Hello, it's a pleasure to "e-meet" you! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and I have been working as a therapist for over 25 years. I enjoy teaching and utilizing different methods of therapy to provide psycho-education, increase insight and flexible thinking patterns, evaluate your symptoms that are unpleasant or unmanageable, monitor your progress (both short and long term goals) and practice applying your new coping skills to enhance your strengths and live a more fulfilling life. I do give homework so you can practice new coping skills and exercise self care throughout the week. Homework is strictly optional, but it's all for the "new you" and you deserve self care daily! *Let's talk and unpack your history and process more understanding during your "road trip" with me. I will be your co-pilot while you are behind the wheel- that way you manage the speed because it's all about you feeling safe, secure and trusting the process and feelings of leaving what doesn't work for you behind, staying present, taking deep breaths, feeling pride in your strength and positivity to hold that space as we then proceed and keep going. *We will travel to your destination(s): Feeling better and resolving conflicts and we will have to stop for "gas" to recharge/rest/review our progress and determine if we are going in the right direction. We will explore other ways of thinking and reconstruct new ways of thinking your destinations. We won't race to the finish line, and remember: You have your foot on the brake to slow down when needed. Remember: pacing, trust, monitoring energy and feelings, and practicing new routes will get us to your destination safely!

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

We will spend time greeting and getting to know each other. I will explain the benefits of therapy if you are new to therapy, and review confidentiality and begin building our rapport. I will ask what your goals are for treatment. I will ask about your personal history and current life situation (life/work/family/relationships) and we will review what you feel is very important to address in sessions and what we feel will improve your emotional well-being. I will provide my professional input and ideas for treatment and we will proceed with treatment plans that will also monitor your progress while I can provide education and skills for managing various stressors.

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

I have been a medical and mental health social worker/therapist for over 25 years. Having worked in various settings and with many different populations, I have learned my greatest strengths are compassion, empathy and insight that encompasses a total life experience. Building rapport and trust quickly with clients; putting clients at ease and ensuring their emotional safety in sessions; building a unique treatment plan with my client's input and setting short term goals to measure progress. I'm also told that I have a very good sense of humor to lighten the mood when needed 😊

About Samantha Lyman