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Hello there, my name is Norma, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has extensive experience working with children, teens and their families navigate life challenges to heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression. My experience includes working in the foster care system, LAUSD, and a focus on trauma.
My approach
My approach is to jointly explore with you the root of challenging emotions and or behaviors causing difficulty in functioning through Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Grief counseling. I see relationships as a unit and believe that our behavior and mood can negatively affect others feelings and behaviors towards us, so working on the self is crucial. You will be provided with psycho-education to help you connect the dots between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Mine is a strength based approach to build rapport, increase moral, and meet you where you are.
My focus
Throughout my eight years experience I've worked with children, teens, and their families to assist with intra-familial (daughter-mother, father-daughter, son-mother, etc) relationship challenges, coping with divorce, trauma due to loss or abuse, depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Most recently I worked as a psychiatric social worker with LAUSD providing crisis management, substance abuse information and support, and grief counseling to students in Elementary, Middle, and High school. I am most comfortable working with teens, young adults, and parents struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
My communication style
I have a strength-based approach and take the time to get to know my clients. My tone is calm and reassuring. I understand that anger is a secondary emotion, therefore I do not take anger in therapy personally. I am patient and utilize humor when appropriate to engage clients.
My journey to mental healthcare
Initially, I wanted to become a social worker to protect children from abusive caregivers. It wasn't until running into a family member who was in the foster care system that my path changed. The experience of communicating directly with my cousin's social worker, therapist, and DCFS workers helped me better understand my family member's needs, how trauma affected his behavior, and the importance of attachment. I witnessed how powerful therapy can be in helping a person through healing past traumas.
My goals for you
I approach goal setting by learning about your strengths, challenges, and personal goals. I want you to be invested in your progress, and internalize what you've learned to incorporate in all areas of your life. I utilize the SMART goal approach Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based, so you can see your progress. I want you to have a greater understanding and commitment of your own mental health.
My first session with you
Clients should expect a friendly, warm, and inviting therapist willing to listen and avoid judgment. I will meet my client where they are, which means I will not jump right into therapy, but build rapport by asking soft open-ended questions.
