Hello, my name is Kelley Machado, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut. You may wonder what does Licensed Clinical Social Worker mean, what does that allow me to do? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have the unique opportunity to help people work through various points in their lives. In the years I have been a social worker I have worked with various populations of people from many socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds as well as people with various presenting concerns. I began my career working in the mental health system, then the criminal justice system, then onto medical social work including various medical issues as well as aging and end of life concerns. I believe people can experience difficulties with coping whenever faced with a transition in life. These changes can include monumental transitions that are both good or bad, like a new job, new family members, loss, separations, disappointments, traumatic events, etc. These types of experiences can cause psychosocial distress which can have far-reaching impacts on many aspects of our lives. I work with my clients who include children, adults, couples, and families to find healthy coping methods in order to gain a healthier perception of themselves which can help to strengthen their relationships with themselves and others so they can find themselves as comfortable, secure, and whole. I take time to get to know each of my clients on an individual basis so that I can tailor approaches to care because I have learned that not one approach impacts and helps all clients. I have been trained and adopted many approaches to provide therapeutic support including cognitive-behavioral, attachment theory, developmental theory, trauma theory, and dialectical behavioral theory. Change is not easy and embarking on change takes a tremendous amount of courage and actions. I congratulate you on your wish, strength, and wisdom for seeking help and taking this first step towards making a change in your life. If you are prepared to move beyond wishes and intentions to action and fulfillment- I am here to empower and support you to achieve your goals. I would love to help you reach your goals, whatever that may be in life so you can move forward
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first sessions we will get to know each other better to make sure I understand your needs and concerns as well as give you an opportunity to get to know my style and approaches to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward working together. Also during these sessions we will be making connections in order to build a better understanding of presenting concerns. Our sessions will seek to enhance your understanding of yourself and the various life experiences that may contribute to concerns. My hope will be assisting you with improving your internal understanding to improve your relationship with your self and others.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize differing approaches to gain insights as well as assist with making changes to functioning and coping.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I take pride in my understanding of how development impacts the development of our relationship with ourselves because that relationship is the baseline for all of our other relationships. I also believe it is important to know and understand the way traumatic experiences can impact all areas of our lives.