Discover how starting social skills therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
4 therapists available in Henrico
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction...
About
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Tricia uses a humanistic approach and a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, strength-based, narrative, acceptance and commitment, expressive art as therapy, and positive psychotherapy.
Tricia completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She will actively listen, help you gain perspective, explore with you what is keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself, and make a plan that will empower you to reach your goals.
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety” (Abraham Maslow). Sometimes what feels safe, comfortable, and familiar, is actually unhealthy; change can be hard and the unknown scary. Do you feel stuck, repeating toxic patterns or negative thinking? Have life events or stress become overwhelming or seem unmanageable? Maybe you just need a supportive space to talk about what you’re going through and how you are feeling.
Education and training
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Jennifer Brown (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with more than 15 years of experience working with folk...
Jennifer Brown (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with more than 15 years of experience working with folks across a wide variety, including children, families, couples, and individual adults seeking support in dealing with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, abuse/neglect, self-injury, suicidal thoughts/urges, substance use/addiction needs, relationships, and family issues. She takes an open-minded, affirming, supportive approach and values the opportunity to give others time and safe space to openly be themselves as they seek connection, happiness, and fulfillment.
Jennifer utilizes a collaborative, person-centered approach in her work, and has a variety of methods at hand to put into practice, depending on her clients' needs and preferences -- including cognitive behavioral (CBT), motivational, dialectical (DBT), mindfulness/meditation, emotion focused (EFT), solution focused, polyvagal, and EMDR.
With an undergraduate background in math, astronomy, and physics, Jennifer is used to expanding her awareness and thinking about things from differing perspectives. She sees her purpose as to follow your lead and put appropriate, available tools to work in order to help you elevate your consciousness and achieve your goals.
I believe one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort ...
I believe one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort in “seeing” the individuals I am privileged to “share space” with.
Renea Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a year of supervised clinical counseling experience, working with seniors, adults, adolescents, families, and couples in private practice settings. Renea also has over 14 years of experience in school counseling. Having grown up in a multi-generational home during her adolescent years and having served both the comprehensive and exceptional education school settings, she has a deep-rooted admiration and respect for the older population, parents, educators, caregivers of children with unique needs and abilities. She seeks to provide support to those in need of an extra dose of reassurance, unconditional positive regard, and relevant coping skills to take care of themselves as they take care of others around them.
As a former Peace Corps Volunteer (South Africa 1999-2001) who earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, Renea believes it is paramount to show honor to all people and the history we each bring into this world we share. She has clinical experience working with a diverse array of individuals. Each individual, as well as their personal struggles and resources of strength, insight, and rich experience are warmly welcomed into her counseling room.
Renea welcomes this awesome opportunity to not only educate, guide, and empower, but also to learn, grow, and even play---together!
Renea believes one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort in “seeing” the individuals she is privileged to “share space” with.
Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental hea...
Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and she has experience providing individual and group therapy. She has worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, substance abuse, and family conflict.
Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Florida State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked in a variety of settings, providing services in the community, outpatient settings, and public schools. An area of particular passion includes working with young adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, trauma, and sexual assault recovery.
Wendy utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strength-based, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. Wendy realizes that each person is unique and tailors her therapeutic approach to each client. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and involves meeting her clients where they are. She approaches clients with compassion and acceptance. Wendy believes that therapy requires vulnerability and courage and works to create a safe setting for that work to occur.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Social skills therapy helps people improve their social skills, specifically those who possess below-average interpersonal communication abilities. Someone who has social skills impairment typically fears being in a social setting or in public at all. Feelings of anxiety, worry, and self-doubt take over, and may eventually lead to further unhealthy behaviors and beliefs.
Social skills therapy works by pinpointing the root cause of one’s below-average interpersonal communication abilities, ranging from ADHD to autism, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, and more. Then, taking a personalized approach based on the individual’s unique needs, Thriveworks Henrico therapists help them improve those skills with lifestyle modification practices, effective coping mechanisms, modeling, role-playing, and more.
Social skills therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of social skills therapy depends on the individual’s needs as well as the extent of their needs. That said, social skills therapy generally lasts for at least several months. Thriveworks therapists in Henrico, VA will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.
Most of us desire to feel accepted and to fit in as part of a group. Effective social skills serve as a conduit for that to happen. Unfortunately in today’s world, you or your loved one may be experiencing what’s called social skills impairment, a condition where a person possesses below-average interpersonal communication abilities. Found in small children to older adults, a growing percentage of Americans struggle socially.
One reason for this phenomenon in adolescents and young adults is the explosive growth of technology and social media use. A generation is being raised that has trouble engaging in face-to-face conversations with other humans. Someone who has social skills impairment typically fears being in a social setting or in public at all. Feelings of anxiety, worry and self-doubt take over, and may eventually lead to further unhealthy behaviors and beliefs. There is a wide-range of impaired social skills causes, many of which begin in early childhood. Those include:
If you or a loved one is having trouble participating in meaningful and positive social interactions with others, you may be dealing with social skills impairment. Symptoms of poor social skills include the following:
If you or someone you care about shows one or more of these signs, it may be a case of impaired social skills. On the positive side, there are proven techniques to overcome poor social skills, ones that can be learned and improved upon with practice. Working with a certified outpatient social skills coach is one of those proven ways.
The onset and severity of social skills impairment may depend upon the person’s age, the underlying conditions mentioned earlier, and the patient’s receptiveness to treatment. Outside intervention, including outpatient counseling, is best. Here are some of the accepted therapies now available to treat someone with social skills impairment:
If you or someone you care about suffers from impaired social skills, whether a child or adult, the good news is that there are reliable ways to improve their social interaction abilities! As has been proven, the surest path to recovery needs to involve some type of social skills coach.
For more information on social skills and Thriveworks Short Pump’s coaching services call: 804-205-3408 or visit our Contact page now.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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