Adrian Anderson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with several years of direct practice experience in clinical settings. I have counseled adults with problems ranging from marital discord, depression to workplace conflict. I have also provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, couples, families, the elderly and sexual minority clients. I attained my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Northwestern State University, a Master of Social Work degree from Southern University and a Philosophy of Doctorate degree (PhD) in Social Work from Tulane University.
First session
Clients should leave their first session knowing that I listened to their concerns, confirmed what was said and demonstrated empathy in response to their feelings. Clients should leave the session feeling respected as a human being regardless of what they bring to the therapy session. Clients should expect that I will provide therapeutic feedback, not advice. Clients should leave the session with information and the freedom to make their own decisions about how they want to address their concerns.
Strengths
My foundational approach to therapy focuses on client strengths (Strengths Perspective) and client empowerment (Empowerment Approach). However, I am eclectic regarding therapeutic techniques and modalities used during therapy. If I assess that ego defense mechanisms are interfering with client functioning, then I will take a Psychodynamic approach. If cognitions are problematic, then I may take a Cognitive therapy approach. When engaging in family therapy, I may use techniques from Systemic therapies. My therapeutic toolbox consists of a variety of approaches that I pull from to fit the issue at hand.
Ideal clients
I welcome all clients who need professional support to manage a range of life issues such as marital conflict, relationship conflict, workplace conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma and more. It is my personal philosophy that the client is the expert on their problem(s) and I encourage clients to decide the pace and content of their sessions. Thus, I embrace a collaborative approach to therapy with the recognition that clients have strengths within themselves and their environment that can be mobilized to resolve some of their concerns.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Sometimes clients present with concerns that are a result of how they “think, feel and ultimately behave.” When I engage with clients and I assess that their “thoughts” are unhealthy and serve as a major, problematic factor in their interpersonal relationships, then I will take a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach to address their challenges. How we “think” sometimes could be a major factor in how we feel and behave. Some thoughts or cognitions could be distorted, and the person may not understand how these thoughts are contributing to problems in their lives. Some cognitions can be overly negative or lead to “worst case scenario” thinking. Sometimes, clients may personalize a situation and blame themselves for what others think and say. Any of these scenarios could lead to problems in relationships, at work, with family members and friends. Clearly, how we “think” about situations, people in our lives or oneself is very important and those thoughts must be addressed, in therapy, for positive change to occur.
Psychodynamic
Sometimes clients may not be “aware” of the reason(s) that motivate their behaviors or how they respond to others. In some cases, this “unawareness” may lead to reactions and behaviors that are problematic in our interpersonal relationships to include the work environment and the broader community. When I engage with clients and I assess that they are “unaware” of the reason(s) they reacted or responded to a situation in an unhealthy or problematic way, then I will take a Psychodynamic Therapy approach to address their challenges. This approach assists clients in developing insight, knowledge or self-awareness so that the person can use healthy responses and behaviors when interacting with others in their personal or more intimate relationships, family relationships and workplace relationships. Being “aware” about the reason(s) that motivate our behavior is especially important, and increasing this “awareness” is a key goal for positive change to occur.
Location
Virtual sessions
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- GeorgiaLicense CSW003625
- LouisianaLicense 4675
- South CarolinaLicense 13318