Hello! My name is May and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at UCLA and my Masters from California State, Long Beach. Through addressing diverse concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, identity issues, grief and loss, trauma, stress, and life transitions, the impact has been multifaceted. Clients have reported enhanced self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a greater capacity to manage emotions. The therapeutic process facilitated positive shifts in perspectives, fostering resilience and empowering individuals to navigate challenges more effectively, ultimately promoting overall well-being and personal growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, we'll start with brief introductions to establish a comfortable and collaborative environment. I'll encourage you to share your specific challenges and the areas you'd like support with. This discussion will serve as a foundation for us to create a goal-oriented plan tailored to your needs, providing a roadmap for our subsequent sessions. Together, we'll work towards addressing these challenges and fostering positive changes in alignment with your personal goals and aspirations.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe that building a genuine therapeutic relationship is the key to effective therapy, and it's a commitment I prioritize in my practice. My style is characterized by relational warmth, interactivity, and directness, creating a non-judgmental space for clients. I approach therapy collaboratively, focusing on strengths and helping clients raise awareness of their unique situations. My goal is to assist individuals in creating new, value-aligned behavior patterns, fostering meaningful and lasting change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in working with motivated young adults and adults who are committed to making positive changes in their lives but may feel unsure about where to start. My passion lies in helping individuals explore the intricate connections between their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to enhance their mental health. I particularly enjoy working with individuals from mixed cultural backgrounds or those who are first-generation, valuing the unique perspectives they bring to the therapeutic process. I may not be the best fit for clients requiring a higher level of care, individuals with severe mental illness, or those diagnosed with personality disorders. Specialized expertise and a more intensive therapeutic environment might be more suitable for their needs. It's essential for these clients to seek professionals with specific training and resources to address their unique challenges and provide the comprehensive support required for their well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I've utilized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals increase psychological flexibility by accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to values-based actions. Through experiential exercises, I've guided clients to identify values, defuse from unhelpful thoughts, and take committed steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I've worked collaboratively with clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, helping them gain insight into how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. Utilizing evidence-based strategies, I've assisted individuals in developing coping skills, setting realistic goals, and fostering positive behavioral changes to improve overall mental well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
A big part of my therapeutic work is helping clients take steps towards the life they want to create for themselves. I've utilized Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to facilitate open and non-judgmental conversations, exploring and strengthening clients intrinsic motivation for positive change. By employing reflective listening and asking open-ended questions, I've helped clients clarify their goals, address ambivalence, and move towards sustainable behavior change in areas such as health, relationships, or personal development.