Shanell Mowatt

LCSW

Typically a first session would involve a conversation of what you are attempting to gain from therapy. I would explore what things you have identified as issues or things you would like to address throughout our work together. I would like to discuss what your "take" on therapy is and what things you have found to be helpful for you during previous therapy sessions (if there is past experience). Although this session may include more dialogue from me as I utilize this session to try to understand your meaning of therapy, your issues and goals.

I first start by having the client identify what their understanding of a goal is. I would like to make sure that both the client and I hold the same understanding of how they view goals. I then work with guiding the client in identifying what their needs/issues are and help them in developing goals that are attainable. In defining goals for the client, the process entails unpacking issues that the client has identified as things they want to work on or that are effecting their daily functioning.

I am driven by the theory of meeting a client where they are at (in their journey). My main approach that I usually use in every session (to some extent) is client-centered therapy. This approach rejects the idea of therapists as authorities. I approach my sessions with the knowledge that a person's therapy has to be somewhat tailored by what they identify as an issue/problem in their daily living. I typically will utilize different approaches and combination of elements from multiple approaches with clients mainly dependent on what the goal is and/or what seems to be effectively working with the client. Some of the approaches I often use are Psychoanalysis, where the focus is mainly on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their meanings and motivations. Behavior therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, which focuses on thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive therapy, which emphasizes what people think rather than what they do..