Hey y'all! Welcome to Real Talk with Renae! We'll do more than just talk-we'll journey! As the creator and owner of Real Talk, I'm partnering with Grow Therapy to bring hope, healing and change. If you're here, it means you're ready, or at least, curious about making shifts in your life and I'm here for it! Let's face it. Life is downright messy at times! As a Licenced Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I help people with their mess. I use the intersection of my experience along with a healthy dose of compassion, empathy, accountability, sense of humor and a dash of keeping it real to guide you through your journey. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, trauma and grief, stress management, women's issues, personality disorders and/or have criminal-justice involvement, let's talk. Additionally, I offer personal development coaching services. Coaching is for those who have a particular area they want to address that is causing confusion, blocks, barriers or if you are just feeling stuck. We focus on the here and now and move forward. We will partner to minimize the blocks so you are prepared to make changes and to pursue your dreams. My fee for coaching is $125 for a 55-minute session. Fees are collected at the beginning of the session via CashApp or Zelle at this time. If you are interested in what coaching can do for you, give me call or text at 434.996.2316 for the quickest response. ***Additional times are available by request only. Please inquire if my regular office hours don't work for you and we'll figure something out.***

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

You get a chance to learn how I work and I get a chance to see if I can help you with your process. I'm very honest, yet compassionate. My clients appreciate the non-stuffy space I provide for them to be real with themselves. It is a no-judgment zone so you can relax and be yourself while we sort and work through this journey together.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I favor cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but my style is eclectic, meaning I use treatment methods and tools from a variety of approaches and theories. How I approach therapy really depends on your needs. I often pull from any of the following approaches/methods/tools: EMDR, DBT, couples therapy, meditation, motivational interviewing, person-centered, gestalt, solution-focused, social learning and strength-based.

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

My strengths are being versatile, motivating clients and bringing lightness to dark situations. My experience is interesting and has afforded me the opportunity to see social work, counseling and therapy from multiple angles and levels. I've spent the majority of my career working as a social worker in a corrections setting. I redesigned and managed a substance abuse program, worked with /at community agencies, and worked with clients with personality disorders and an array of mental health conditions. I've helped clients that have dealt with lots of grief, trauma and injustice. Also, I've worked on policy and community-level projects, committees and boards. I share some of what I've done so you can feel comfortable and know you are in good hands as we embark on this journey.

About Theodora (Renae) Vance