I have been working in the area of behavioral health since 1990, have various degrees from educational institutions, worked several internships for required training, helped move clients from a Developmental Center into homes to live and be a part of the community, have a love of working with older adults, and feel I am a compassionate, kind, person who is client centered and wants to help others to become empowered, if wanted. I have been a social worker for several entities and before that I was a Licensed Psychiatric Technician working on a crisis unit for Sonoma county.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Clients can expect honesty, levity, compassion, understanding, safe environment, confidentiality, and directness (as needed). Completing initial assessment with me, to see if there is a fit between client and myself, and if not refer to another clinician per request or suggest client find a provider who is a better match.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Meeting the client where they are at instead of putting clinicians agenda onto them, kindness, understanding, examples, honest, levity, compassion, empowering statements, and positive affirmations. Directness to an extent, able to diagnose people with appropriate diagnoses. No stigmatizations and acceptance of various behavioral conditions. Working with people who can learn to admit faults (accountability) and work towards being a better person.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

People who are neurodivergent and would like to learn more about a possible psychiatric diagnosis, like Autism, ADHD, people with cognitive limitations. Older adults with long term trauma, crisis intervention needs, or someone to discuss their lives and problems with. People who have experienced traumatic experiences in their lives, including childhood, and are being triggered in some way, to feel the same way they felt when trauma was occuring, and possible flashbacks. People who would like to learn better communication skills in life or with a partner, child, family member, office staff, or supervisor. Couples, when one was raised on East coast and other raised on west coast. People with anxiety or various mental health issues, who would like to learn better coping skills or may need a referral to a higher level of care, for a medication evalution.

About Kerri Lynn Gavin