Casz McCarthy LCSW

The book that has most influenced my therapeutic style is the book "No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz. This is a self-help style book written by the creator of Internal Family Systems therapy. It has been fundamental in grounding me in parts work and deepening my understanding of myself and those I work with. If you have seen the movie "Inside Out" you may already have an understanding of parts work.

We live in a world of incredible suffering and inequality, and I always hold in my heart that "a better world is possible." When clients come to me and are suffering I hold for them too, that, "a better world is possible," that there is beauty through the trees, and we can reach it together. I also fundamentally believe that all humans are deserving of love and care, even those who may have harmed others, it is a radical approach to love and empathy, and I believe that this philosophy is evident in my work with clients.

The most profound piece of knowledge I have learned as a therapist is that, sometimes, skills are not the solution, and that simply being present and attuned with my client can be the most impactful intervention towards healing.

• Illinois, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 149027762

For the past seven years I have worked for a variety of community mental health organizations. From case management with asylum seekers and refugees, to substance use treatment for incarcerated individuals, to intensive outpatient work for folks in crisis, and to trauma therapy with LGBTQ+ youth. Through it all, the root cause of suffering I have seen is trauma and grief/loss and that has informed the type of work I do with clients.