Yael Sommer

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of clinical experience. I believe that every individual has the potential to make positive changes in their lives. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples better understand their struggles and achieve their goals towards self-fulfillment. With warmth and compassion, I strive to create a safe and supportive space for individuals and couples to discuss difficult emotions and develop therapeutic coping skills. I use an integrative approach to therapy combining psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories. I empower my clients to address the underlying causes of their problems and to break free from negative cycles while pursuing desired outcomes.

My approach

My therapeutic approach draws from attachment and relational theories, client-centered therapy, strength-based approach, and cognitive behavioral theories. The specific approach I employ with each client depends on their unique concerns, the duration of their therapeutic engagement, and their desired end result.

My focus

While I possess experience working with individuals across all age groups, my current practice focuses mostly on adults and couples. Within my therapeutic sessions, I strive to offer my clients unwavering support while we explore thought processes, communication patterns, and interpersonal dynamics. My ultimate goal is to assist my clients in understanding their symptoms as well as unraveling the burdens that have weighed them down. Throughout the therapy journey, we will identify current stressors as well as emotional strengths and resources, collaborate on developing coping strategies, increase conscious awareness of negative patterns, gain new communication tools, and work on an enhanced sense of perception.

My communication style

I believe that it is important to build trust and rapport in order to facilitate healing. My communication style tends to be supportive, gentle, guiding, and authentic.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always been fascinated by human behavior and how, regardless of one's culture, region, or beliefs, we are all united in our humanity and emotions. This perspective has fostered within me a deep sense of compassion towards others and has naturally laid the foundation for pursuing a profession as a clinical social worker.

My goals for you

Life's challenges are undeniably difficult, yet they also present remarkable opportunities for personal growth. I am dedicated to helping my clients find meaning in the obstacles they face. By utilizing their existing strengths, I guide them toward building resilience and pushing forward toward their desired outcomes. This transformative process takes time, bravery, honest self-reflection, trust, and a genuine commitment to the belief that they deserve self-fulfillment. I deeply honor the courage it takes for clients to seek a therapy journey.

My first session with you

During an initial session, we would engage in a comprehensive dialogue to explore my client's motivation for seeking therapy, their anticipated timeframe for therapy, and the desired outcomes they envision from this therapeutic journey. During ongoing sessions, we would also delve into aspects of their personal history, personality, self-perception, relationships, past coping strategies, and inner strengths.