Hey bestie! I'm Saira Patino, but you can call me your mental health cheerleader! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, I’ve been dedicated to this field since earning my master’s in social work from Edinboro University in 2017. Honestly, helping people navigate life’s ups and downs is kinda my thing. I love helping young adults navigate the tough transition to adulthood, especially when they are going about it without a solid support system. Many of my clients are figuring out their next steps while handling mental health challenges, which is rough. But don't worry because I'm here for you and I gotchu! (I tend to say this a lot in session lol).
In our first session, we’ll kick things off by introducing ourselves and chatting about what’s on your mind and what you wanna achieve—totally confidential, no worries! I’ll ask some questions to get to know your background and what you’re dealing with. We’ll go over how therapy works and you can share any concerns you have. Feel free to ask questions and tell me what you prefer. After that, we’ll set up follow-ups that vibe with your comfort and progress. Your thoughts are key to this whole journey!
I’ve been in the mental health game since 2010 and switched to clinical therapy in 2019. I’ve racked up over 3,200 hours of supervised training, so I’ve got a solid base of skills and knowledge. I’m all about building a chill vibe with my clients, thanks to my relaxed style and sense of humor. Some people think all therapists are super serious, but I keep it light and aim to make you feel comfy right from the get-go!
I’ve worked with all kinds of people—different ages, identities, backgrounds, you name it. But I really vibe with young adults. I totally get how tough it can be to go from being a teen to an adult, especially if you don't have a solid support system. A lot of my clients are just trying to figure out their new adulting responsibilities while feeling super lost about what’s next. Plus, if mental health stuff is in the mix, it can get even messier. Let’s team up and tackle all that together, finding solutions that actually fit your goals and dreams.
For the last five years, I've implemented Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice, resulting in significant progress for numerous clients in combating persistent thoughts and controlling both anxiety and depression symptoms. Through CBT, we'll explore the intricate relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and actions, empowering you to recognize their interplay. Armed with this understanding, we'll work together to reshape your thought patterns, paving the way for a calmer and more balanced life, free from excessive anxiety/depression and stress.
In my experience, adopting a compassionate approach to therapy can significantly alleviate anxiety and foster feelings of being understood, heard, and safe. These elements are crucial for establishing an environment conducive to growth. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, I create a space where you can feel supported and encouraged to explore your innermost thoughts and emotions, leading to profound personal development and positive change.
Psychoeducation in therapy involves providing you with information about your specific mental health condition, coping strategies, and therapeutic techniques. The goal here is to empower you by enhancing your understanding of your experiences and equipping you with tools for managing your mental health effectively. Through verbal explanations, educational materials, and interactive discussions, you will gain insight into your emotions, behaviors, and the factors influencing them, facilitating informed decision-making and overall well-being.
Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented, brief therapeutic approach that emphasizes your strengths and resources to create solutions to your problems. It focuses on the present and future rather than dwelling on past issues, aiming to identify and amplify positive changes. Through collaborative conversations, I will assist you in setting specific, achievable goals and exploring strategies to move toward them, fostering empowerment and self-efficacy.