Mary Schaefer LCSW

In our first session, we will review your strengths. Often when life seems off balance we can miss seeing strengths and how they may be able to assist in navigating challenges. It is also empowering to identify strengths as they are often more abundant when we actively look or them. We will also delve into what brings you to seek a collaborative therapeutic partnership. In discussion, you will identify some of your current challenges and stressors and how they are impacting your day to day. We will also explore your de-stressing, and relaxation strategies and I will suggest some additional ones to try and potentially use regularly. I will provide an overview of evidence-based techniques that are most applicable to what you identify as the focus of your goals. We will discuss and collaborate on a plan for your progress. We will then discuss more of what is going on in your day-to-day that is challenging. I will encourage self-awareness of identifying your thoughts and feelings and give you opportunities for feelings processing while offering validation, active listening and support. At the session close, we will recap the session content, and collaboratively make a plan for you to use new skills or identified strengths with plans to discuss progress in this in the next session. Future sessions will have similar content and will provide ongoing support for your use of regular self-care, relaxation, engaging in activities and interests you enjoy and the use of skills such as self-compassion and self-encouragement. I will offer compassionate support and validation of your efforts and progress and encourage you in the same in your inner self-talk.

My extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides opportunities to explore thought patterns and connections between thoughts and feelings. CBT encourages perspective-taking and the use of tools to grow and develop new and more balanced thinking patterns. CBT is well used to assist in navigating many challenges including those of anxiety, depression and grief and loss and is an empowering treatment with ongoing encouragement of skills used in sessions and in day-to-day experiences. Skills to support emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness through teaching Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills to supplement CBT tools are also provided when applicable. To assist with social anxiety, fears, some general anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tendencies, my training in Exposure Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention would be applicable. My training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) can help assist in addressing trauma and would utilize CBT and/ or Exposure Therapy. Additionally, I am strength-based and focused and will help you explore your existing and emerging strengths to support your self-empowerment. Skills including the use of mindfulness, gratitude, relaxation and self-care are encouraged and supported as well.

• Pennsylvania, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CW020496