Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 12 years of experience as a practicing social worker. My primary focus has been working in school settings, predominantly with elementary school-aged children. I also have experience working with high school students. I specialize in working with children between the ages of 6 and 11, having spent the past 10 years in an elementary school setting. With extensive knowledge of the developmental needs of this age group, I tailor my practice to meet each child's unique needs. I bring a blend of compassion, empathy, and play to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I am passionate about my work and excited to further my experience through Growtherapy!
In our first session together, I'll focus on getting to know you better. This initial meeting is crucial for developing a connection and rapport, which I believe is an essential first step in the therapeutic relationship. My goal is to help you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with me. By starting with active listening and empathy, I aim to create a safe environment where you feel encouraged to open up.
Working with elementary-aged children over the past 10 years has given me the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of this young age group. I have honed my skills to effectively meet the needs of a six-year-old and then seamlessly apply those same skills to an eleven-year-old. I believe this adaptability is crucial when working with children. Additionally, my experience in the school setting equips me to collaborate with parents, advocate for their child's needs, and help them access the appropriate resources within the school environment.
With 12 years of experience as a school social worker, I have effectively utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to guide my practice. My approach focuses on helping students understand and identify their emotions and behavior to develop effective coping strategies for managing stressors. Through this process; children that I have worked with gain insight into identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, in order to learn healthier coping mechanisms and behavior responses.