Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina (with NC and VA licenses). I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at NC State University and my graduate degree at Florida State University. I have been practicing therapy for about 6 years now.
In our first session, we'll get to know each other a bit better with introductions. We'll also review your concerns and reasons for seeking therapy, and I'll likely ask several questions to help me better understand your life and what you hope to gain in our work together. Together we'll determine what issues to work on, goals for treatment, and of course, you'll be able to ask any questions you may have or comments/concerns with the therapy process.
My greatest strength as a provider is my willingness and ability to create a genuinely accepting, non-judgmental safe space for my clients in which they feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. As a person-centered provider, I have seen the value in providing such an atmosphere that yields positive results for my clients.
I enjoy working with adults of all ages dealing with a variety of issues, though I have most often worked with individuals who are struggling with depressive symptoms which may be impacting their ability to function at work, in school, within their relationships, or in other areas of daily life. These clients often deal with low self-esteem, poor confidence, and difficulties finding satisfaction and direction in life. Through consistent work together, these individuals can find peace, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives.
Mandi Cooke offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
I center everything I do in practice on the person-centered (PC) approach and it forms the basis of my work with each and every client. PC practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, empathetic, accepting environment where the client can openly share and explore, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes.
I utilize CBT with most clients as needed to evaluate the impact that an individual's thoughts and values have on how they respond emotionally and behaviorally in their lives, and then build strategies and skills for developing more adaptive and helpful ways of viewing their world.