I have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2013 but started my training in mental health as an undergraduate student in 2001. My passion is helping clients with life's transitions while navigating common challenges that come with making difficult decisions or much-needed changes. We all go through difficult times while managing our busy lives, and sometimes we need a little help while going through these changes and making them as smooth as possible.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I always start my sessions with giving a brief overview of my background and experience. I then go over a few minor housekeeping items to help set the tone, which usually encourages questions from clients on how I can help them with a specific issue they have been dealing with. I am currently not providing treatment for ADHD or couple's counseling.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have been told by my clients that they appreciate my calm and patient approach. My goal is to make my client feel comfortable and ensure that we are an appropriate fit. I worked many years with young children and teens, so I have been blessed to have acquired a strong skillset in managing difficult behaviors with children of all ages. While working with these children, I often met with their parents, foster/adoptive parents, grandparents, and other relatives. This was the beginning of my experience working with adults, which made this transition very easy. I also bring a medical social work background to my current practice, which has provided me with the tools to help my clients navigate the healthcare system.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am fluent in Spanish and have specifically mastered Spanish in the behavioral health and medical fields. Please use me as a resource for our Spanish-speaking clients as it is my passion to serve this population with culturally appropriate services. Currently, I am only providing individual counseling; not couple's counseling.
About Susana Andrade
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have been using this method for the past few years and have to say it's my favorite. Seeing clients engage in their therapy and choosing to make some changes right away is promising. Everyone is different and this approach may not be a fit for all. I will periodically review goals with my clients to see what has been accomplished and identify new ones should there be something new my client would like to work on. Oftentimes, therapy will shine a light on an area that may have not been apparent, and a new goal can be created then.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
This certification has given me the tools to work with adults who are involved with children. Whether you're a parent (biological, adoptive, foster), relative of a child, educator, mentor, etc., you will find that a conversation about children's brain development, their attachment to you and your role in this child’s life to be interesting and inspirational. It is above and beyond parenting. Just ask away.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
You will always be involved in what you want to get out of your therapy sessions with me. This is a safe and sacred place to ask what you have never been able to ask before. My clients have told me that they appreciate discovering their positive attributes while also being called out in an unbiased, non-judgmental way when a behavior may no longer be serving its purpose.