Shirley Watson
"I offer a respectful, varied, and empathic approach to therapy. My goal is to work with you to identify personal strengths, develop and hone coping and problem solving methods, and create ways to establish and sustain mental and emotional balance. I fervently believe your struggles need not be your identity. I also provide comprehensive clinical supervision to MSW grads looking to prepare for the stringent LCSW exam. I offer a two-prong approach to supervision: preparing for the exam and honing clinical skills transferable to any practice setting. Fee for at least 100 hours of clinical supervision is negotiable. I offer varied appointment times: mornings, evenings, weekends. I try to work around your schedule. I treat clinical depression, mood disorders, workplace issues, repeat and situational stress/anxiety, trauma, and other issues. I provide care using different treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, Trauma Informed, EMDR, Group focused, Couples therapy and others.
I offer a two-prong approach to supervision: preparing for the exam and honing clinical skills transferable to any practice setting.
We are all unique, beautifully imperfect individuals. Let's work together to direct your path and learn from life's myriad of experiences. ""We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. We must do that which we think we cannot."" Eleanor Roosevelt
First session
I like to personalize this information. However, I will tell you what things I will and will not do. They remain locked in and not subject to change because they are essential parts of my character, personality, and professional standards. I will support you, advocate for you, and be a resource for you. I will not judge, patronize, or lie to you. Everything else is determined by how we engage, collaborate, and work together. I don't like to have a "client" mindset; I like to establish a "person I work with" mindset. It promotes mutual respect and consideration for what each of us brings to the proverbial table.
Strengths
Active listening. Active listening. Active listening. Empathy is an empty gesture without active listening. Respect for one's individuality and uniqueness is paramount. No cookie cutter therapy will be utilized. My strengths involve developing, uncovering and rediscovering your own strengths. Let's take this journey together.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I find CBT provides skills to deal with unanticipated stressors as well as daily struggles. It allows the user to practice methods to regulate their emotional, behavioral, and psychological states. I also like to demonstrate these methods in real-time WITH the client. I am not a believer of therapy via "handouts", if you are looking for worksheets, I may not be the clinician for you. Please understand, handouts have utility, but talking with a person, getting to know the uniqueness of your existence, THAT's how I am able to develop a therapeutic relationship and help you along your journey.
Humanistic
Absolutely Humanistic. I believe that your struggles are uniquely yours which means they should not be treated as if "one size fits all". I like to work with you to develop individualized treatment methods. Collaboration is key. Your voice will be heard.
Location
Virtual sessions