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Hello, I'm Alan Lawrence, licensed clinical social worker (LCS12658). I hold three master degrees in psychology, social work and gerontology. We age from birth with many challenges and changes as we grow older. A burden shared is a burden lifted. Accomplish your goals and move forward. Learning lessons from the past, and understanding your thinking process and internal dialogue (cognitive-behavioral) will empower you with new insights and direction. Let's get started.
My approach
I customize therapy sessions to the indiividual's needs. I can be eclectic but do emphasize cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to treatment. One's thinking process and internal dialogue affect our emotions and behavior. I help individuals identify self-defeating thought patterns and substitute more realistic ways of thinking. I also encourage clients to review their past, learn some insights, and lessons, but focus is on the here-and-now, with active problem-solving and conflict resolution. Especially important is proactive/preventive mind-body integration and healthy aging.
My focus
I work well with adults of all ages. I help clients identify their goals, increase their awareness, and empower themselves with confidence and direction. I help people going through changes, transitions, health problems, stress, career issues, relationships and family.
My communication style
I tell clients that they are in the driver seat and I'm their "Navigator". Therapy is about self- empowerment. New awareness and change. I never prescribe advice, but I help clients to understand the nature of their problems. I enhance their awareness. Once they become aware of their conflicts, then change begins. Therapy is like peeling the onion and is a slow process. There are no quick fixes. Tenacity and determination of the client, being conscientious, will result in client progress.
My journey to mental healthcare
Curiosity and understanding human behavior have always been a part of my psyche. What happens as we age from the time we are born? Lots of change and challenges. I work well with adults of all ages and help people improve the quality of their lives, help them understand and work through their struggles, and gain new insights, new awareness, new direction.
My goals for you
I tell clients having therapy goals is like using a road map. It is your GPS. If you are not sure what your goals are then we can discuss. I usually distribute a therapy goal work sheet. Eventually your therapy goals will need some fine-tuning as they are achieved. Some clients prefer not to have goals and just want to free associate. I customize therapy sessions to client's needs. I'm eclectic.
My first session with you
I encourage clients to be prepared and have a list of questions to ask. Some have never been in therapy and on a virtual platform makes their experience even more exciting. Client and therapist have a chance to meet on live zoom and get acquainted. We interview each other and decide if we are compatible. The therapist arrives into the comfort of your home/office via zoom. No need to worry about parking at rush hour.
