Ross Zellner
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have my MSW from the University of Southern California. I am specialized in treating symptoms of OCD and other anxiety-related disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias). I primarily use Exposure and Response Prevention therapy to support individuals in managing their anxiety-related symptoms.
First session
The first session is about us beginning to build a trusting relationship and for me to learn about you. I will be asking questions to better understand what you are going through. I will also give an overview of what the treatment process will look like.
Strengths
I take a holistic, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach. I use this approach to build on my client’s strengths, support them in solving any problems they are experiencing, and help them in meeting their specific needs. My communication style is calm, motivational, and personable. I use empathy and my own experiences to help clients feel comfortable talking with me about anything and to normalize their experiences. I work to help my clients develop a more positive outlook on life, to build skills to help them manage their mental health, and to learn ways to solve any problems that may arise in the future.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready for change and is open to working one step at a time to reach their treatment goals. They recognize that their current coping mechanisms, while they may have served a purpose in the past , are no longer working. They possess an internal drive to improve their quality of life. They are prepared to take ownership of their growth and engage with the work both inside and outside of sessions. They understand that change involves discomfort and are willing to sit with that unease to reach a breakthrough.
Treatment methods
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is best known as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but exposure-based CBT is also used for several other anxiety disorders. Exposure: deliberately and gradually confronting something that triggers an obsession - an object, situation, thought, image, sensation, or uncertainty. Response prevention: resisting the compulsion, reassurance-seeking, checking, avoidance, or other ritual that normally follows the trigger.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive restructuring addresses the "C" in CBT by identifying and challenging the distorted thinking patterns that fuel anxiety.
Location
Virtual sessions