My clinical social work practice is guided by my undergraduate training in cultural anthropology and the transcultural generalist focus of my social work education. I believe in the powerful effects of culture on each person’s worldview. I enjoy learning about each person’s unique life story and feel very lucky to witness the positive changes people can make in their lives. I use focused cognitive behavioral approaches to help people improve their mood and anxiety, to address experiences of trauma, and to deal with the challenges that life can bring. In my work with people using substances I employ a transtheoreitcal perspective and provide interventions appropriate to the person’s readiness for change. I believe therapy should be solution focused and based upon enhancing motivation for positive change that reduces the harm caused by the use of substances. As a clinical supervisor I employ a systems approach that is based upon supporting the development of the supervisee’s case formulation and diagnostic skills, the development of a clear understanding of the legal and ethical duties of the profession, and in the development as a professional social worker/psychotherapist. I am a LGBTQ Affirming Psychotherapist!