LCSW, 26 years of experience
We all reach emotional crossroads in our lives and often need guidance from a professional. I am warm and caring and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere while assertively providing feedback. I help families and couples resolve conflicts and teach the art of appreciation and gratitude. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches. Do you "feel lost in the world." Do you have tendency to take out your frustrations with the ones you love the most? My name is Nicole McCarthy MSW LCSW PMH-C and I have over 26 years of experience working with families, couples and adults across the life span."
During the first session I like to do complete intake with the client. This is a "getting to know each other session. " I like to ask about reasons for seeking treatment at this time. In addition, I like to get a complete history of medical issues, mental history, substance abuse history, family mental health history, family substance abuse history, psychosocial history, employment history. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to set goals for treatment and specifically asking the client what they would like to accomplish.
I am warm and caring and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere while assertively providing feedback. I truly believe that individuals who seek therapy are healthy due to the fact they want to be better and improve their relationships.
I have worked with youth in residential settings, adults in psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, domestic violence shelters and outpatient mental health clinics. In addition, I helped create the positive motherhood transitions program with an outpatient clinic specializing and treating moms who struggle with postpartum depression/ anxiety. My specialties are adults 18 and older who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, academic underachieving, anger management. I have expertise with trauma and PTSD, survivors of abuse, survivors of institutional abuse, domestic violence, grief, bipolar, caregiver support, gay issues and career change.
I utilize DBT techniques with clients to help them regulate difficult emotions. I teach them to check the facts when they struggle with distorted thinking. Teaching them to practice mindfulness and fully be present when have anxious thoughts about the future or ruminating about the painful experiences in the past.