Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience assisting clients from many different backgrounds from eating disorders to anxiety/depression to trauma. Through my education and my experience, I have been able to implement different therapeutic modalities that have assisted my clients on their treatment journeys.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, my clients can expect to start with brief introductions, then we’ll dive into the specific challenges that they are facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in our follow up sessions. This plan will be created with the client’s involvement and will be goal centered.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My past clients and patients in treatment settings have described me as warm, nurturing, empathetic, fair, and compassionate. I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I also have many years of experience in working with a wide range of individuals that have allowed me to be prepared to assist anyone with their struggles.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Many individuals are struggling with day to day stressors whether it be specific or more generalized. From stressors related to school, work, family, friends, intimate relationships, alcohol and substance use, to managing depression and anxiety. I am able to help build therapeutic relationships to help guide and support you on your journey. I have experience in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Exposure Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. Some of my other specialty areas are within developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders through my experience with ABA and understanding learning differences. I have experience working with sexual assault victims as well when I worked at a sexual assault hotline. My past clients and patients in treatment settings have described me as warm, nurturing, empathetic, fair, and compassionate. I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
About Samantha Sarwar
Samantha Sarwar offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I implement CBT treatment methods in my practice by introducing clients to the CBT triangle to assisting with thought redirection with the use of coping skills. I utilize many different worksheets and exercises to challenge my clients with their thoughts.
Motivational Interviewing
I implement motivational interviewing in my practice by making my sessions a person-centered, non-confrontational approach in which the I listen reflectively and demonstrate empathy to engage with the patient and develop rapport, help the patient to identify a goal for change (a “select behavior”), and evoke and reinforce the patient's internal motivation to change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize a solution focused brief treatment by using a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.
Trauma Informed Care
I use trauma-informed care in my practice as it recognizes and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to better support the health needs of patients who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress.