Professional -> I am a clinical social worker with 20 years of mixed elementary and middle school experience which includes work with kids/tweens/teens with learning disabilities and/or emotional (predominately anxiety, anger, self-esteem)-social (mild autism spectrum disorder)-behavioral (covers a wide range!) needs, parent support, formal parenting program, and NJ special education. In addition to that, I have had an outpatient office and provided in-home therapy to children, teens, and their families regarding a wide range of needs. I have worked privately with adults as well.
Personal -> I am a married mom of two, and we have 3 dogs (dogs for the win! - although we also have three hamsters and two degus). I love a traditional board or card game (Uno, Connect 4, Scrabble, Othello are my top!) and I bring excitement to any board/card game as if I were at a live sporting event. I always find a way to use humor to my work - - even Dad jokes get me laughing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will get to know each other a bit (me knowing about you is just as important as you knowing about me!), work out some of what you wish to accomplish, and discuss some ways that your goal can be achieved.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One thing that is true about me is that I really enjoy people's life stories. I love to learn how people exerience similar situations differently, how their cultures and families and life circumstances have shaped them.
Another strength I have is the ability to ensure that I am understanding your words, thoughts, and goals. I never assume, and often check in with a client if I am understanding - this is important for all of us to be well understood.
I myself am humble enough to share that I am aware of my own imperfections in the roles I have in this life. Like everyone, I have experienced life's ups and downs, and I acknowledge that it has taken a while for me to embrace my awesome messiness. That is important for me to share because I understand the process... And never are two situations the same!
About Emily Raphel
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Eclectic
Eclectic describes using particular therapeutic approaches based on what the client will benefit from. For example, there may be DBT or CBT or TF-CBT strategies taught to the client as we work through EMDR (trained in all 4). There will be supportive counseling that is solution focused weaved all throughout. The work will always be culturally sensitive; that is, understanding the client's walk of life, perspective, and priorities and honoring those through the improvement that the client wants to attain. Other treatment methods listed, I have formal training in.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a method that I have used least in my experience; it is great for those who appreciate a psycho-educational way of learning how to implement skills to navigate some of life's challenges. DBT has grown to show effectiveness for many diagnoses; for clients who have enjoyed this treatment type with me, the clients have preseted with anxiety or depression and self-harm.
EMDR
I am trained (not certified) in EMDR. It has been the absolute most effective way for helping clients get thru trauma/PTSD, and symptoms of anxiety or depression caused by negative experiences. Once clients have worked thru some core needs, some current needs that brought a client to treatment are less impactful and often easier to navigate.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a long-standing method to assist clients who are experiencing a multitude of needs. The basic principle behind CBT is nevertheless always the same: What we think, how we feel and how we behave are all closely connected – and all of these factors have a decisive influence on our well-being. I do enjoy CBT as it allows for change to come as a result of shifting perspectives and is applicable in so many situations.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based, child and parent/caregiver psychotherapy model for children and adolescents who are experiencing clinically significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events they have experienced. TF-CBT is a relatively brief (typically 12-20 sessions).
TF-CBT is designed to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma-related depression, anxiety, and behavior problems, and common trauma-related cognitive and emotional problems such as fear, shame, embarrassment, guilt, and self-blame.
