Hello! I am Theresa, a Generation X Clinical Social Worker who has been in the field for 25+ years. I am here to offer support for the hardworking folks out there who don't get a lot of time to take care of themselves. Are you a working mom juggling your life, your kids and maybe elderly parents too? Are you a First Responder, Nurse or other medical professional exposed to a lot of trauma and loss? Have you thought about getting support from a therapist but aren't sure how to start? Reach out to me and I can help make the process more comfortable. So many of us are struggling, trying to manage everything on our own. Do you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, do you worry all the time and can't get your brain to slow down and be quiet? I totally get it. Please know that there's nothing wrong with you! We are human and all go through things. It's normal to go through hard times and it's OK to get support. Asking for help isn't weak. And therapy really can help-- it may not be able to solve things going on in the world that are out of our control, but it can help us manage the tough stuff and move towards easier, happier times.

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

You can expect to take away a lot of practical strategies to get started with symptom relief right away. Therapy sessions can sometimes be hard, but very often, you walk out feeling a lot lighter too. Sessions build on each other, so the more we get to know each other, the greater the impact we will have in slowing down unhelpful thoughts and increasing your ability to manage uncomfortable emotions.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I use a blend of client-centered, cognitive therapies --specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) along with lots of different kinds of Mindfulness and strategies from Motivational Interviewing and Solutions Focused Therapy. I believe strongly in giving people options and choices and view our work together as a full partnership designed to get you to your goals. But lesson #1 is - always put the oxygen mask on yourself first. Because you're no good to the people you love if you can't breathe.

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

I'm a practical, solutions-focused therapist with a background in working with people who have experienced Trauma, Grief, Anxiety and Depression.     In our work together, you'll learn the skills you need to overcome the obstacles that are getting in your way.   I think my greatest strengths as a therapist come from my personality -- I have tons of empathy, and I'm a non-judgmental straight shooter.  Authenticity is very important to me and that comes across in my client relationships. I worked in a children's hospital for a big part of my career and am married to a Firefighter, so I really have a passion for helping the helpers on the frontlines.  I'm also a working mom and know how we just keep go, go going, never stopping to slow down and take a breath.   I think all of us could benefit by hitting the pause button for a moment and getting good support.

About Theresa Parrino Cheshire