LCSW, 14 years of experience
Hi! My name is Rosario Aceves. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is excited at the opportunity God has given me to help you through Grow Therapy. I have over 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and the elderly. As Director of Social Services in a nursing and rehabilitation center I dealt with issues around anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, care planning, end of life issues, counseling clients to better manage, often times very complex health conditions, provided resources and more. As an Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician at a non-profit clinic I provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, parenting support, grief and loss, mental health concerns and substance use. I worked closely with, and provided consultation to medical providers and the medical care team to provide holistic and comprehensive care. Due to the pandemic opportunities to provide individual therapy via telehealth has been transformative to both my clients and I. When I'm not working I love spending time alone with God, my husband of 14 years, my four wonderful daughters, family and friends. I have been primarily homeschooling my girls and managing my home to the best of my ability. Being in nature, especially by the ocean or river, drawing, painting, journaling, hiking, playing a sport like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and tennis are things that refuel me.
In our first session, I will spend time getting to know you and all the different aspects of your life. We will explore what has brought you to therapy at this time and what you hope to get out of therapy. We will also discuss your needs and challenges that may be present and go over goals, expectations, and treatment plan.
God has given me the gift to empathetically listen to those in need with patience and love. Because of this amazing gift, my clients feel heard, understood, and respected. I have been able to effectively help my clients overcome many of their challenges and reach their unique goals because of the joy, hope, and peace they experience from coming to therapy.
I am best positioned to help adults who are going through relational problems, suffering from depression or anxiety, grief or loss, life transitions, etc who are willing to open up sincerely and authentically about the challenges they're facing. I find it to be a blessing to encourage and support those who may be facing some of life's most challenging circumstances. My desire is to journey with you through to the path of healing where you will hopefully and prayerfully experience peace, hope, and joy. I strive to develop a strong therapeutic alliance and a client who is ready to do that is a good fit.
I respectfully integrate psychological principles with the client's spiritual beliefs and practices to provide a holistic approach to mental health that addresses the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of that individual. Through prayer, meditation, and scripture reading, alongside traditional therapeutic techniques my clients have found profound comfort, strength, and hope through integrating their faith into therapy to cope with life transitions, build self-esteem, and manage stress. This mode of treatment can be adapted to suit individuals from various Christian backgrounds. I'm open to working with clients wherever they are on their spiritual journey.
My approach to CBT with a Christian focus combines the structured, evidence-based strategies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a client’s faith and biblical worldview. I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, using Scripture and prayer to reframe cognitive distortions in a way that aligns with God’s truth. Behavioral experiments, goal-setting, and skill-building are paired with spiritual practices, such as prayerful reflection, gratitude exercises, and applying biblical principles to daily life. By integrating faith with CBT’s practical techniques, I support clients in reducing anxiety, depression, and negative thought patterns while fostering resilience, hope, and a life aligned with their Christian values.
My approach to ACT with a Christian focus integrates evidence-based psychological strategies with a client’s faith and biblical values. I help clients notice and accept difficult thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them, framing this acceptance as a form of surrender to God. Mindfulness exercises are paired with prayer, Scripture reflection, and guided meditation to cultivate awareness and spiritual grounding. We explore values through a Christian lens—love, service, forgiveness, and hope—and use these values to guide committed action in daily life. Experiential exercises, journaling, and metaphors from Scripture support cognitive defusion and emotional regulation, helping clients live more purposefully, resiliently, and aligned with both their faith and mental health goals.
My approach to Christian Motivational Interviewing (MI) integrates the client-centered, collaborative style of MI with a faith-based perspective. I focus on helping clients explore their own motivations for change while honoring their spiritual values and relationship with God. Through reflective listening, open-ended questions, and gentle guidance, I help clients resolve ambivalence, clarify their goals, and identify the steps they feel called to take. Scripture, prayer, and faith-based reflection are incorporated to strengthen motivation, provide encouragement, and align behavioral change with Christian principles. This approach empowers clients to take meaningful, values-driven action in their lives while deepening their spiritual growth and commitment.
My approach to Christian Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) integrates evidence-based strategies for improving relationships and social functioning with a faith-centered perspective. I help clients identify interpersonal challenges—such as role transitions, grief, conflicts, or social isolation—and explore how these affect their emotions and daily functioning. Sessions incorporate Scripture, prayer, and Christian values to guide communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. I focus on strengthening relationships with family, friends, and church community, while fostering forgiveness, compassion, and healthy boundaries. By combining IPT techniques with faith-based reflection, clients are supported in improving connections, resolving relational difficulties, and aligning their interpersonal life with their spiritual beliefs.