Ann Marie Morreale-Lafoca, Therapist at Grow Therapy

Ann Marie Morreale-Lafoca

Ann Marie Morreale-Lafoca

20 years of experience
Virtual

Hi and thank you for looking at my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. True to the social work profession my approach to therapy is client centered focusing on strengths. I am accustom to many therapy models; however, I do not subscribe to just one or a handful. We are all truly unique and we can't always fit into a model. I have years of experience with children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, individuals, relationships, families and groups. I have spent the later years helping people with chronic health care conditions, as well as their families, significant others and their communities. When working with my clients I very much try to make the therapy experience a positive safe place. I fully believe in unconditional positive regard. So, what is unconditional positive regard? A general definition is the attitude of complete acceptance and love, whether for yourself or for someone else. When you have unconditional positive regard for someone, nothing they can do could give you a reason to stop seeing them as inherently human and inherently lovable. It does not mean that you accept each and every action taken by the person, but that you accept who they are at a level much deeper than surface behavior (Rogers, 1951). In therapy, the idea is much the same, although with a more specific purpose: to build a positive, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client. It is a defining feature of client-centered therapy (and an important feature in many other forms of therapy), in which the client is accepted and supported by the therapist no matter what they say or do (Rogers, 2001). https://positivepsychology.com/unconditional-positive-regard/ I look forward to building a positive working relationship!

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

After our first session you should feel a sense of relief in knowing that a positive first step has been taken. During our time you can count on me getting to know and understand you/your partner/family while you/your partner/family gaining a better understanding of how navigate the current situation. The goal is to live the best life you can while being happy and feeling at ease.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My practice is client centered and I use many treatment methods. I utilize a great deal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. I tend to draw focus to the positive in a person and often counsel utilizing the Strengths Prospective. I look at things as a whole and I forever believe that we need to tend to our body, mind and spirit as a person/partner/family.

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

I am client centered, a good intuitive listener that can get to the heart of the matter. This is my work and I take pride in the relationship that is built with my clients. To me it is a great honor that you share your life with me and I look forward to building a strong foundation to improving your life.

Appointments

Virtual