New to Grow
My name is Ari Walker. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in mental health for 10 years and have been a clinician for 5 years. I am a mom, wife, outdoor enthusiast, and lover of water activities and coffee. I love walking along side clients on their journey to discovering themselves as they pave their path to healing. I believe humans are extraordinary and capable of amazing things and it is my joy to come along side to help them tap into their already there strength and wisdom.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session you can expect warmth and connection. I believe the good therapeutic work comes after established safety and comfort in a client-therapist relationship. We will move at your pace and I will be asking questions to better get to know you and help understand your goals. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling seen, understood and hopeful for the future.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I use warmth and empathy in my strengths-based approach with each client. I've also been known to use humor (when appropriate) to connect with clients in a real way and help them move toward their goals. I truly believe in my clients and enjoy seeing them improve and overcome challenges. I will follow your lead on this journey and tailor sessions to your individual needs and goals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is anyone that is ready to begin and/or continue the journey of discovering the strength within themselves to create the life they want. Just being here reading my page, you are exhibiting those qualities. Whether it’s overcoming self-doubt, anxiety, depression, or difficult life circumstances, you want something different and believe-even a little-that it can be possible. It takes immense courage and grit to get to the point where a person chooses a therapist and books that appointment. I look forward to meeting you to see if we are a good fit for one another.
Strength-Based
First and foremost I think it’s incredibly important to view and treat clients through a lens of strengths. My Strengths-Based approach will always be in the forefront of my work with you. I believe you already have what you need to reach your goals and it is my job to come along side you and help you see and utilize them in your own life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a therapist, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Understanding how our thoughts, feelings and actions are connected helps us make the changes we want to see in our lives. During sessions we will learn to identify negative thought patterns and utilize different coping skills to challenge and change those patterns as well as better manage the difficult emotions and thoughts that come up along the way. The skills learned through this work will better help you navigate life's difficulties in your own mind, relationships and situational circumstances.
Trauma Informed Care
In my practice I create space to combine the above methods with a trauma informed lens. I believe this is a lens that should always be prioritized when working with any individual whether they are seeking trauma treatment or not. It is important to me as a therapist to always consider the clients unique circumstances and experiences and how they may have played a role in shaping a clients thoughts and actions that affect them today. We will explore together these experiences at your pace and through a safe relationship together begin to change the narrative surrounding your trauma, regulate your nervous system, and experience resilience and hope.