LCSW, 15 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi there- I'm Dr. Lella Still. For the past 15 years, I've worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, in a variety of roles from direct patient care to leadership. I have been independently licensed as a clinical social worker since 2013 and obtained my doctorate in social work in 2023. I have since transitioned out of inpatient care to a role in academia, but I have a strong desire to maintain that connection to clinical work and help individuals who are struggling. I have a particular interest and expertise in Serious Mental Illness (SMI), those suffering with mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. I would also love to work with individuals who are caregivers for individuals with SMI.
During the first session, I'll be wanting to get to know you and learning about your goals for treatment. You may not fully know, and that's OK! More often than not, the "reason" you're seeking therapy is complex and multi-faceted.
I pride myself in taking a warm, empathic approach. I strive to be collaborative, while providing actionable skills you can use to improve your life. Using a dialectical approach, we'll focus on both acceptance and change.
If you are struggling with your mental health and need a compassionate therapist who listens without judgment, coaches rather than directs, and if you are looking to learn actionable skills to meet your goals, we may be a good fit!
DBT is a popular, skill-based treatment modality used to treat a variety of mood disorders, and perhaps most specifically, geared towards those with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). I have used this method on adult inpatient units and as a guide for leading adolescent groups. DBT's core components include Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness
Motivational Interviewing is an approach to therapy more akin to coaching, and less concerned with advice-giving. We'll explore your motivations by listening, reflecting back, validating, and assessing readiness for change or action.
I was trained in CAMS during the opening of an Empath Unit (Emergency Psychiatric Treatment and Healing) where 60% of individuals presenting had either attempted or thought about attempting suicide. This approach takes a judgment-free and collaborative stance, with the clinician and client assessing the situation together each session. CAMS works well with DBT and other behavior modification approaches.