New to Grow
Hello, my name is Barbara, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2021. However, prior to becoming licensed I worked as a social worker for the State of CT for over 25 years. While working, I attended and graduated from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work. My experience as a social worker has consisted of working with children, adults & families in crisis. Over the years I've learned the importance of being non-judgmental & empathetic in working with people. I strongly believe in meeting my clients where they are at in order to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Everyone has strengths. Because of what we've internalized over our lives, it may be hard to recognize those strengths , but they 're there! In short, I truly believe everyone has the ability to make change in their life, if they choose to. My role as your clinician is to be an objective support in assisting you while working towards those desired changes, so that you can live your best life.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first few sessions are an important opportunity to build a rapport with you. I hope to be able to put you at ease, and begin to build a trusting relationship with you. I understand that opening up and engaging in therapy, for some, can be a bit overwhelming. During our first session we'll go over some basic background information, explore the reasons you have sought out therapy, whether you've had past experiences in therapy, and what you did or didn't feel was helpful. We'll outline a treatment plan with goals you've identified. My role as your clinician is to help you recognize how various life experiences may be contributing to your current concerns & functioning. As time goes on, I hope to help you improve your understanding of yourself and your relationships, while working towards meeting your identified goals and making tangible change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths come from the many years of experience gained while working with individuals who were in the midst of experiencing loss, major life transitions, or were in crisis. My experience working with individuals and families from all different socio economic, racial and cultural backgrounds have strengthened my belief in the importance of treating everyone with respect & understanding. I believe that it's important to acknowledge and work with a individual where they are at and I strongly believe everyone is capable of change. My hope is to build a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with you, so that you feel empowered and gain self awareness & insight, while we work towards the changes you have identified. It takes courage to recognize something isn't working right in your life and to begin the process of looking at how you got to where you are, all while figuring out what steps are needed to take a different path.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with individuals who are motivated, committed to regularly attending sessions and are open to looking internally at how they can make changes that will assist them in living their best life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have utilized a variety of different approaches to assist individuals in gaining insight and in making changes in their functioning and coping abilities. I pull from different treatment modalities because no two people are alike. One approach that I have used often in working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, who are feeling stuck in a cycle of continual worry & avoidance, is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a proven method to manage turning the noise down in your mind, helping to empower an individual by recognizing how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected. CBT is a coping strategy that works by identifying and changing the negative thought patterns we tell ourselves that prevent us from moving forward.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy works by having individuals explore how past experiences and unconscious emotions shape our current thoughts and behaviors. In our society we've often been told as children, "get over it", it's not that simple. The imprint of a traumatic event, no matter how big or small, may leave us with unresolved feelings that impact our current thoughts, behaviors and relationships. In my practice I have found psychodynamic therapy to be helpful for individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties . This approach works by allowing the individual to explore and recognize how repressed emotions impact current decision making, relationships patterns and overall functioning. The process can help an individual develop self awareness and insight to make lasting change. This approach does take some time and commitment. However, if you are looking for more then temporary symptom relief but lasting growth and change, psycho dynamic therapy is a great treatment approach.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness based therapy is also another approach I have experience with, it is based on principles of mindfulness meditation. It can help individuals reduce stress and anxiety by learning to be internally self aware, promote self acceptance and self compassion. With the combination of CBT and mindfulness, the goal is to help an individual gain greater awareness of thoughts and the world around them, without resorting to destructive and automatic responses.