I love my profession! I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (independently licensed in FL and MA) for over 25 years with experience working with adults and adolescents, both female and male, inspiring hope while working together to develop essential life skills and healthy coping tools. I take a strength-based approach as I believe everyone can grow and change. The hardest and most important step is reaching out and asking for help, so you are on your way to a better place in your life. Do you find that you tend to dwell on the past and things you can’t change? Do you worry about the future, the what if’s and things you cannot predict? Do you find that you are so busy in life, maybe taking care of others, putting their needs ahead of your own or you forget or don’t feel you have time to take care of yourself? That’s where I can help. I specialize in treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosocial stressors/major life changes, self-esteem building, social skills, trauma and grief. I am very knowledgeable about mental health diagnosis' however I concentrate less on the actual diagnosis because a mental illness does not define who you are. I am here to help guide you to a happy and healthy place in your life.

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

Change starts today. Therapy doesn't need to go on for years and that gets very expensive. I take a goal-oriented approach. We will work together on establishing your goals for therapy, identifying and eliminating barriers to change while feeling hopeful and excited about your future. I help people learn mindfulness skills and how to calm their mind and body and slow down their thoughts in order to make thoughtful and well-informed decisions.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I specialize in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and am certified in CBT for depression which is an EBP (evidence based practice.) Understanding our thoughts and how they impact our emotions and behavior is essential to change and it is empowering because you will learn how to control your thoughts and emotions rather than allowing them to control you. I will provide you with education to develop healthy patterns of communication and functioning. I will guide you in the development of productive coping skills and tools while eliminating self- defeating behaviors. Role-plays in therapy are a great way of practicing old patterns of communication while developing improved communication skills.

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

Developing rapport and trust with patients is necessary in order to be a good therapist. I take an individualized approach while focusing on your strengths in a comfortable and non-threatening environment. I won't tell you what to do but rather guide you while working collaboratively. I like to motivate and inspire people, so you recognize your full potential.

About Erika Leigh Grandberg, LICSW MA, LCSW FL