New to Grow
HI, I'm Ja'Quez a Clinical Social Worker Licensed in Illinois and Colorado. At times Life can feel heavy, and having a safe space to reflect and find your next steps can make a big difference. I work with teens and adults of all ages navigating anxiety, depression, cultural stressors, relationship challenges, workplace issues, and life transitions. I also provide an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients and approach therapy with cultural humility, honoring each person’s unique experiences and identity.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brought you to therapy. You don’t need to have all the answers; therapy is a process, and I’m here to support you through it. My hope is that you leave feeling understood, encouraged, and glad you took this important first step.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach to therapy is person-centered and culturally responsive, which means I see you as the expert of your own life and experiences. Rather than telling you what to do, my goal is to work alongside you as a guide and help you work through your challenges, understand patterns, and move forward in a structured but supportive way.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I typically work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, but I am able to treat variety of presenting issues. Many times client have intersecting identities that they are navigating in the best way possible or are looking to navigate a difficult stretch in their lives. No matter the exact reason you are seeking therapy, my goal is for you to feel seen and heard when working together.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I lean in to it heavily as an evidence-based treatment method as it's effective for a variety of presenting problems and issues. I typically will use it to help address maladaptive coping mechanisms that a client may (or may not) be aware of and building healthy strategies for when they are experiencing stressors in their lives.
Motivational Interviewing
I typically use Motivational Interviewing early on in treatment to assess a client's commitment to change and the therapeutic process. At times, I may combined it with other modalities, but I find it to be most effective earlier on in the therapeutic process and this is supported by scholarly research.
Psychoeducation
I regularly combine Psychoeducation with the other therapeutic modalities that I use in practice as I believe it's important that clients have an understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. In session, this can look like discussion of their symptoms and how certain coping strategies can be helpful (or not) for them. It can also look like identifying symptoms and the impact of them on the client's daily living.