LCSW, 7 years of experience
I received my MSW from University of Southern California. I have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for eight years. I have experience working in several settings such as inpatient, partial hospitalization program, family advocacy on a military installation and outpatient therapy. I have worked with active duty military, veterans and individuals aged 18 and up. My goal is to help individuals to live a life that they find fulfilling. I work best with Clients that are motivated to learn ways to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression and anger. I enjoy helping Clients that are ready to look at themselves and see what they can learn to do differently to help themselves. I use my clinical skills to meet the Client where they are and will move at the Client's pace. A small step forward is still a start and the beginning of many others!
During the first session, I spend time getting background information from the Client that enables me to understand who they are what challenges they are facing. I help the Client to identify meaningful goals for therapy and explain ways that I can assist in helping the Client to reach their goals. It is important to me that the Client is part of this process and I help them understand ways that I can assist them in "the work". This means that the Client will learn practical skills that they can implement immediately.
In therapy I use skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness. Depending on the Client, sessions can be more skills based or skills can be mixed in utilizing talk therapy to ensure that Client is able to learn relevant skills to apply to their life.
My strength is meeting the Client where they are and moving at their pace. I will provide support to the Client, even when that means gently challenging. I never work harder than my Client, but I definitely show up ready for every session.