Kashana Gaines,Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hi there! My name is Kashana Gaines, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am truly passionate about providing supportive psychotherapy to assist my clients in some of their most difficult and vulnerable life challenges. I truly approach therapy as, meeting clients where they are, meaning engaging the client where they are versus telling them where to be. My treatment approach may be a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and rational emotive counseling. I tailor my counseling style to each individual's unique situation. I am a very interactive, and kind person with a non-judgmental attitude.

In my years of experience as a therapist, I have worked with clients experiencing issues such as relationship issues, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, abandonment issues, family issues, anger management, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, social anxiety, work related stress, and behavioral issues.Throughout my years of providing clinical counseling, I have the most experience working with clients who are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. I am most comfortable with treating these conditions, but as listed above, I also have experience with other conditions, and feel comfortable treating clients with those issues as well."

In order to have a successful therapeutic relationship with my clients, I utilize effective communication skills such as active, reflective listening, empathy, and the ability to convey information and provide feedback. My clients usually feel very comfortable working with me. I have been told that I am very helpful, non-judgmental, and a great listener. I have always received great satisfaction from knowing that I have positively impacted someone's life or have been the person that have helped them to get to the place they want to be. From a young child until now, I have always helped others in some type of capacity. I love seeing others succeed in life, and just being overall happy. It takes a special kind of person to listen and with no judgement. I know that being a therapist is my calling.

The goal setting process is determined and approached as the relevant background information has been obtained. The background information, which includes discussing current symptomsstressors is usually discussed during the first session. I do realize that every client has their own unique situation, and things may not go in a certain order; however it's very imperative to develop treatment goals as it establishes a clearly defined and thought out direction each client need to make.

The first therapy session is a great opportunity to start rapport building; getting to know each other, and exploring what you would like to gain from this process. I would like to talk about things that have been successes for you and different approaches that you may have used in the past. I will engage you in completing a psychosocial assessment; a tool used to gain relevant background information, and current symptomsstressors. I will walk you through this process, as I am very aware that there may be some feelings of uneasiness in the beginning as we are getting to know each other.