Darrin Oliver

My name is Darrin Oliver and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work primarily with adult individuals specializing in anxiety, stress, grief/bereavement, and adjustment disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients make progress toward feeling better and more capable.

My approach

My approach varies based on the needs of each client. I most frequently utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Problem-Solving Therapy, as these modalities often help clients identify their current reality and develop goals for areas of growth to create a clearer path forward. Understanding the role and impact of trauma (past/present) is a critical aspect of the early stages of treatment.

My focus

I've found that my style and approach are a good fit for people of color who may be dealing with challenges of life transitions, coping with stress, adjusting to change, or who may have difficulty with processing trauma (lived or vicarious). This can take the form of anxiety, depression, and stress. Change is inevitable and I work to help my clients navigate through periods of transition to plan and implement growth for the development of a more positive outlook on life.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, approachable, and accommodating. It is foremost that trust and rapport are developed so that any client can feel comfortable with sharing what is presently on their mind. I am a passionate individual at heart when needed providing a motivational tone can be beneficial to set goals or promote outcomes.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've worked as a Social Worker for my entire career, mostly in task-centered/problem-solving therapy. I have a strong sense of service-oriented engagement and take pride in helping people magnify the faith they have in themselves. I enjoy offering space for people to process their emotions and to provide the challenge and structure of goal setting. What drives me is that life offers changes every day, it is up to us to cope with those changes in healthy and promotive ways.

My goals for you

Collaboration is key. Goals are defined by what the client would like to accomplish during our time together. The first step is to build rapport to get to the core of where the client would like to be. Over time, we'll work together to set or modify goals to track progress.

My first session with you

The majority of the time during our first session would be talking about the presenting problems and your current emotional state, which would entail me asking questions to better understand where you are currently and the headspace that you've been in, and if there were any major events or occurrences that happened and the impact it has had. If there are any questions you have for me, I'd be glad to answer. Each individual is different so I like to listen in before assuming what will work best for you in this therapeutic relationship.