Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Georgia with over 15 years of experience in the field. I earned my Master's degree from the University of Georgia, and throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in diverse and impactful settings. My experience includes serving as a hospice social worker, where I provided compassionate care and support to patients and their families during end-of-life stages. Additionally, I have worked as a mobile crisis assessor in various emergency rooms, assessing and assisting individuals in crisis situations to ensure they receive the appropriate care. My background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and the importance of providing empathetic, client-centered support across a range of settings.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment where they can openly express their thoughts and emotions. Given your expertise, they can anticipate a personalized approach that addresses their specific struggles, whether it's anxiety, depression, or grief. You’ll use evidence-based techniques to help them understand and manage their emotions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies, mindfulness practices, or tailored grief counseling. In a crisis intervention situation, clients can expect immediate support to stabilize and guide them through their emotions. You’ll work collaboratively with them to identify coping strategies and problem-solving tools for navigating difficult situations. Your years of experience mean that clients will receive practical, empathetic, and skilled guidance to help them feel heard, supported, and empowered to take steps toward healing.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
ChatGPT Memory Full You said: What clients can expect from a session with me, a seasoned license clinical social worker with experience in grief counseling, mental health, and crisis intervention, with specialty in anxiety, depression, and grief. ChatGPT said: Clients can expect a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment where they can openly express their thoughts and emotions. Given your expertise, they can anticipate a personalized approach that addresses their specific struggles, whether it's anxiety, depression, or grief. You’ll use evidence-based techniques to help them understand and manage their emotions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies, mindfulness practices, or tailored grief counseling. In a crisis intervention situation, clients can expect immediate support to stabilize and guide them through their emotions. You’ll work collaboratively with them to identify coping strategies and problem-solving tools for navigating difficult situations. Your years of experience mean that clients will receive practical, empathetic, and skilled guidance to help them feel heard, supported, and empowered to take steps toward healing. You said: What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a provider? ChatGPT said: As a provider, my greatest strengths include: Empathy and Compassion – I strive to provide thoughtful and supportive responses, especially in sensitive situations like hospice care and mental health support. Comprehensive Knowledge – I offer expertise across a wide range of topics, including medical, psychosocial, and practical care solutions. Clear and Concise Communication – I break down complex information into easily digestible and actionable advice. Adaptability – I tailor my responses to meet the unique needs of each individual and situation. Resourcefulness – I help connect individuals with relevant resources and support systems, whether it’s emotional, medical, or logistical assistance. Non-Judgmental Support – I provide a safe space for open discussions, ensuring that individuals and families feel heard and validated. Consistency and Reliability – I’m always here to provide guidance, education, and support whenever needed.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
With over 15 years of experience as an LCSW, I am well-positioned to serve a wide range of clients, particularly those facing complex and sensitive life circumstances. My background in hospice social work allows me to work with individuals and families dealing with end-of-life issues, grief, and loss. I am also highly equipped to assist clients experiencing acute or chronic mental health crises, especially those in emergency settings, due to my experience as a mobile crisis assessor in emergency rooms. I am particularly skilled in helping individuals who are dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and stress, and I am committed to providing compassionate, client-centered support. My experience also positions me well to serve those navigating difficult transitions, such as major life changes, health challenges, or emotional crises. I am dedicated to offering a safe, empathetic space for clients to process their experiences, heal, and develop the coping skills they need to improve their well-being.
About Nissy Kurian-Shajan
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective and widely used treatment approach in mental health care. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns, we can change our emotional responses and behaviors. As a therapist (hypothetically), I would typically use CBT in a structured and goal-oriented manner. It involves the following steps: 1. **Assessment and Goal Setting**: I would begin by assessing the client's issues, concerns, and goals. We would collaboratively set clear, measurable goals for therapy. 2. **Cognitive Restructuring**: I would help the client identify and challenge negative thoughts (cognitive distortions) such as catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, or overgeneralizing. We work together to replace these with more balanced, realistic thoughts. 3. **Behavioral Interventions**: CBT also incorporates behavioral techniques like exposure therapy (gradually facing feared situations) and activity scheduling (increasing positive activities) to help clients change maladaptive behaviors. 4. **Homework Assignments**: CBT often includes tasks for clients to complete between sessions. This could include keeping thought records, practicing new coping skills, or testing out new behaviors. 5. **Skills Building**: Clients are taught coping skills, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving strategies to help manage stress and anxiety. In practice, CBT is structured, time-limited, and evidence-based. It's particularly useful for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative, where the therapist and client work together as a team to address the client’s specific concerns. This approach allows clients to become their own therapists by teaching them skills they can use long after therapy ends.