Dr. Veronica Dwyer
Hi, I'm Veronica! First, I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek support, whether for yourself or your child. Taking that first step isn't always easy, and I'm glad you're here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work and over 10 years of experience helping children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, and complex trauma.
Helping Children, Teens & Young Adults Feel Heard, Supported & Empowered
My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I believe therapy doesn't have to feel intimidating! When working with children, I incorporate creativity, art, play, and activities that reflect their interests to make therapy engaging, meaningful, and even fun. I understand that everyone's journey is different, and I strive to meet each client where they are, helping them build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward healing and personal growth.
First session
Our first session is all about getting to know each other and helping you feel comfortable! I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time, so there's no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. During our first session, we'll complete a biopsychosocial assessment, which is simply a way for me to get a better understanding of you as a whole person. We'll talk about different areas of your life, including your background, family relationships, physical and emotional health, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy. This helps me better understand your experiences, identify your strengths and needs, and begin developing a treatment plan that is tailored to you. For children and teens, I'll adapt the process to their age and developmental needs, involving parents or caregivers when appropriate. I'll also explain what therapy looks like, discuss confidentiality and its limits, and answer any questions you may have. Most importantly, I don't expect you to share your entire story or feel completely comfortable right away. Building trust takes time, and we'll work together at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling heard, supported, and more confident about taking the next steps in your therapeutic journey.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with clients of different ages and create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they feel comfortable being themselves. I understand that opening up isn't always easy, regardless of age, so I prioritize building trust and developing genuine connections at each client's own pace. I bring patience, empathy, creativity, and a little humor into my sessions. I believe therapy doesn't always have to feel so serious or intimidating! Whether I'm incorporating games and interactive activities with children, helping teens navigate their emotions and experiences, or supporting young adults through life's challenges and transitions, I tailor my approach to each individual's needs and interests. My background in trauma-informed care allows me to approach each client with compassion, curiosity, and an understanding that everyone's journey is unique. I strive to meet clients where they are, celebrate their progress, and help them recognize the strengths they already have within themselves.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is a child, teen, or young adult who may be struggling to navigate their emotions, relationships, or life's challenges. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the changes happening around them. Some clients may have difficulty expressing how they feel, while others may not fully understand what they're experiencing or where to begin. And that's okay! I don't expect clients to come into therapy with all the answers or even know exactly what they want to work on. I enjoy working with individuals who are looking for a safe space to be themselves, feel understood, and explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Whether the goal is to build confidence, develop healthier coping skills, improve relationships, process difficult experiences, or simply feel more in control of their emotions, I want to help clients recognize their strengths and feel empowered to navigate life's challenges at their own pace.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help children and teens process difficult or traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive, and structured way. I understand that talking about trauma can feel overwhelming, so we work at a pace that feels comfortable while building the skills needed to manage difficult emotions and thoughts. Through age-appropriate activities, coping strategies, and gradual trauma processing, I help clients make sense of their experiences and regain a sense of safety and control. When appropriate, I also involve parents or caregivers to strengthen support and encourage healing beyond our sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and explore healthier ways of responding to challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or everyday stress, my goal is to help you develop practical coping skills that you can use outside of therapy. I tailor CBT techniques to each client's age and interests, incorporating creative and interactive activities for younger clients and collaborative discussions and real-life strategies for teens and young adults.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients better understand and manage intense emotions, navigate relationships, and respond to stressful situations in healthier ways. I focus on building practical skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. Whether it's helping a child manage frustration, supporting a teen through overwhelming emotions, or guiding a young adult through relationship challenges and life transitions, I adapt these skills to fit each client's needs. My goal is to help clients feel more confident managing their emotions and handling life's ups and downs.
Trauma-Informed Care
I approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens, shifting the focus from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" I recognize that our past experiences can shape how we see ourselves, relate to others, and respond to the world around us. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or behaviors, I strive to understand the experiences that may be influencing them. My priority is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I understand that everyone's experiences are unique, and I never want clients to feel pressured to share more than they're ready for. By building trust, honoring each person's pace, and recognizing their strengths, I aim to help children, teens, and young adults feel supported as they work toward healing and personal growth.
Location
Virtual sessions