New to Grow
Taking the first step to begin or continue your self-care journey is honorable. My name is Alisha Darsey, and I am licensed in the states of Tennessee and Georgia to practice clinical social work. I would love the opportunity to meet you "where you are" and serve you by utilizing the skills I have gained over my career of 33 years. Processing thoughts and feelings, developing positive coping skills and celebrating victories is my speciality. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to achieving life-changing goals. By identifying thoughts and feelings, behavior can change. This form of therapy, referred to as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is my primary modality. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults specifically in the following areas: anxiety, depression, trauma and long-term mental health illnesses. My work in the realm of trauma has primarily been focused on sexual and emotional abuse. I have also done extensive work with caregivers. Some additional modalities that I utilize are Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Health Therapy, Relationship-Based Care and Psychotherapy.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the initial appointment, I will ask you what brings you to therapy and if you have had other therapeutic experiences. I will ask you questions about yourself in order to know you better, your symptoms and the coping skills you are presently using to deal with the stressors in your life. I will provide a safe and confidential space to process your thoughts and feelings. I will speak with you about confidentiality and logistical protocols. I will ask you about your goals for therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths are the genuine care I have for people and the ability to connect easily. I listen well to what a client is communicating and ask clarifying questions. My approach is client-centered. I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. I love to see growth in clients as they go through the process of reaching goals. My desire is to help the clients I work with overcome challenges and celebrate victories.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Have you lost interest in things you use to enjoy? Does life feel purposeful and do you feel hopeful? Do you have an ongoing mental health diagnosis and believe therapeutic support would be beneficial? I enjoy working with clients who have an interest in discovering what could help bring peace and joy into their lives. Doing trauma based work with clients and seeing their growth is amazing. Supporting people who are coping with a long-term mental health illness is also an area of speciality, while supporting someone walking through a crisis situation is also meaningful. I love to work with children who are presently experiencing traumatic events or who have experienced traumatic events.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Backed by evidence-based research, as the most effective form of therapy, I focus on helping clients understand and identify the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they impact one another. Clients are provided with skills to help them know how to control their interpretation of and deal with things causing pain or struggles in their lives.
Attachment-based
Utilizing an attachment based approach in therapy allows clients to see how patterns or behaviors are related to early attachment experiences. My goal, as a clinician, is to provide a safe space for clients to explore their attachment styles and develop more secure relationships with others. I have worked extensively with children in foster care and their caregivers, as well as, adopted children. However, the above is an overall goal within all of my therapeutic relationships.
Faith based therapy
I believe wellness involves the mind, body and spirit of a human being. I have orchestrated and provided numerous psycho-educational workshops related to this concept. I have witnessed in practice the benefits of incorporating all three of the above in order to bring about a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. With all three of these parts working together, clients are able to experience peace and even joy, while also walking through painful experiences. *Note - Although I believe in faith, as a powerful source of healing, for multiple reasons, faith has not been a focus, during the majority of my therapeutic sessions with clients. However, it is available.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Employing the model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, clients and I clarify their deepest values and explore whether or not those values or in alignment with their everyday living. Various strategies are provided to help clients commit to actions that align with their personal values and beliefs. Suffering is decreased and clients experience more meaningfulness in life. This treatment has been utilized to navigate a range of mental health issues, such as, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Trauma-Focused CBT
For children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma specifically related to abuse (physical, sexual, emotional and domestic violence), I follow a structured treatment model, Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Throughout the use of this framework, clients overcome the impact of abuse and thrive in their present day lives. I have had the honor of seeing how this specific treatment model has provided healing and hope to numerous clients.