(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi! My name is Darlene Crespo Ortega, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that life’s challenges can be approached with compassion, support, and practical solutions. My goal is to help clients feel empowered by teaching effective problem-solving skills, exploring healthier coping strategies, and building on the strengths they already have. I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, and substance or alcohol use. I am committed to providing a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.
During the first session, I like to take time to get to know my clients, understand what brings them to therapy, and explore what they hope to gain from the therapeutic process. Establishing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space is important to me, as it helps build trust and a strong therapeutic foundation. I also review expectations, answer any questions, and work collaboratively with clients to ensure they feel comfortable and supported as we begin their journey.
I like to create a professional yet supportive environment where clients feel respected, heard, and genuinely supported. I value being transparent, honest, and realistic when navigating challenges. My goal is for clients to feel empowered and look forward to therapy as a meaningful space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Helping clients who are experiencing life stressors is my area of expertise, as I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing mental health challenges through strengths-based support, problem-solving interventions, and guidance with navigating public assistance and community resources. I enjoy helping clients identify negative thought patterns and emotional responses, improve self-esteem and confidence, develop healthy boundaries, strengthen communication skills, and better understand how their environment and life experiences influence their mindset, behaviors, and overall emotional well-being.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I utilize mindfulness-based therapy on a daily basis to help clients increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions, bodily experiences, and recognize negative thought patterns without automatically reacting to them. This method strengthens emotional regulation and self-compassion to support overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns, examining the relationship between cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, and developing effective coping strategies to improve emotional regulation, symptom management, and overall functioning
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore uncertainty about change, strengthen motivation, and build confidence in making meaningful behavioral changes aligned with their treatment goals.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to assist clients identify personal strengths, utilize existing resources, establish measurable treatment goals, and develop practical solution-oriented interventions to promote meaningful change and improved functioning. In addition, I assist clients in accessing community resources by providing step-by-step guidance with navigating public assistance programs, identifying appropriate services, and connecting them to resources that support their overall needs and treatment goals.