My name is Tarica Riley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) based in Illinois working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in depression, grief and anxiety. I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Christian Counseling (for clients who are interested in this modality).
My approach
My approach in therapy varies with each individual clients' needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be a helpful starting place to explore how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. I use Christian Counseling for clients who would like to include their faith in the therapeutic process.
My focus
I find that my style and approach work best for clients who are ready to take the steps necessary to move the needle on their therapeutic goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I ask that clients complete homework outside of therapy sessions. Homework helps to maximize skill acquisition in between sessions. For a client experiencing social anxiety, homework might look like engaging in a collaboratively decided exposure of thinking about being in a public place. For a client engaging in Christian Counseling, this may mean you are picking a Bible verse to meditate on prior to our next session. Homework is key in each therapeutic approach and the goals you would like to achieve.
My communication style
I strive to create a welcoming, emotionally supportive, safe, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment for you to work on your therapeutic goals. My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered. I believe in coming alongside you in the therapeutic process to help create and prioritize achievable goals.
My first session with you
At the first session, I am very interested in getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. This means we will talk about you, your family history, social history, strengths, spirituality, cultural factors, etc. We will then talk about what goals you would like to set for our time together. During this time, you can ask any questions you have of me or about the therapeutic process. It is my goal to help this process to be as smooth and comfortable as possible for you.