*In-Person Appointments Available per request. Hello! First things first, I would like to give you massive amounts of credit for making the choice to begin/continue your journey to healing, health and happiness. Whether you choose me or another provider it is extremely brave to make the effort to look into beginning or continuing with therapy services. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent approximately ten years in the field with the last six being in the clinical setting as a therapist. I have worked with youth, ages 4-21, who have experienced trauma and were placed in out of home care or in the independent living program through the state. I have worked with individuals of all ages who struggled with addiction and dual-diagnosis, and I have worked most recently with individuals who have survived or were impacted by sexual trauma. These groups also included individuals with more common diagnosis such as Depression and Anxiety. I love helping people find their own light and worth within themselves. When I work with clients my goal is to ultimately foster independence and the ability to function well in the world without my help, however; I also believe therapy every now and then is similar to an oil change for your brain. Life is ever changing and having a consistent person you can trust and check in with can be extremely healing and helpful. I believe the most important thing you can do as a clinician is to genuinely care about the people you serve and I feel that those I work with are able to tell that I am authentic in attitude. Please understand if I am working with a child in your care I will need your participation as the parent or guardian as well. Children make the most progress when they are surrounded by adults who understand their needs (which is sometimes more difficult than it sounds). I am not in the business of "fixing" children/adolescents, but do try to help them learn how to navigate life in a healthy more productive way which hopefully will result in their being more happy and fulfilled human beings.

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

Our first few sessions will likely be completing the biopsychosocial (a fancy label for asking a big bunch of questions about your life and current symptoms). This allows me to get a more rounded view of what is going on now and what influences could be impacting your current situation. I will ask if you've received therapy services before and if so, what did you like and not like about your previous experiences. Everyone has different needs, I want to know what you have experienced in the past in terms of getting those met, what has worked and what hasn't so you don't feel your time is wasted. I prefer to let my clients lead our sessions. This helps to build trust, which is crucial. I want you to feel comfortable sharing OR not sharing what you choose.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I use a variety of tools in my sessions which are catered specifically to what they need as individuals. I enjoy utilizing inner child work in combination with Internal Family Systems Theory. This theory suggests we all have different "parts" that sometimes need help to co-exist. All parts within a person have value and were created to help, but some may have gotten carried away or hidden away. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which looks at how your thoughts effect your feelings which effect your behaviors. I like to look at how I can help you re-train your brain to behave in a more healthy way. I utilize attachment theory to look at the relationships in your life and how to help you genuinely connect with people after you've been hurt or have experienced trauma.

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

I feel my biggest strengths are empathy and building trust with my clients. I know and believe that you know your life better than anyone else and if anyone has the capability of making your life the best it can be, it's you! Adolescents are some of my favorite clients to work with and anyone of any age who has been through trauma of loss. Life can be disheartening, connection can be difficult and loss unbearable. Sometimes what we need as humans is to be really truly heard and understood. That's where I feel my strength lies, in making the genuine effort to hear and understand my clients so that I can support them in whatever clinically appropriate way I can.

About Crystal Townsend