in community-based settings, where I’ve had the opportunity to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of clinical needs. Throughout my work, I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT has been a foundational part of my practice, particularly in helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. I often use CBT to support clients in building coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and increasing self-awareness.
DBT has been especially effective in my work with clients experiencing intense emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and self-harming behaviors. I incorporate DBT skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness into both individual and group sessions. These skills have been particularly beneficial in helping clients build resilience and stability, especially those navigating complex trauma or chronic stress.
I am EMDR-trained and have used this modality in community mental health to support clients in processing trauma, grief, and anxiety. EMDR has been a powerful tool for clients who have struggled with traditional talk therapy and needed a more somatic, experiential approach to trauma resolution. In my practice, I ensure clients are well-prepared with stabilization techniques before moving into reprocessing phases, always prioritizing safety and pacing based on the client’s readiness.