LCSW, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, my name is Wisdom and I am a LCSW. I have 7+s years as a therapist and became licensed in 2023. I received my undergraduate degree in 2013 from UCSB and my MSW in 2018 from CSUSM. I am certified in (C-DBT) , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I believe that trauma, that is unprocessed and/or not fully integrated, can become stored in our bodies and lead to somatic, body, and/or emotional "tor-mentors" (Schwartz, 2023). As such, I utilize Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), such as massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, in therapy sessions and/or bridge outside connections to these resources. I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed clinician and apply parts work in sessions that helps illuminate segments of ourself that holds onto certain burdens. Navigating through life can be quite complicated, though whether you choose to Accept this or not can allow room for Change or continued suffering.
During our first session, I will get to know you and what your goals are in treatment, including the symptoms that interfere with your daily life. As a team we will identify and develop a plan that is individualized and supported by evidence based practices (EBP). Strengths, interests, and hopes will also be identified and incorporated into a self-care routine that can help replenish and nurture change and growth. I may ask standardized questions, though you are the expert on yourself and
I believe that one of my greatest strengths lies in being able to self-reflect, introspection. I realize that I do not have all the answers, and never will have all the answers. Though with this understanding comes the ability to seek out the answer and learn from others.
I primarily work with adults (18+) who seek support for their anxiety, depression, and Trauma related symptoms. Often times along with these struggles comes a decrease in self-esteem, shame, or guilt that can further hinder progress. Our mind and body operate co-currently and thus a goal in treatment is to target both somatic and emotional "psychological kernels" (Jana Fisher) that may interfere with your daily life. Trauma often involves "normal responses to abnormal situations" (Mate, 2010) and the ability to normalization this is important and can be transformative.
I have been certified in DBT (C-DBT) and utilize the four pillars Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotional Regulation skills. These skills help facilitate a space for those who struggle with managing symptoms. This bottom- up approach allows us to work from a place where trauma is often stored, the body.
I have taken several Polyvagal courses and utilize this approach to help those who have identified trauma remain regulated and understand our bodies response to the impact of trauma. I also hold a CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional) certificate that has allowed my to incorporated Polyvagal therapy and somatics, targeting both the body and mind simultaneously.
I believe that psychoeducation is the foundation to healing. My trainings and certifications have provided me with education about the mind-body connection and how our natural responses to external stimuli is biology based and should be normalized. Its hard to "fix" what you don't know. Being educated on these matters is very important and something that I often refer back to as the sessions continue.