Marcos Apolonio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in counseling in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. He partners with clients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals using evidence-based practices. He uses empowering and strengthening approaches, acknowledging the influence of social inequities, to provide a space where the person feels safe for sharing and processing to treat various conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance dependency, trauma, relationship issues, religious and spiritual trauma, and more. He is a Doctor of Clinical Social Work Program from the University of Pennsylvania, received his Master of Social Work degree with an emphasis in Community Mental Health from California State University East Bay, and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Universidade Adventista São Paulo, Brazil. He has extensive experience working with the LGBTQ community addressing issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and the impact of oppression. He is a lecturer at California State University East Bay and San Jose State University in the Master of Social Work Program.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session we will discuss the therapeutic relationship basic ground rules, set appointments, discuss the person's expectations and goals for treatment, answer questions and get acquainted.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My main strengths are: Input, Connectedness, Communication, Individualization, Empathy. I believe the most important factor for the success of the therapy is the relationship between the individual and their therapist. For me, it is a privilege to sit with another human being and support them in the process of getting emotionally better. The exchange provides growth and learning for both, the therapist and the person with whom they are working.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Many of my clients are dealing with issues related to oppression, such as discrimination, stigma, and inequity because of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, social status, age, immigrant status. People come with their particular problems and are part of several systems, as their family, school, work, faith community, and society. Together we will work on reducing mental health challenges while analyzing all powers in play in the person's life. We will process the impact of social inequalities in their case and how these challenges are particularly related to their identity and their life journey.
About Marcos Apolonio
Marcos Apolonio offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
Considering the type of relationship was developed with primary caregivers, parents or not, as an infant, how patterns of attachment were formed, and how they impact the relationships the person has an adult.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges while using other methods to explore and process the original sources of these issues.
Gender-affirming therapy
Supporting the individual as they identify in terms of gender, processing and treating difficulties, stigma, and traumas they may have experienced for being who they are as part of the LGBT+ community.
Humanistic
Focusing on a person as an individual with unique potential and abilities. Instead of concentrating on what is wrong with people, the process will be focused on helping them overcome their difficulties through personal growth.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Valuing, recognizing and respecting the beliefs, perspectives, and values of individuals from a particular race, ethnicity, or region.