My name is Ashley Oakes, and I am an African American woman dedicated to the field of professional social work. I bring extensive experience in serving diverse clients, particularly those from underserved communities. Over the past five years, I have worked as a case manager supporting individuals living with HIV. My role has involved helping clients navigate the challenges of an HIV-positive diagnosis, including acceptance, access to medical care, treatment adherence, and medication management. I have a deep understanding of the barriers faced by underserved populations and am committed to empowering my clients as they move toward improved health and well-being. In addition, I have worked with clients managing serious chronic health conditions in primary care settings. My focus has been on helping individuals find the motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices, addressing behaviors that negatively impact their health, and encouraging practices that ultimately reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Currently, I provide clinical social work services to individuals involved in the criminal legal system. For the past three years, I have supported clients in addressing both childhood and current traumas, including those arising from interactions with the justice system. My work aims to foster healing, resilience, and positive change in their lives. I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities, addressing systemic barriers, and supporting clients in achieving their goals and improving their overall quality of life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, clients can expect to learn more about their therapist and the therapeutic process. We will begin with an initial intake, using a bio-psychosocial assessment to gather detailed information about the client's background, life experiences, and current challenges. This process helps build a comprehensive understanding of the client's unique situation. The session will also include a discussion of the client's goals and expectations for therapy, as well as an overview of what therapy entails and the expectations for both client and therapist. Clients will have the opportunity to ask questions about the therapist's background, experience, and treatment approach to ensure a good fit and build trust from the outset. This first session sets the foundation for a collaborative and client-centered therapeutic relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist, I bring strong communication and active listening skills, ensuring that clients feel heard, understood, and valued. I approach each session with empathy and compassion, creating a safe and nonjudgemental space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I am committed to self-awareness, acknowledging and addressing my own biases to provide equitable and respectful care. Additionally, I practice unconditional positive regard, accepting clients' situations without judgement and supporting their journey towards healing and personal growth.
About Ashley Oakes
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I have 9 years of experience with integrating motivation interviewing into practice. Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, goal oriented therapeutic approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence and strengthen their commitment to change. I utilize this treatment modality in my practice to build the client and therapist relationship and express empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance, and support self-efficacy. By using motivation interviewing I will empower clients to explore their own motivations for change, identity barriers, and build a sense of ownership over their progress.
Trauma Informed Care
I utilized Trauma Informed Care or (TIC) with clients I work with in the criminal justice system. I have provided clinical and forensic social work services for 3 years. In my practice, Trauma informed care is an intervention I utilized with those clients who have experienced/ and or currently experiencing trauma. Trauma Informed Care is used to foster a healing environment that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma while promoting resilience, recovery, and empowerment.
Psychoeducation
I have been implementing psycho education into practice for 9 years. Psycho education is used to inform clients of their mental health conditions, emotions, behaviors, or treatment options. Psycho education is used to empower clients of their healing process. It enhances understanding, reduces stigma, and promotes active engagement in therapy. Some examples of psycho education that I utilize are visual aids (powerpoint presentations, handouts, pamphlets etc.)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have 9 years of experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress or maladaptive patterns. Some CBT techniques that I implement in therapy sessions with clients are Thought Records (Record the situation, thought, and feeling), cognitive restructuring: Challenge distorted beliefs by finding another way to look at something that causes the client distress etc.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have 9 years of experience implementing solution focused brief treatment in practice. Solution Focused Brief Treatment, is a goal oriented, strengths-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes building solutions rather than delving into problems. Some techniques that are used are: Miracle Questioning-this helps clients envision a clear picture of their ideal future, Scaling Questions- Measure progress or assess confidence and motivation, Exception Questions-Focus on times when the client successfully managed or overcame the problem, Coping Questions-Acknowledge the client's resilience by asking: how they have managed to cope with this situation so far?, Provide compliments-Recognize and validate the clients efforts and strengths.