Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for a change? You're not alone. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience, I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and major life transitions with a compassionate, evidence-based approach. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps forward. My approach is personalized to your needs, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices to help you break free from unhelpful patterns, build resilience, and improve relationships. Whether you're adjusting to a major life change, struggling with self-doubt, relationship ambivalence, or searching for greater clarity and balance, I’m here to help. Therapy is a powerful tool for gaining insight, fostering self-compassion, and creating lasting change. Let’s work together to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we’ll begin to explore what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions to get to know you better, including your current challenges, goals, and any relevant background that feels important to share. This session is about creating a safe space for you to speak openly and feel heard without judgment. We’ll discuss what you hope to gain from therapy and identify areas you’d like to focus on. I’ll also share how I work, including the approaches I use, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and compassion-focused techniques, and how they might align with your needs. This is a collaborative process, and I encourage you to ask questions or express any concerns. By the end of the first session, we’ll have a clearer idea of your goals and next steps. Most importantly, the first session is about building trust and starting a partnership that supports your journey toward growth and healing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

What makes me unique as a therapist is my ability to deeply connect with clients from all walks of life, drawing from over 30 years of experience as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with a wide range of individuals facing diverse challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, relationship issues, and managing caregiving responsibilities. Each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients, grounded in evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and compassion-focused therapy. My work spans helping parents navigate the complexities of family dynamics, guiding individuals through relationship struggles, and supporting those managing caregiving roles while balancing their own needs. I’ve also assisted clients dealing with significant life changes, such as divorce, illness, or career transitions, providing them with tools to build resilience and move forward with confidence. What sets me apart is not just my clinical expertise but my ability to create a space where clients feel genuinely understood and supported. I have a particular strength in helping individuals challenge unhelpful thought patterns, foster self-compassion, and navigate complex family and personal dynamics with clarity and grace. Whether it’s a young parent managing the chaos of family life, an individual overwhelmed by caregiving duties, or someone seeking to break free from self-doubt and guilt, I guide clients toward greater emotional well-being and balance. My genuine care, extensive experience, and ability to meet clients exactly where they are make me a trusted partner in helping them achieve meaningful change. Together, we’ll work to uncover your strengths, develop practical strategies, and create a path toward healing and growth.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Life can feel uncertain and overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I help adults who are ready to explore their emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create meaningful change. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or relationship challenges, I provide a compassionate, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. I work best with individuals seeking to improve emotional well-being, build resilience, and develop healthier relationships. If you’re carrying self-doubt, guilt, or a sense of being stuck, I’ll help you uncover your strengths and develop practical tools to manage life’s challenges. Together, we’ll focus on balance, clarity, and reducing stress so you can live in alignment with your values and goals. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just a willingness to take the first step. Let’s work together to help you thrive, not just survive.

About Lisa VanBaalen