New to Grow
Hello, I am Dr. Marquessa Brown. I have been licensed clinical social worker for more than forty years and have both a masters and PhD in social work. Through the years I have practiced in various settings including acute care hospitals, emergency rooms, long term care facilities, community mental health settings, private mental health organizations, and a solo practice for more than 10 years. I am also a retired university professor and through that experience trained many as masters level social workers.
The first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I will want to learn more about your concerns, what you've done in the past to address them, and your goals for therapy. I will also encourage you to ask questions about my experiences, my initial impressions of your situation, and what the next steps may look like.
My strengths: 1. I am warm and accepting, 2. I have lived experiences, 3. I can develop a positive therapeutic relationship with clients, 4. I know when to speak and when to listen and 5. I am honest, compassionate, and reliable.
I am best positioned to assist mature adults who can collaborate in identifying treatment goals and are motivated to do the therapeutic work needed to achieve those goals. It is important that individuals who choose to work with me demonstrate a commitment to treatment, for example, by consistently keeping appointments, completing assignments and maintaining an ability to imagine a better version of their situation. Additionally , it is essential that those selecting me as their therapist have an ability to actively participate in sessions and notice small changes, that is ,maximize rather than minimize successes.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have trained and received several certificates related to the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety. One of those certificates is from the Beck Institute.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
The solution focused approach has been in existence since the early 80's. I have used the method in my practice for decades to assist clients in resolving short term practical problems, addressing short term crisis situations, and reaching small achievable goals.