Andrea Teas, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Andrea Teas

Andrea Teas

(she/her)

LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) for the state of Ohio. I received my Masters degree and have been practicing for 10 years. I help individuals dealing with life stressors and changes, trauma, and grief. My goal is to help client's overcome their life experiences and bring them hope for the future.

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

In our work together, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance, which I believe is essential for effective healing. Our first session together is often an important and foundational experience for both of us. Here's a description of what typically happens during that initial meeting: Upon arrival, you will be greeted by myself in a comfortable and welcoming environment, that is designed to foster a sense of safety and relaxation. After introductions, I will ask you a series of questions to gather background information. This may include inquiries about reasons for seeking therapy, personal history, current life circumstances, and any previous experiences with therapy. I will also inquire about your past/current mental health history, including any diagnoses or treatments. I encourage you to share their thoughts and feelings about your current struggles. This might involve you sharing specific incidents or emotions that have prompted you to seek help, such as feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma. We will work on developing goals for therapy together. What do they hope to achieve? Are there specific challenges they want to address? This goal-setting process helps both of us to have a clear understanding of the client's aspirations and desired outcomes from therapy. the client to provide feedback and express any concerns or questions they may have. The first session is often a mix of exploration, information gathering, and establishing a therapeutic relationship. While it can feel daunting, it is a crucial step towards healing and growth, setting the stage for a collaborative journey in therapy. Your courage in seeking help is acknowledged and respected, and I aim to foster a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

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

I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that I remain equipped with the latest insights and methodologies to best serve my clients. My goal is to help individuals not only navigate their current challenges but also to equip them with the skills and confidence to face future obstacles with resilience and hope. I have been trained in trauma-informed care, which means I understand the profound impact that trauma can have on an individual's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. I have a solid foundation of knowledge and training regarding grief, anxiety and depression. I am aware of and sensitive to the cultural, social, and individual factors that influence how clients experience life. I have worked with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and the LBGTQ+ community. I approach each client with an understanding of their unique background and context, ensuring that therapy is respectful and relevant to their specific experiences.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating life's complexities, particularly those facing stressors, transitions, trauma, and grief. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges each person encounters. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their feelings, confront their struggles, and discover the tools they need to facilitate healing and growth. Many clients come to me feeling isolated, stuck, or overwhelmed by their circumstances. I aim to empower them to reclaim their narrative and foster resilience in the face of adversity. Through tailored therapeutic techniques, I guide clients in developing coping strategies, enhancing their self-awareness, and cultivating emotional well-being. My commitment is to walk alongside each individual on their journey, providing support, understanding, and guidance as they work toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

About Andrea Teas

Identifies as

Specializes in

DepressionLGBTQSelf EsteemVeterans

Licensed in

Address

10737 Laurel St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, 135

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic tool that allows us to tap into your brain's natural ability to process and heal from emotional distress and trauma. During our sessions, I will ask you to identify a particular issue or feeling that you want to work on. Once we have that in focus, I'll guide you to find a specific eye position that feels right for you—this is what we refer to as a 'brainspot.' As you hold your gaze on this point, I will encourage you to notice any thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that arise. This process helps to access deeper areas of your brain where unresolved trauma may be stored. The beauty of Brainspotting is that it allows for a more somatic and experiential approach, enabling you to process memories and emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. I will remain attuned to your responses throughout the session, creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your inner experience. This dual attunement helps to foster a connection that is essential for healing. Many clients find that they can access and process emotions more deeply in this way, leading to significant insights and relief from their distress. As we work together in this manner, you may discover new perspectives and release emotional blockages that have been holding you back. My role is to support you through this journey, helping you to feel safe and empowered as you explore your feelings and experiences." This approach emphasizes the collaborative nature of therapy, focusing on the client's lived experience while utilizing the unique aspects of Brainspotting to facilitate healing.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that focuses on the connections between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The premise of CBT is that our thoughts can significantly influence how we feel and act. In our sessions, we will work together to identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to your emotional distress or problematic behaviors. During our time together, I will guide you in recognizing these patterns and help you understand how they affect your mood and actions. We will explore the specific situations that trigger these thoughts and feelings, and together, we’ll develop practical strategies to address and reframe them. This process often involves exercises and homework assignments designed to reinforce what we discuss in our sessions.

Grief Therapy

Grief is a deeply personal and complex experience that can manifest in many different ways. It’s important to recognize that there is no 'right' way to grieve; each person's journey is unique and influenced by their relationship with the person they lost, their personal coping mechanisms, and their life circumstances. In our sessions, we will create a safe and supportive space for you to express your feelings and thoughts about your loss. I encourage you to share your memories, your emotions, and the challenges you may be facing as you navigate this difficult time. Together, we will explore the various facets of your grief, including the sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy that may arise as you remember your loved one. I will help you understand that grief is not a linear process; it can involve ups and downs, and healing often takes time. We’ll work on developing coping strategies to manage the intense emotions that can accompany grief, as well as ways to honor and remember your loved one. This may include creating rituals, finding ways to celebrate their life, or even exploring how their absence has impacted your life moving forward. My goal is to support you in finding meaning and acceptance in your grief, without rushing you through the process. While it can feel overwhelming at times, know that you are not alone in this journey. Together, we will work towards finding a way to carry your loss with you, integrating it into your life while also allowing room for healing and hope.