LICSW, 1 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Minnesota with 7 years of diverse experience supporting youth in a variety of environments. I am passionate about helping young people navigate challenges related to mental health, academic struggles, peer relationships, family dynamics, trauma, communication, self-regulation, and more. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach, working closely with each individual to identify challenges and develop effective strategies for overcoming them.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, what you expect from therapy, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
I create a supportive and empathetic environment for my clients. I am an active listener which allows me to deeply understand your concerns, providing a space where you feel truly heard. My sense of humor adds a lightness to sessions, helping clients feel more comfortable and open. With patience, I guide clients through their challenges, fostering trust and long-term growth. I collaborate well with others, ensuring that I contribute positively to the overall therapeutic process and offer well-rounded support. I aim to find what works best for each individual. This clarity helps to develop a specific plan to meet the needs of the individual which leads to measurable progress.
I am deeply passionate about working with adolescents who are navigating a wide range of challenges, including mental health struggles, academic difficulties, peer relationships, family dynamics, trauma, communication issues, self-regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and more. My goal is to provide support and guidance as they work through these complex issues, helping them build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies.
I have spent the past seven years working with children and adolescents, utilizing a variety of approaches tailored to meet their unique needs. One of the key methods I use is Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative approach that has proven effective in helping clients clarify and pursue their goals by identifying their intrinsic motivations. Through reflective listening and open-ended questions, I guide clients in exploring their needs and aspirations, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and empowering them to take meaningful steps toward positive change.
I frequently incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with clients, particularly those dealing with anxiety and depression. CBT helps individuals recognize the interconnectedness of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, all of which significantly impact daily life. By increasing awareness of these patterns, we work together to set goals that promote healthier, more balanced emotional responses, thought processes, and behaviors, ultimately reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
I take a strength-based approach, which centers on leveraging a client’s unique strengths and abilities to create positive change in their life. Together, we collaborate to set meaningful goals, using these strengths as powerful resources to achieve success. This approach not only fosters a positive mindset but also empowers clients to build resilience and continue overcoming challenges they face.