LMSW-C, 20 years of experience
Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Masters level Social Worker (LMSW) based in MIchigan. I received my master's degree from Wayne State University, and I have been practicing for 20 years. I have worked in a multicultural school system in the initial part of my career, and I also worked in an urban areas inpatient and outpatient mental health hospitals . Over the years I have helped improve the lives of adults, children and the elderly who are struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, severe mental illness, job transition, conflict resolution, are some of many other challenges that I have my clients to overcome. In addition I am trilingual and speak English, Arabic and the Chaldean languages. I have worked with clients from various cultural backgrounds, ethnicities and races and I have guided them through th emost difficult period of adjusting and transitioning into their new country.
During our first session and after a brief interdiction, we will review current challenges and we will customize a plan of action that we can focus on for future sessions.
Having worked with adults and children who face challenges in the last 20 years I have developed a strong skill in identifying root causes and worked closely with my clients develop a well-tailored treatment plan that leads to foreseeable progress.
I have worked with adults and children who experience challenges and who are eager to find the needed coping skills and tools to reach their treatment goals. Clients are pleased when they are provided needed tools that enhances their life and lessens their burdens.
I have incorporated CBT to reach client's treatment goals. in current employment I use CBT therapy to identify clients' primary goals. CBT incorporates a triangle relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavior. Initially, as a CBT Therapist I will assist clients in identifying troubling issues, such as anger, fear, worry or self-image, for e.g. Through a collaborate relationship that consist of setting an action plans and assigned homework. During the sessions, the client will break down an over whelming issues into smaller manageable ones by using CBT techniques and tools. CBT is active short-term therapy which focuses on the present. CBT teaches client skills and techniques to cope and alter behavior.
Motivational interviewing (MI) approach assist clients in changing behavior by increasing their motivation. It's a non-confrontational person-center approach which validates the individual's thoughts and feelings of ambivalence or resistance to change. MI employes clinical strategies such as reflective listening, expressing acceptance of patience goals.
I provide faith based therapy to those who believe in higher power and traditional values. Faith based counseling provides emotional and spiritual support that can help the client deal with variety of issues. I consider my client's religion and culture and how it impacts their decisions and related issues that they are dealing with. Whether my client actually discuss spiritual subjects or incorporate religious practices into your sessions is up to the client. A faith-based therapist can help you connect the work you are doing in therapy to the spiritual path you follow.
I have worked closely with clients in mental health substance use program who utilized faith based therapy, as source of support and commitment to their recovery. Understanding one’s Relgious and cultural background is part of healing and recovery hence I meet client where they are at and support their goals and objectives.