My name is Grace Nwaiwu. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I believe that individuals thrive when they tap into their strengths in times of difficulty. I enjoy working with individuals, children, and their families to solve problems and build stronger connections.
My approach
The therapeutic approach I use is determined by a client's presenting issue. In my experience, the following approaches have worked well with my clientele--Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Systemic Family Approaches.
My focus
I typically work with minors and families experiencing difficulty with school, social services, divorce, separation, co-parenting, and aggression. I also have experience working with faith-based and low-income communities.
My communication style
A therapy session is a safe space to rehearse for real life. I create a non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe to share their thoughts, reflect, and practice new skills.
My journey to mental healthcare
As a novice parent, I benefited from the support and knowledge of a caring therapist. That experience started my journey to become a licensed mental health professional so I can do the same for others. What drives me to do this work is the satisfaction of seeing families and individuals replace stress and conflicts with a problem-solving approach.
My goals for you
Goal setting is a collaborative effort between therapist and client. This is a necessary step to increase motivation and build rapport.
My first session with you
The main focus of the first session is to know the client and the reason(s) for seeking therapy. This process includes exploring the client's strengths, social support, and expectations from therapy. In addition to understanding the client, part of our first session will address the process and structure of future sessions.