New to Grow
I’m Arley Gordon, LCSW, LISW-CP, a licensed therapist offering compassionate, inclusive support for children, adolescents, adults, and parents. My approach is rooted in trust, empathy, curiosity, and genuine care, and I believe meaningful change begins in a safe, supportive relationship where you feel seen and understood. I’m committed to walking alongside you as you grow, heal, and deepen your self-understanding.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, the focus is on connection and building a foundation of trust. This is a space for you to share what feels most important, at your own pace, without pressure or judgment. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand what brings you in, your goals for therapy, and any relevant background, but the conversation will feel collaborative and supportive—not clinical or overwhelming. We’ll also talk about what you’re hoping to get out of therapy and how I can best support you. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and comfortable with the process. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is important to me, and that starts from day one.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the balance between depth and practicality. I don’t just focus on symptom relief—I help clients understand the underlying patterns, attachment dynamics, and belief systems that shape their experiences. At the same time, I provide concrete, evidence-based tools (such as CBT, DBT skills, and motivational techniques) that clients can actively use in their daily lives. Clients often share that they feel both deeply understood and gently challenged in our work together. I prioritize a strong, trusting relationship while also helping clients move toward meaningful change. My goal is for clients to not only feel better in the moment, but to leave therapy with greater self-awareness, stronger coping skills, and more confidence navigating relationships and life transitions independently.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to support adults and young adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity development, burnout, or patterns they’re ready to better understand and change. I work well with individuals who are reflective, open to growth, and willing to explore how their past experiences may be shaping their present. I especially enjoy supporting young adults who are figuring out career direction, boundaries, dating, friendships, and independence, as well as adults who want to deepen self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier, more secure relationships. Whether your goal is symptom relief, personal growth, or long-term healing, I provide a supportive space to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use CBT by helping clients identify unhelpful or distorted thought patterns, gently challenge those beliefs, and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. We also focus on building practical coping skills and behavioral strategies that support meaningful change between sessions. The goal is to empower clients with tools they can use independently to manage emotions, reduce distress, and improve daily functioning.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. Rather than directing or persuading, I ask open-ended questions, reflect back what I hear, and highlight discrepancies between their current behaviors and their personal values or goals. This approach helps clients strengthen their own motivation and confidence to make meaningful changes. The focus is on collaboration, autonomy, and empowering clients to move toward change at their own pace.
Strength-Based
I use a strength-based approach by intentionally identifying and building upon each client’s existing strengths, resilience, and past successes. Rather than focusing solely on problems, I help clients recognize their skills, values, and internal resources that can support growth and healing. We explore what has worked before, reinforce adaptive coping strategies, and highlight moments of progress. This approach fosters confidence, empowerment, and a greater sense of self-efficacy in navigating challenges.
Attachment-based
I use an attachment-based approach by exploring how early relationship experiences shape current patterns in connection, trust, and emotional regulation. Together, we identify attachment styles and how they may show up in relationships today. I prioritize creating a safe, consistent therapeutic relationship so clients can experience secure attachment in real time. Through this process, clients build greater self-awareness, strengthen relational skills, and develop healthier, more secure ways of connecting with others.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients build practical tools for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. We focus on core skill areas such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I teach clients how to pause and observe their experiences without judgment, tolerate crisis moments without making things worse, and communicate their needs clearly and assertively. The goal is to help clients create balance—accepting themselves as they are while also working toward meaningful change.