Hello! I'm Dorian. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I received my Masters of Social Work from Florida State University in 2014, focusing on clinical social work. With over 10 years of direct experience working with a diverse range of clients, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy tailored to individual needs. I approach therapy with flexibility and adaptability, focusing on what will best align with you, the client. But, of note, I do so very casually, honestly, conversationally, and course, hilariously (the latter, though subjective, has been confirmed. By me.) . Opening yourself up to therapy can be intimidating! A bit scary! But there's no requirement stating you must dread it. This is why I excel in what I've created, mastered, and termed "stealth-therapy." Stealth Therapy (noun): The art of doing therapy so seamlessly that neither the therapist nor the client fully realizes it's happening until—bam!—self-awareness, emotional breakthroughs, and coping skills appear out of nowhere. ... AKA "Therapeutic Sleight-of-Hand," or more simply, "Casually Dropping Life-Changing Insights." Just kidding. But, I approach therapy without that mystique (or rizz, maybe) that seems to come as stereotyped in a therapy setting. I don't speak in riddles, and I won't pretend that I know you better than you know you. I listen, I hear your words -- your input has value and I will never dismiss you or your concerns.

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

In our first session, we can start with brief introductions, and I'll have reviewed any forms that you filled out before our meeting. I aim to create an environment where you can easily and almost thoughtlessly ask what ever questions you may have! While it can definitely be beneficial to have a goal in mind -- maybe question you're seeking answers for... the official word on a diagnosis that is suspiciously familiar -- please know that there is no "expectation" requirement for entry to therapy. You can share as much or as little at whatever speed you're comfortable. I'll meet you where you're at. I want you to gain the most out of therapy, and for that to happen, you need to feel comfortable and confident with your therapist! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about me, my background, and my experience, as well as my therapeutic approach. A casual warning that I do self-disclose and self-share, I'm casual, I will make jokes but there's no pressure on you to laugh at them (since I 100% will be). --And, of course, there's a high likelihood of a Boston Terrier sighting during any given session. I just can't promise which end or how close. (but I can promise *cute*!)

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

While I've been practicing clinical social work for 10 years, I've been navigating daily life with ADD, depression, and anxiety even longer. This personal insight allows me to connect deeply and offer a compassionate, understanding approach to therapy with genuine, authentic relatability.

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

While I've been practicing clinical social work for 10 years, I've been navigating daily life with ADHD, anxiety, and depression even longer. This personal insight allows me to connect deeply and offer a compassionate, understanding approach to therapy with genuine, authentic relatability. If you're hesitant to therapy - whether it's your first time or your 100th time - I get it! It can be intimidating, emotionally exhausting! My hope is to bring bring the stigma down, and with that, down comes your hesitations, trepidations, perturbations, intimidations, reservations -- ease all the "-ations" in order to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere.

About Dorian Yates