Marina Thomas
Hello! My name is Marina and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 9+ years of experience in Child Welfare and 2 years as a clinician.
I have worked with clients who have been ambivalent or reluctant to change or get help, but due to my approach, clients are receptive to services and end up having great success stories.
In witnessing many stories of trauma and life-altering experiences, I was influenced to become a Clinician to provide a service to those going through some sort of hardship and/or day-to-day challenges that are difficult to navigate and may result in anxiety and depression. I am here to assist in understanding the root of the underlying issue and help create feasible goals/plans that work towards enhancing the overall well-being, safety and quality of life. I believe in a collaborative client-centered approach because I want my clients to have an active role in the therapeutic journey. The therapeutic environment I have created provides a safe and non-judgmental experience for processing, achieving goals and empowering self. I hope to be the support that assists my clients to implement strategies that will improve the overall quality of their life.
First session
I understand how hard starting therapy can be and for many it is a big step, so I will meet you where you are. I aim to support, empower, uplift and motivate in whichever way best fits your needs. I will promote a safe space that encourages honesty and collaboration in order for you to feel open and willing to discuss specific challenges that you are facing that led you to seek therapeutic help, which will help me in creating a tailored treatment plan. I plan to provide an experience that feels positive, honest and productive to ensure you gain insight, and feel hopeful about positive change. Lastly, before the end of the first session, I will encourage you to advocate for yourself in the event you do not feel as if I am good fit for you. If I believe I am not, I will be open and honest about that as well.
Strengths
I have gained great skills in active listening, compassion, empathy and empowerment. I also take much pride in the respect I uphold when working with my clients. I believe that you are the expert of your own life and I am just here to help you improve in the desired areas. l like to meet you where you are to ensure that you feel seen and heard and promote autonomy. My approach is empowering and uplifting, which cultivates a therapeutic experience that is safe, supportive and productive. I have experienced clients who have been reluctant to change or receive help, but due to my approach, clients are receptive to services and have great success stories, achieve their treatment goals and have reduced anxious and depressive symptoms.
Ideal clients
Interested in making a positive change in your life? In need of healing, but you just don't know where to start? Would you like to decrease your anxious symptoms and feel better overall? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I might be a good fit for you. I am best positioned to serve someone who is in a place where they may feel anxious, depressed, worried, overwhelmed, etc. and are in need of help to navigate those emotions because they are being negatively impacted by them. I am best positioned to serve those who are having a hard time with life stressors or circumstantial situations and are in need of learning new coping skills and need assistance in implementing tools that will help them reach their treatment goals and reduce their symptoms.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I am trained in Motivational Interviewing and have used this method to assess, engage, and collaborate with my clients. I use this method to help clients find the motivation to change their behavior by exploring their internal motivations and resolving any ambivalence they may have about change. I plan on using this evidence-based practice with my clients here at Grow to help motivate them towards the change they are looking for to enhance their overall quality of life.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize this brief, goal-oriented approach to help my client identify and build upon their existing strengths and resources to create positive change and reach their treatment plan goals. I used this approach to help my client find solutions to current challenges and empower them to envision a future where their goals are reached. During sessions, it was collaborative and empowering for my client as we worked together to develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This approach has helped my client reach treatment goals and improved anxious and depressive symptoms.
Strength-Based
I use this approach to focus on client's strengths and positive qualities rather than their weaknesses or problems. This approach emphasizes the client's existing resources, resilience, and ability to cope with challenges, which helps aim to empower them and improve their well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 124979