6 Years Exp - LSW
6 Years Exp
6 Years Exp
Hi there, I am Kennise! My goal is to offer support and education on evidence-based strategies that help people to better process and manage their emotions, while also empowering clients to build a life they will feel proud of. Asking for help is the first step to showing up for you and can be a difficult thing to do. However, you don't have to do it alone, let's do it together!
I had a former client who came to me with consistent thoughts and feelings of existential dread. We processed how the plans for their life had fallen apart despite doing “all the right things”. By the end of our short time together, the client was able to reflect on what that time in their life had taught them and decide how they wanted to use that knowledge to create a better future going forward.
I like to spend the first few sessions getting to know my clients, what their goals and expectations are for therapy. My clients can expect to have a say in what they want their treatment to look like each time we meet. Though I am a therapist, I am also a person who understands that our needs can change often and thus, treatment methods can reflect that as well.
Outside of gathering required demographic information, I like to spend the first session getting to know the client’s previous experience in therapy- what worked/didn’t work and what they need from our sessions. I also like to spend this time checking in with them about their current day and creating a plan for the next session.
The short answer is I enjoy empowering others and being a support person for them. I have wanted to be a therapist since middle school as I naturally took on that role in my friend groups.
Highlights
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My clients can expect to have primary control over their sessions and to utilize our time together in ways they feel will benefit them most. Each session can be different or the same each time. One day we may process stressful events they experienced throughout the week, the following week they may just want to decompress with art activities with little to no processing. I want our sessions to be a safe space where clients can learn new skills to process their emotions and improve their mental health while also making space for creativity and relaxation. By doing this, clients also have the opportunity to practice advocating for their own needs with no judgment.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I like to use a client-centered approach as I know my clients are well-versed in their own needs; what works for them and what doesn’t. Additionally, I typically use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing techniques (to help clients analyze their motivations and willingness to change), and art therapy activities when appropriate.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked with adolescents, adults, military, and geriatric populations as a mental health case manager role and in individual therapy. I have also worked with clients with a multitude of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, social anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizoaffective disorder. While I do continue to work with each of these populations, my focus population is young adults.
Specialities
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