Associate Clinical Social Worker
Top four Areas of Specialty
- Teen Issues
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Group Counseling
- Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW96289)
- Master’s in Social Work, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- BA in Sociology, with a minor in Communications, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
- Experience working with severely emotionally disturbed patients in a psychiatric hospital setting
- Background working with teens experiencing emotional hardship/ crisis
- Effective at running group counseling sessions that promote communication, exploration, and boundary setting.
- Implements the use of Evidence-Based Practices as well as alternative modes of therapy like art and yoga to promote healing and self-exploration.
Having overcome many of my own obstacles and personal struggles, I know what it is like to face adversity. My journey towards becoming a therapist began when I realized my greatest accomplishments could not have been achieved without the help of others along the way. I knew I wanted to be a person someone could turn to when they needed a helping hand. I believe that therapists should be empathic, responsible, and knowledgeable, which are the guiding principles I use in my own practice
Throughout my life I have worked for several years in hospitality which provided the opportunity to meet many different people from all over the world. It is through this occupation that I learned about building relationships, communicating effectively, and the power that simple gestures of kindness can have over people. I was also exposed to many different customs, cultures, and lifestyles that have aided me in my work as a counselor.
My experience as a youth counselor at the SCV Youth Project allowed me to work directly with teens both individually and in groups. There, I dealt with issues including grief and loss, self-esteem, anger management, suicidal ideation, transgender issues, identity issues, sexual abuse, and more. I also have experience working as a Social Work Intern at a locked behavioral health unit for individuals on a 72-hour hold. There I worked with people facing myriad mental health struggles including depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and more. Many of these folks were experiencing suicidal ideation and psychosis. It was a grand opportunity to be able work with some of the most vulnerable in our population and get them to services. I was also able to meet with them individually as well as lead process groups.
As a newly graduated Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am working under the direct supervision of Donald Goodman, LCSW, who has over 20 years of experience working in human services, 13 of which are in private practice. Under his guidance, I have the opportunity to learn from his professional experiences and be able to provide the best help to my clients.
I believe everyone has their own unique abilities and strengths that can allow them to overcome hardships and setbacks and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.