I'm a clinical social worker by profession. I've worked in all aspects of my field from running a statewide program to working in hospitals, federal EAPs, to community clinics and private practice. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, but I especially like to work with people who are from communities who have historically been marginalized. We are living in challenging times. I want those clients to know I hear them and I see them.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In a first session I review client rights, informed consent and answer your questions. I provide a clinical intake assessment that also covers risk and your mental status which are a standard part of intakes. We discuss your needs and goals for therapy. I ask some questions about your history. We also look at your interests and strengths. I check in to see if your feeling comfortable working with me and if so we discuss your goals and needs further and develop a plan for our work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am a provider that you may contact between sessions if you have questions. I like trying to be available within reason. It's Colorado and sometimes I am camping, backpacking and just enjoying a day or so off the grid, but I generally let clients know if I have upcoming travel. I think my strength is being very validating and meeting my clients where they are and pacing therapy to meet client needs effectively. I'm good with my therapy approaches or models, but I know if one isn't centered on what a client needs in the moment--that's a problem.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am a queer therapist with lived experience. I believe that positions me along with evidenced based therapies to serve people in my community and beyond. During this time, when so many in our community are being invalidated, dealing with hate speech, and actions that harm them, I want to provide support that is strength based and reflects a level of cultural competency that comes from having actual experience. Also, I am in a position where I have seen the arc of time and know we can not only just survive, but thrive in tough times. I believe experiencing joy is a revolutionary act in our community.
About Deborah Westervelt
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We use CBT to understand how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors work together. Now days, we also look at how our body sensations or somatic responses also interact with our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. In therapy, we work to identify certain thinking patterns that can be negative and we work towards changing our thinking. When we reframe our thinking, this often impacts how we feel in a positive way.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In therapy, I often rely on DBT Skills training to help client's develop greater emotional regulation. Also, DBT validation strategies are important to help the client feel fully seen and heard. Mindfulness practice is also part of DBT practice and we use mindfulness training to help client's develop a greater ability to be more fully present in the moment.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care is an awareness that many of our clients have been impacted by certain life events that influence their sense of well-being and safety.
Strength-Based
As a therapist that is strength-based, this means I believe we all have strengths and qualities that we can build on. I believe humans are resilient and can thrive. We all need to have our strengths validated.