Lynn Givens

My name is Lynn Givens; I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in the High Desert of California. I am a solution-focused therapist and utilize multiple treatment styles to achieve client-centered goals. In the last 8 years of my career, I have worked with children and adolescents and their families with a variety of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. I truly enjoy the work I do as a therapist.

My approach

My goal as a therapist is to help clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I believe that change is difficult but possible through self-reflection, empowerment, and support. I provide a client-centered approach with a strength-based and solution-focused perspective. I am committed to providing quality therapy with an emphasis on compassion, acceptance, and personal growth.

My focus

I attended California State University, San Bernardino, and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2008. After graduating, I spent 5 years working as a social worker in a hospital setting, providing support and resources in the mother/baby unit. I have spent the last 8 years providing therapy to children and adolescents in the school setting and supporting their families as needed. I have extensive experience assisting children and adolescents with emotional regulation and learning coping skills to work toward improving their behavioral, social, and academic functioning.

My communication style

While working with clients, I create a comfortable, safe, and nurturing environment for expressing and processing feelings and emotions. I pride myself on open and honest communication while building rapport and trust. I have a warm, supportive style with an excellent listening ear without judgment. You can expect kindness, compassion, and the utmost respect during therapy sessions with me.

My journey to mental healthcare

I didn’t choose my career; my career chose me. I was always a strong person with no fears, until one day when I experienced some overwhelming feelings, and I thought I was going to pass out while out in public. This changed me; these feelings were all I could focus on; I didn’t want to leave my house, I couldn’t focus on work, and my emotions were out of control. I was going to the emergency room and urgent care 2 to 3 times a week with physical symptoms that had me believing I was dying. The many doctors I met with all agreed I was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. No matter what I was told, nothing was going to convince me that I was healthy and safe. I finally agreed to attend therapy, and this decision turned out to be the best thing I ever did for myself. I learned so much about myself, especially the strength and resilience just waiting to blossom. I learned coping skills and emotional regulation strategies. After accomplishing my therapeutic goals and feeling better than before, I decided I wanted to help others in their journey for recovery and strength. I want others to know that they are not alone and there is always hope. I truly love being a therapist and look forward to connecting with others.

My goals for you

I find it beneficial to educate the client about the importance of goal setting and how it can impact the therapeutic process. I feel it is significant to discuss how goal setting allows client progress to be monitored so small successes can be acknowledged and celebrated. Goal setting allows me to start where the client is and inquire about what they what to accomplish while attending therapy. Together the client and I will set goals that focus on exploring what keeps them from living a healthy, purposeful, and authentic life. Collaboratively, the client and I will have the ability to bring awareness to their strengths and help them set goals to develop the life they have envisioned for themselves.

My first session with you

I feel the most essential piece of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. I begin every session with friendly and comforting communication. During the first session, clients should expect introductions, explanations, and exploration with the client. I will introduce myself, share my education and experience, and provide a positive outlook on therapy. I will explain confidentiality, informed consent, and the therapeutic process and answer client questions. I will gather relevant information to create a treatment plan and collaborate with the client to develop therapeutic goals for success. During every session, I will provide guidance, support, and tools to assist the client in processing, learning, and overcoming unexpected challenges.