LCSW, 4 years of experience
Hello, my name is Kathleen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I received my Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Southern California. I look forward to collaborating with you to achieve the objectives you set forth in your therapeutic journey. Acknowledging the past, accepting the present and planning for the future (whether that is tomorrow, a week from now or months from now), you can do it. We will do it together. Change is possible.
In the first session I want to get to know you. How are you today? What brought you to Therapy and why now? We will talk about some of the goals you have for yourself in Therapy. We will also review some of the forms that were sent out prior to the session and discuss any questions you may have.
Listening to what you want to accomplish in Therapy and helping you get there. I will keep us on track. I will challenge you sometimes; I will listen with empathy; I will acknowledge your strengths ( and help you see them as well). This is your journey and we will be on it together.
I enjoy working with people who are ready to work on their stuff. They are open to new ideas, willing to try and fail and try again. Life brings many challenges, and we don't always have the tools to work it out. My clients understand they cannot change the past; they may be stuck right now and there is hope for the present and for the future. The desire to change what is not working can catapult you forward to where you want to be.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices, along with Mindfulness and Strength Based approaches to support the client in their treatment goals. I like to partner with clients in their theraputic journey. I will challenge negative coping skills to help disrupt unhealthy patterns, while helping clients see they have the skills to change. I want to highlight the courage it takes to prioritize one's emotional wellbeing and will support clients in getting to their desired goals.
After getting to know the client and goals have been created, I like to review what worked well in the past, and why it worked then. I want to help the client see they indeed have the skills to implement positive change in their life right now; Of course, the work comes in figuring out whats not working now and creating a plan to move forward in reaching the goals they want to accomplish.