(she/her)
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” M. Angelou Hi, I'm Penny! This quote has been posted in my office for decades, and guides my therapy practice. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. I am passionate about supporting clients who are recovering from childhood trauma, experiencing life transitions (pregnant, parenting, divorce, career changes, perimenopause ), or dealing with anxiety and depression. My faith and personal journey with healing drives my desire to serve others. As a survivor, I understand how we feel when we don’t address our traumas, how we begin to isolate ourselves, how our feelings of disconnection can get in the way of feeling fully present in our relationships. I know with guidance, support and compassion, we can re integrate our parts towards wholeness again.
It takes courage to seek out therapy. I applaud your bravery in this first step. Our first session will be a chance to get to know each other, and set agreements about how we can work together. We will discuss what is happening in your life, the reasons you are seeking support, and begin to set some goals for treatment.
My clinical approach is strengths-based, humanistic, client-centered, using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral approaches. Our work together exists in a caring therapeutic relationship where you are fully seen and heard. I intentionally hold positive regard for you, and gratitude to be able to partner with you in your healing journey. As an immigrant and woman of color, I am familiar with the impacts of acculturation and assimilation on our ethnic identities, including conflicts that arise in families when we integrate Western norms. I know each of our stories is unique, and I bring a deep curiosity in understanding your own origin story, and how it influences who you are today.
I am most drawn to working with BIPOC clients, including those who identify as female or trans or non binary, who are on a journey of better understanding themselves. My practice serves those who wish to explore their internal state, with compassion and kindness, empathy and the utmost respect for our shared humanity. By engaging in a therapeutic relationship centered around these values, I can provide the structure and support to help you reach your goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Understanding the relationships between our thoughts, feelings and actions is a foundational tenant of this theory, and is used in my practice.