New to Grow
My name is Dr. Saja Mboge, DSW, LCSW, I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across residential treatment, school social work, PHP and IOP programs, crisis services, acute psychiatric care, addiction, and recovery work. I have supported children, adolescents, young adults, and adults throughout my career. My therapeutic approach centers on creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change at their own pace. I help individuals navigate a wide range of emotional and mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, grief, anger, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance‑related concerns.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I recognize that beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and I strive to make your first session feel safe, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. In our initial meeting, my focus is on getting to know you—your story, your strengths, and what brings you to therapy. I create a space where you can speak openly without pressure or judgment. You set the pace, and I follow your lead as we begin building a therapeutic relationship that supports your healing and growth.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, which has given me a deep understanding of developmental needs and the challenges people face across different stages of life. My therapeutic approach is grounded in warmth, safety, and nonjudgment. I strive to create a space where clients can explore their experiences at a pace that feels comfortable and empowering. I support individuals dealing with a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, anger, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use. My work is guided by evidence‑based modalities such as CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, grief work, psychoeducation, and solution‑focused strategies, allowing me to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs and goals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone navigating a meaningful life transition, emotional pain, or a desire for personal growth. They may not yet know exactly what they need, but they are open to exploring, learning, and trying new ways of thinking and living. I work best with individuals who are ready to engage collaboratively in the therapeutic process as we move toward clarity, healing, and growth
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I use CBT to build collaboration, transparency, and shared understanding early in treatment. I provide clear psychoeducation about how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact, help clients identify unhelpful patterns, and support them in developing more balanced and adaptive ways of thinking.
Grief Therapy
My grief work focuses on creating a safe, compassionate, and structured space where clients can process loss at their own pace. I begin with a grounded intake, normalize the wide range of grief reactions, and invite clients to share their story while using open‑ended exploration to support meaning‑making.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In trauma‑focused work, I prioritize emotional and physical safety, normalize trauma responses, and reduce shame through developmentally appropriate psychoeducation. I emphasize choice, control, and collaboration while using a warm, predictable structure to help clients process trauma and build resilience.
Narrative
I take a collaborative, curious stance that positions clients as the experts of their own lives. Narrative therapy allows clients to re‑author their stories, separate themselves from problem‑saturated narratives, and reconnect with their strengths, values, and preferred identities.
Motivational Interviewing
Grounded in the Spirit of MI, I focus on partnership, acceptance, and evoking clients’ own motivations for change. I use open‑ended questions, affirmations, and reflective listening to explore ambivalence, highlight strengths, and support clients in identifying their priorities and intrinsic motivation.