New to Grow
My name is Desiree Hatton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming difficulties. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In my practice, I start by completing an assessment consisting of questions related to mental and physical health history, as well as family background. I then like to talk to clients about goals for treatment, and then create a plan of how will work on and achieve these goals. We can determine how often the client would like to meet. Progress will be determined based on how the client feels they are managing, and will be evaluated every few sessions. At times, I may assign homework, but it will be homework that is effective in facilitating growth. I am open to working with any client whose concerns fall within my scope of training and experience.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am required to engage in ongoing training and education for the remainder of my career. This is a plus, as ongoing training helps me to stay on top of current research in treatment, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Within the last year, I completed training on suicide prevention and intervention, interventions in geriatric care, and therapeutic interventions for anxiety disorder. I also hold a certificate in Grief Counseling. The experience I have has been effective in helping clients develop strong insight into actions and feelings, and subsequently develop strong coping skills.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I do not believe in having a "dream client". Human beings come with unique backgrounds, experiences and challenges that all require individualized treatment. However, I do believe in an ideal therapeutic relationship, where a therapist and client are able to connect to engage in genuine work to address the struggles that bring them to therapy. Clients who are open to that connection and work will gain the most from therapy with me.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients identify and modify unhelpful through patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors that contribute to distress. My work integrates cognitive restructuring, coping-skills training and problem solving strategies tailored to each client's presenting concerns. I apply CBH interventions in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and adjustment concerns, focusing on improving emotional regulation, increasing engagement in meaningful activities and strengthening adaptive coping skills.