4 Years Exp - LCSW
Helena Gage
4 Years Exp
4 Years Exp
Helena Gage
My name is Helena Gage and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I hold a Masters in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey. I have several years of experience working with adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health and substance use disorders, including, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and many others. I always meet my clients where they are in life and try to assist them with any goals they may have for treatment. I utilize several treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused therapy to name a few. I try to make treatment as unique as possible and try to tailor my therapy to my client's specific needs.
I was recently working with a client who never put their needs first and was constantly putting others' opinions before their own. In early sessions, I would point this behavior out to this client and would encourage them to articulate how they felt in situations and what they would like to do. After a few sessions of this, they came in and told me that they had begun to communicate to others in their life when they felt their needs were being overlooked and began asserting themselves when necessary. This was a huge step forward for them because this was the first time in their life that they asserted themselves in their interpersonal relationships and felt that their feelings and opinions mattered.
As your therapist, I am here to offer support, listen, validate, and introduce new outlooks on any issues you may be facing. I take each client as the unique person they are and tailor my treatment to meet their needs. I help you set clear goals and objectives to help you decrease any symptoms you may be feeling or problems you may be dealing with. I will empower you to make the best decisions for you and will help guide you along your journey.
During our first session together, I would really like to get to know you and find out the reason you are coming to therapy. I will typically gather some basic history of your presenting issue and find out what has worked and what has not worked for you in the past. Most importantly, during the first session I will try to create a space for you to feel safe and supported to begin our work together.
I am motivated by my clients to be a therapist. I chose this profession because I want to be that support for someone who needs it. I want to lift up those who are struggling and help people be better prepared to tackle life's obstacles. I am motivated to create a space where clients can come to express their frustrations and not feel judged.
Highlights
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Through working with me, clients can expect to learn coping skills and gain a better understanding of how to tackle any issues that come their way. I hope to help clients decrease any symptoms they may be experiencing and increase their quality of life.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize evidence-based therapies, including: Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I feel my biggest strength as a clinician is my ability to create a space for my clients so that they feel comfortable and safe to be vulnerable to express their issues. I try and meet my clients where they are in life and help them reach the place they want to be. I feel I am able to help support them through any challenges they may be facing and empower them to live the life they want to live. Another strength I feel I have is knowledge and experience in several treatment modalities. I can utilize these evidenced based practices to better treat my clients and help them reach their goals.
Specialities