Greetings, I'm Kassandra LaRoche, a licensed clinical social worker available in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Specializing in trauma, I help individuals navigate life's challenges, addressing concerns like mood, anxiety, relationships, and self-care. While many clients face PTSD, my support extends to anyone seeking understanding, seeking to enhance their lives, and fostering a sense of value and respect. I prioritize creating a space where you can be heard and supported. Your journey to improved well-being begins here.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our initial session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship. We'll engage in a confidential discussion to explore the reasons for seeking therapy, personal goals, and any challenges they may be facing. I'll provide an overview of my therapeutic approach and address any questions or concerns they may have. Together, we'll outline a collaborative plan for treatment, highlighting specific interventions and strategies tailored to their unique needs. Throughout the session, I prioritize active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental stance, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood as we embark on their therapeutic journey toward growth and well-being.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my strengths lie in cultivating a compassionate and client-centered approach. I excel in creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and validated. My commitment to active listening ensures that each client's unique experiences are thoroughly understood and respected. With a genuine sense of empathy, I navigate their challenges with sensitivity, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust. I believe in the power of collaborative dialogue, empowering clients to explore their concerns and collaboratively develop tailored strategies for growth. My dedication to compassion and attentive listening forms the foundation of a therapeutic relationship that prioritizes understanding, validation, and the facilitation of positive change.
About Kassandra LaRoche
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
EMDR
In my practice, I employ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a therapeutic approach for individuals dealing with trauma and related mental health issues. Sessions involve a comprehensive history and assessment to identify distressing memories, followed by a preparation phase to equip clients with coping skills. During the desensitization phase, clients focus on targeted memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation to reduce emotional intensity. Positive beliefs are then installed in the installation phase, and a body scan addresses any residual tension. Closure ensures emotional stability, and subsequent sessions may involve reevaluation. It's crucial to have proper training, tailor the approach to each client, and integrate EMDR within their overall treatment plan, emphasizing ongoing professional development and supervision for optimal care.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my therapeutic practice, I utilize Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address individuals grappling with trauma-related challenges. This approach integrates principles of CBT with a sensitivity to the impact of trauma on mental health. Sessions typically begin with a thorough assessment of the client's history and trauma experiences. I then collaborate with clients to identify and reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their traumatic experiences. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, and interventions are tailored to the client's unique needs. Trauma-informed CBT aims to empower clients by fostering coping skills and promoting a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions. Regular monitoring and flexibility in the therapeutic process are key elements, that ensure a holistic and adaptive approach to trauma recovery.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my clinical practice, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an effective approach for individuals navigating emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviors, often stemming from trauma. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Sessions include a balance of acceptance and change-focused interventions, emphasizing skill-building in areas such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapeutic process involves a commitment to validation, recognizing the client's experiences without judgment. The integration of dialectics, acknowledging opposing perspectives, is central to DBT. Informed by ongoing assessment, DBT fosters a collaborative environment where clients actively work on enhancing their coping mechanisms and building a life worth living. The structured nature of DBT includes individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams, creating a comprehensive framework for holistic growth and recovery.
Psychodynamic
In my clinical practice, I employ Psychodynamic Therapy to explore the unconscious aspects of individuals' experiences, emotions, and relational patterns. Rooted in psychoanalytic principles, sessions focus on gaining insight into unconscious conflicts and early life experiences that may influence current thoughts and behaviors. The therapist and client collaboratively delve into the client's past, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for understanding and change. Attention is given to transference and countertransference dynamics, shedding light on interpersonal patterns. Psychodynamic therapy seeks to uncover unconscious processes, fostering self-awareness and promoting emotional healing. The therapeutic process is open-ended, allowing for a deeper exploration of complex, underlying issues and encouraging personal growth through increased self-understanding.
