Kelly MaherLCSW

The first session is about getting to know each other, gathering information, discussing expectations, and starting to set some goals for treatment. I will share information about the purpose of therapy, the process, and what you can expect from me and from treatment. We will be reviewing the intake paperwork you completed, and I will also be asking you some questions to help me get to know you better and to start to get a sense of how I might be able to help you. We will talk about the factors that brought you to treatment, your current challenges, your strengths, and your core values. This part may seem tedious, but please bear with me. I want you to know that this question-and-answer format is only for the beginning of this process, and is not what the majority of our work together will look like moving forward. Additionally, you will be encouraged to ask any questions that you may have about therapy, my approach / style, my experience, etc. At the end of the session I will also teach you a short grounding / deep breathing exercise and invite you to try practicing it with me. My hope is that you walk away from the first session with a deeper understanding of therapy, what you can expect from me and the therapeutic process, who I am and what I can offer you, a sense of whether this is the right fit for you, and one helpful technique you can take and use outside of sessions.

Determining goals for therapy should be a collaborative process, and so together we will explore your values, strengths, and challenges to create goals that are motivating, feel approachable, and that will create meaningful changes. I recognize that there are many factors that brought you to this moment, and it’s important that we understand and honor them in this process. We will engage in meaningful discussions to better understand these factors and how they relate to you seeking support now. This will help focus and guide our work together. By understanding what’s most important to you, we can make sure that treatment aligns with your core values and that we are focusing on goals and progress that will be most meaningful to you.

I place a very high value on the strength of the therapeutic relationship, as this partnership is the foundation for this work. I believe that when people feel safe, cared for, respected, and understood the possibilities for transformation are endless.

• Florida, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW12110

I would describe my style as patient, understanding, caring, and compassionate. I am committed to creating a space that feels as safe and as comfortable as possible. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and dignity, and I don’t believe in stigmatizing labels. I am committed to showing up with compassion, with respect, and without judgment. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to support and encourage you to access the wisdom, resources, and strengths that exist within you already. Over the past 10 years I have had the privilege of working with and helping many people with a wide range of concerns and challenges. For most of my career I have worked in both residential and outpatient community mental health settings where I have helped individuals and families with a wide range of concerns including self-esteem, depression, stress, anxiety, adjusting to transitions and changes, managing anger, assertive communication skills, family conflict, and parenting problems. I have also helped many people who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma and traumatic stress. In the past year I have moved my practice from in-office sessions to electronic platforms and video sessions, which allows more flexibility and less barriers for the clients I serve. My approach to psychotherapy and counseling is strengths-based at its core, rooted in humanistic, person-centered models, and is trauma-sensitive. I also draw from acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy. My role is to create a space in which you feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow and to progress in ways that are most meaningful to you.