Monica Santiago
I am a licensed clinical social worker and experienced mental health clinician in the helping field with a passion for being a positive and down-to-earth form of professional support in the lives of my clients. I enjoy assisting others in working towards realistic goals for a healthy lifestyle that promotes independence, emotional safety, and self-care. My approach is client-centered as each person’s journey is different, with varying challenges and personal factors to consider. My experience includes working with individuals from various backgrounds and circumstances with a focus on: co-occurring disorders, incarceration, familial challenges, single-parenting, gender-affirming care, addiction and recovery, loss & grief, crisis and de-escalation, relationship issues and transitions, boundary-setting, trauma experiences and survival, history of law enforcement jobs, stress management, etc. Solution-focused, reality-based, trauma-informed care, humanistic approaches to real-life issues, and practical discussions are part of the foundation I provide to my patients.
First session
During the first session, which is considered the intake with a patient, a summary of their answers on their intake forms will be reviewed, as well as some housekeeping items including expectations of being on time, no show/missed appointment fees, understanding of mandated reporting. etc. I encourage people to keep in mind that I will not realistically be able to get a full background within one session, as this is genuinely not feasible and I genuinely take the time to get to know my patients and reviewing their background. A general expectation of sessions, along with their motivation for seeking therapy at this time in their life is usually discussed during the first session. I also review their schedule and gain insight on their availabilty for future sessions.
Strengths
I provide sessions that are more of a trusted discussion, rather than a cold exam or over-generalized experience. I provide a safe space to share honest feelings, thoughts, and experiences, supporting my patients with active-listening, honest feedback, and a consistent space to share life updates and stressors. I have experience working with a wide-range of individuals, in various settings, which helps to bring an open-minded framework to the therapeutic process. I treat clients how I would want to be treated, with realism over cliches and honest, respectful observational feedback to help with self-growth and overall improvement in awareness. I take into account a person's cultural norms, addressing upbringing , geographical impact, familial standards and expectations, cultural influences on decision-making, etc.
Ideal clients
My goal is to work with clients who understand that outpatient therapy is a voluntary process that one chooses to be active participant in rather than a passive one. I enjoy working with clients who understand that therapy is not a to be told that they are "right", but rather a place to grow and build a trusted form of support. I have had great success working with clients who understand a sense of personal responsibility, with the willingness to make positive change, share honest disclosures, remain open to feedback, and put in intentional work outside of sessions. Clients who are goal-oriented, open-minded, and solution-focused have been a dream to work with:]
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This involves me and my patients having intentional therapeutic discussions an exploration about their own thought patterns and behaviors, and how they impact their world view, daily decisions, and quality of life. Therapeutic Insight is given throughout sessions, including any noted disorted or unhealthy thought patterns. Helpful coping skills are discussed, such as reframing, refocusing, etc.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Intentional discussion and reflection and goal-setting, based on acknowledging the factual circumstances a patient is experiencing, and focusing on what is truly within their control, and how they make positive change to improve quality of life.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Intentional discussion and reflection and goal-setting, based on identifying one's current circumstances and how they make positive change to improve quality of life.
Strength-Based
Intentional discussion and reflection on identifying one's own strengths, positive attributes and choices (past and present), to improve awareness and help in positive change moving forward.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I take into account a person's cultural norms, addressing upbringing , geographical impact, familial standards and expectations, cultural influences on decision-making, etc.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 44SC06519400
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW025681