Wanjiru Waweru-Benson LCSW

The pandemic has resolved one of the greatest barriers to mental health services as clients can now access services from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the world for that matter, eliminationg the loss of travel time and loss of time from work. However, the barriers of social/cultural stigmas still remain. There are significant dissiparites in access to mental health services for different racial groups. Some people are still afraid that they will be treated differently in the work place, and by friends or relatives should it be known they have a mental health issue. As such people do not always seek services when necessary. The other barrier is that we still do not have enough licensed mental health workers and clients sometimes have to wait for a while before they can get an appoinmtent with a provider. There is not enought education or awareness regarding mental health challenges. Sometimes a client will struggle for a long time, at times even seeking services with their primary care provider because they are not aware what they suffer from is a mental health issue. You have probably overcome one or more of these barriers to get here, and for that I applaud you, welcome to this safe healing place of unconditional regard that I hold for you.

When we talk about therapy goals, I think of a collaborative process guided by the client's presenting problem, and anchored in the work we do in the assessment process, understanding that assessment is an ongoing process. We attempt to arrive at goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time oriented. My goal is to help each client achieve inner happiness, improve communication, build self reliance and self confidence as they get a better understanding of their inner workings. We both work to help the client build a tool kit of skills from which they can draw at any given time.

Therapy is a safe space, a place of compassion and free from any judgement. It is a place of empathy, support and acceptance, irrespective of who you are , what your thoughts are and what you may have done in the past. Indeed a safe place where you will be received and accepted as you are. Therefore, bring your authentic self, let us connect and let the hard work begin.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 24696

My carreer in mental health started 19 years ago. I have acquired a broad and diverse experience in the field having started my early work in a community mental health setting. Shorttly thereafter I moved to an inpatient setting. My nexr assignment took me to a crisis center for a large HMO as well as a private practice. My work is important to me and I am highly dedicated to my cients with a passion for caring. I believe every contact counts and therefore even in that first assessment contact my clients can expect something therapeutic.