Esperanza Ballenilla profile image

Esperanza Ballenilla

Esperanza Ballenilla

(she/her)

LCSW-C
6 years of experience
Virtual

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker Clinical (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the University of New England and have been practicing in the Mental Health field for the past 6 years. I have developed therapeutic alliances with individuals by serving and leading with empathy and compassion, utilizing active listening skills and a holistic approach with a non-judgmental attitude. My practice is guided by cultural sensitivity and trust-building. I value the importance of human relationships, the dignity and worth of each individual, service, and competence. I help individuals with managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem building.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we will start with brief introductions and a brief discussion related to our expectations of this therapeutic journey. We will then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My ability to develop a strong therapeutic alliance with clients, good listening skills, active listening skills, empathy, and my high level of the self awareness allows me to refer my clients to other mental health therapists who may be better able to help the client.

About Esperanza Ballenilla

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past six years. During CBT, I help clients take a close look at their thoughts and emotions to gain an understanding how their thoughts affect their actions. Through CBT, clients can unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors and learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.

Grief Therapy

I focus on providing a safe space for clients to process complex emotions, thoughts, and memories. In the context of grief, in particular, it can also give individuals permission to express things that they may not want to say to their family or friends.

Trauma Informed Care

I focus on creating a physically and emotionally safe environment, establishing trust and boundaries, supporting autonomy and choice, creating collaborative relationships and participation opportunities and using a strengths and empowerment-focused perspective to promote resilience to reduce re-traumatization and promote healing.