Hi and welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California but originally from Texas. I received my Master's degree from the University of Houston and have been working in the field for over 30 years. I love the work I do and feel lucky and blessed to be in this profession. Seeing people come in initially at a point of real struggle in their lives and being able to vicariously go on that journey of self-discovery, growth and transformation with them is truly the best part of my job.

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

After some brief introductions, you can expect a LOT of questions in our first session together. I want to know everything: your background, current living/ working situation, specific symptoms, what you've tried already, what you think would really help, what you really don't want to do, etc. I feel like in order to help you the best I can, I have to understand you the best I possibly can. But don't worry - I'll guide you through all that. It's pretty structured.

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

I think the greatest strength I bring to the work I do with clients is my sense of humor. Oh sure, we talk about some pretty tough stuff in sessions, but in the midst of all that you've gotta find a way to cut through the heaviness or it just gets overwhelming. I find we spend more time laughing in sessions than crying, on average. The other strength I offer is my very deep connection to cognitive-behavioral therapy. I feel I can help my clients understand CBT at a core level. My goal is to not just apply these tools to you, but rather to teach you to apply them to yourself, so you can take that with you for a lifetime.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I typically work with adults of all ages, though I have at times taken on older adolescents. I also usually see clients in individual sessions, though at times I may take on a couple's case or do some family sessions. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm pretty flexible. As for types of issues, that's also quite broad. Depression and anxiety, relationship issues, struggles with adjustment/ sexuality/ identity and personality disorders are quite common issues I work with.

About Ross Jeffrey Quave