My Approach to Helping
Hello! Thank you so much for connecting with me. My name is Tonia Taylor, and I am an LCSW clinician in Virginia. I have over 27 years of clinical experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health, substance use, and addiction issues.
I identify as a Cognitive Behavioral therapist and utilize Motivational Interviewing and Brief, Solution-Focused strategies to help my clients reach their therapy goal(s) within a reasonable timeframe.
Increasing coping to depression; anxiety; anger; and other intense emotions, as well as other mental health issues. I can also help my clients make progress by increasing their motivation to address substance issues and addiction.
I would describe my engagement style as warm and welcoming while also clear and focused on identifying the key issue(s) the client is ready to begin addressing in therapy. My communication style is empathic and kind, while also intentional, as I work to provide my best to help the client reach their goals.
I entered the clinical social work field a little over 27 years ago because of my life experiences with my family of origin and my natural compassion for others struggling with mental health and substance use issues. I received my MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 1992 and my LCSW in Virginia in 2001.
My clients should be able to identify 1-2 goals they are ready to address in therapy. My clients will be able to report decreases in intrusive symptoms or behaviors while increasing positive coping skills to further their therapy gains.
In our first session, we will complete introductions, and I will get a brief history that helps inform me of your strengths and challenges. Before the end of this first session, we will identify the primary goal you seek to achieve in the therapy with me.