LCSW-C, 19 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a License Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in Maryland, District of Columbia and Delaware and have been working in the field for 19 years. I have been working as a social worker and therapist with adults 18-100 years old, veterans, couples, and families of all backgrounds in VA health care system. My experience spans mental health, substance abuse, individual, couples t, family therapy and education. I have Masters in Social Work and Masters in Special Education. . I have been working with one of the most vulnerable populations our nations heroes veterans and their families who have experience trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, military sexual trauma, suicidal ideation, social economic problems and other health issues such. I am also professionally trained in strategies to help clients to help them live successful and fulfilling life.. I am a caring person who is in this field to help others heal and succeed in their endeavors. I am bilingual in English and Serbia language.
In our first session together we will get to know each other by reviewing key practice policies, and limitations of confidentially. It will also entail a lot of information gathering and beginning to establish rapport. We will talk about what's bringing you to therapy, set up goals that you would like to achieve and create treatment plan. You will have the chance to ask me about my background, my training, and my treatment modalities.
I have dealt with many challenges in my personal life such as war, trauma, displacement, immigration, assimilation and I understand how difficult it can be to get up in the morning and go on with your life when we have been knocked down. I also know how is feels to be in the therapy.
I love working with anyone who has a sincere desire to improve some aspects of their life. Someone who is eager to learn about themselves and about new tools them could help them achieve changes and live fulfilling live.
In my practice I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression, anxiety, substance abuse.
In my work with individuals and couples who have difficulties in relationships I like to use attachment base therapy that is based on attachment theory developed by John Bowbly. Its a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the early attachment relationships between individuals and their caregivers that shape and individual's attachment style which can influence their ability to form healthy relationship later in life.
In my experience working with couple for PTSD I have used attachment therapy, strength perspective providing education if needed to a spouse about PTSD, providing a supportive space for communication, empathy and shared coping strategies for traumatic experiences.
I have worked 9 year in substance abuse rehabilitation program and have seen many individuals with dual diagnoses, Substance Use Disorder and Mental health diagnosis. I have provided therapy for Major Depressive Dis I and II., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Bipolar Disorder I and II and many other mental health disorders. In my work with substance use disorder clients I used motivational interviewing to helps my client resolve their ambivalence about changing their behavior by drawing on their internal motivation to change. I would use open ended questions, reflective listening, summarization and affirmation to build rapport to help client explore their strengths and the consequences of their substance use
In cases where cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing have not produce wanted results I would use psychodynamic therapy to better understand and resolve unconscious conflict and early childhood experiences that might have played major role in individuals decision to start using drugs.