Greetings and welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I earned my graduate degree from UC Berkeley and I have been a therapist for close to 12 years. My passion is supporting clients in becoming excited about their lives, learning and doing more of what makes them happy, as well as developing and honoring their self-determination.

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

During the first session, I will conduct introductions, review generalities of therapy and go into goals for treatment. I find it valuable to explore past experiences with treatment in order to better understand where we may be starting from. I also will review current coping skills and support systems as I believe it is important to also review personal strengths.

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

My greatest strengths are that I empathic, compassionate and non-judgmental. I provide a warm and welcoming environment in my practice to help clients feel seen and heard.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I enjoy working with adults who struggle with feeling in control of their lives and decisions. They may have had difficult or traumatic pasts where their voice and opinions were not heard or respected. They may have been mentally or emotionally abused as well which results in challenges in self-actualization, expressing and advocating for their needs and trusting their instincts.

About Estela Ballard