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Aloha! My name is Gabrielle Schwing, however, most people call me Brie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in the State of Hawaii. I work with adults and specialize in substance use disorders and recovery, and also anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solutions Focused Therapy. However, I continue to learn and incorporate new modalities as I grow as a therapist and to better help my clients. This provider resides in Hawaii.
My approach
My approach varies with each client and I try to utilize a client-centered approach to meet everyone's individual needs and struggles and what will help them achieve the best results. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused therapy. My goal with an individualized approach to the modality is that each person is different, and each problem is different. There are no cookie-cutter solutions to humans and their struggles. I want to help clients develop an understanding of their reality and situation and help them to find the best path forward, in each session. I continue to learn and improve my therapeutic approach to offer the best for my clients.
My focus
I tend to work with adults that are struggling with substance use disorders and finding sobriety, as well as their family members and friends. I also work with individuals that are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions. Helping clients to feel unstuck and empowered to take action and create the life and relationships they long for. Helping clients to build their skills, and develop their knowledge and awareness that they are worthy and capable of making positive changes in their life.
My communication style
My communication style is geared toward helping my clients feel safe and comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities and issues with me. I am calm, and honest, and provide empathetic listening to help clients feel heard, seen, and supported. I listen non-judgementally and hold space for my clients and their feelings and emotions. Always sharing respect with my clients.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey to becoming a therapist started with my journey in recovery. I am a recovering addict and recently celebrated 13 years sober. It took a lot of work to get here, and it was done one day at a time by accepting help from others. I learned that I wanted to help others change their lives and improve their relationships. That they can have happiness, success, and freedom.
My goals for you
My approach to goal setting is client-centered, together with the client we learn about their unique and individual struggles and issues and together, define what the client wants to accomplish while working with me. Breaking goals down into objectives and steps, so that we can celebrate the small steps that lead to big things. Achieving goals will build self-esteem and self-confidence, in turn empowering clients to trust in themselves and their abilities to do really hard things!
My first session with you
Our first session will be a great chance for us to get to know each other and build a connection and trust that will help our therapeutic relationship. We will spend the majority of the session talking about how you've been feeling recently and what has brought you to therapy. I will help guide the session by asking questions so that I can learn and understand more about your unique story and what has brought you here. It is important that you feel a safe connection to share openly with me, and that begins in the first session. We use this session to learn and begin to look forward!
