LCSW, 10 years of experience
Hi there! My name is Aaron and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida. I received my Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida and have over 10 years of counseling experience. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused modalities. I specialize in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, as well as substance use disorders. I believe my warm, empathetic approach creates a safe, therapeutic, empowering space for clients to learn about themselves and determine what changes they wish to work toward.
The goal of the first session is for us to get to know each other. I will ask you questions about what areas of life you are looking to change or need support around. I believe you are the expert of you! In addition to talking about any challenges you are facing, I will ask questions about your strengths, what is working in your life. You are also welcome to ask me questions at any time. Together we will come up with goals for our time together to address areas you'd like to work on.
I am a very empathetic person. I truly care for my clients and want the best for them. This quality allows me to build rapport quickly and help people feel comfortable and at ease. I naturally see the good in people, even when they cannot see it in themselves. I help clients recognize the many positive qualities they already possess so they can use these strengths to achieve their goals.
I love helping people gain a better understanding of themselves, learn healthy coping skills, and harness their strengths to improve their overall quality of life.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked with clients to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are no longer serving them by implementing CBT skills and strategies. These strategies include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, thought reframing, behavioral activation, and journaling.
I believe building a strong rapport with my clients is the most important factor in therapy because it creates the safety needed for clients to open up and explore the changes they wish to make. I understand change is not easy which is why I create an empathic, non-judgmental space for clients to work out the pros and cons of change, gain insight, and build on their strengths.