Deanna McPherson
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey although I am also an LCSW for the state of Missouri and New York. I received my Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St Louis, MO and have been practicing for 8 years. I enjoy helping people in general and after years of working in public health began working in social work. I work with clients struggling with a variety of mental health challenges and conditions to become the best versions of themselves despite what has happened to them or what may be occurring to them presently.
First session
With your initial session I welcome newcomers to therapy and with those who have been in therapy, I offer a chance for you to tell me what has worked for you in the past, and if not, how you can have a better experience in therapy. Please come prepared to tell me about yourself, what brings you to therapy, your expectations in general and from me as your therapist. We will also have an opportunity to discuss therapeutic modalities and ultimately ways that I can better assess and assist you.
Strengths
Many people say that I'm calm, a great listener in general and not just in my work. I'm compassionate and thoughtful. I understand trauma, depression and anxiety. Some of these issues are lifelong, but can be worked on and managed through the therapeutic relationship. I bring a trauma lens to my work and a relational aspect clients have found helpful in the past and present.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with clients who want and are eager to work on themselves. Clients who are willing to explore the roots of their issues and after being offered different modalities are excited to work on them. Given many challenges that a number of people have faced, including relationship difficulties and other life transitions, I welcome those in the midst of these issues.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience using CBT for clients and have found success with clients willing to utilize thought records and see the range of change with regards to their thoughts.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I enjoy the use of CPT with clients who like to use writing as a form of expression and challenging their thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have facilitated DBT groups for clients who were victims of sexual assault, abuse (emotional, physical, emotional and financial) as well as those victims to IPV. In conjunction to the group, I had individual sessions with clients who participated in these groups.
Relational
I believe in relational-cultural therapy and have used it in my practice with clients who identify as POCs.
Trauma Informed Care
Due to my work at a domestic violence agency and in working with people who have been exploited and/or trafficked, I'm quite familiar with TIC.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MissouriLicense 2025022316
- New JerseyLicense 44SC06024000
- New YorkLicense 103695