LCSW, 1 years of experience
New to Grow
“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 recovering from childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression while on their path to wellness. 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 isolate ourselves, how our feelings of disconnection can get in the way of feeling fully present. I know with guidance, support and compassion, we can integrate our parts into 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 work with clients who are on a path of self-discovery and want to improve their emotional well-being. I serve adults experiencing stressful life events or shifts in their roles or identities (pregnant, parenting, career change, marriage/separation, co-parenting young children, or caring for elderly parents). I welcome clients who have struggled with low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, automatic negative thoughts, rumination, anxiety, and depression.