Hi, I’m Neph! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I received my master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and have been practicing for about 5 years. I have several years of experience as a social worker and primary therapist treating adolescents and adults with substance use and mental health issues. I use a strengths-based approach combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and person-centered therapy to empower clients and help them address their unique needs.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, I gather information about who you are and what drives you. I then collaborate with you to create treatment goals and gain a better understanding of how you can grow/address your needs. I see my role as a guide and advocate on your healing journey. I want you to bring whatever is important to you to each session and feel open to sharing if/when something is not working so we can make any necessary adjustments.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a daughter of Haitian immigrants who was born in Costa Rica and raised in the United States, I have always been passionate about learning about how people experience the world around them since I have never truly felt fully connected to any particular culture. This passion has fueled my desire to find creative ways to serve and empower marginalized groups through psychoeducation, individual therapy, and group work. This passion also motivated me to enhance my clinical skills. These skills include but are not limited to strong empathy, active listening skills, genuine concern for clients, non-judgmental attitude, patience, ability to create a safe space, strong communication skills, self-awareness, flexibility, open-mindedness, and the capacity to build trust with clients. As a therapist, my greatest strength is that I can envision a client’s situation and be compassionate as I work with them to address their unique needs.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My passion is counseling adults, especially those from disenfranchised groups (LGBTQ, Black/African American, Latino, etc.), who are coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, and transitions. My clients have the desire to change or grow but may not have the skills or resources yet to reach their goals. They may have some strong defenses and resistance, but they are motivated to participate in their treatment, willing to share their thoughts openly, and committed to attending sessions regularly.
About Neph Lesperance
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
As a clinician, I work with my clients to identify their existing strengths and resources to enable them to address their needs. For example, if my client comes to see me regarding family conflict and identifies strong communication skills as a strength, I would work with the client to practice expressing their needs assertively.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Oftentimes, clients come to my office and report persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness that lead them to social isolation. As a clinician, I work with these clients to challenge negative thoughts, identify inaccurate or irrational thought patterns, and develop effective coping skills. With time, my client can utilize the coping skills and see some changes in their thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I consider myself to be a "DBT-informed" therapist since I have not undergone official, comprehensive training. Instead, I have a basic understanding of DBT principles and incorporate some DBT skills into my practice when appropriate. Sometimes, I work with clients who struggle with disordered eating behaviors, self-harm, or substance use and managing intense emotions. I use DBT to focus on emotional regulation, acceptance, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. These skills are essential to helping my clients find ways to accept themselves, feel safe, and manage their emotions so that they can eventually reduce their unhealthy or harmful behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing
Occasionally, I get a client who is ambivalent or resistant to change. I utilize MI techniques to enhance their motivation to change their unwanted behaviors. This process includes open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations that reduce resistance and encourage behavior changes. Together, the client and I explore the client's reasons for wanting/not wanting change and develop a specific, achievable plan for change.
Psychoeducation
When some of my clients come to me initially, they have limited or no knowledge of their mental health conditions and how to cope with them effectively. With this reality in mind, I often use therapy sessions to provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and feel empowered to take charge of their mental health. Psychoeducation provides opportunities for the client to gain up-to-date information about their mental health conditions and learn effective strategies to improve daily functioning.