Andrea Franco-Cook,Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who treats a multitude of mental health issues ranging from extreme trauma to depression and anxiety. I try to meet the clients where they are, and sometimes this requires a multi-dimensional approach to treatment. For example, people who struggle with anxiety and depression often have negative thoughts, which may keep the body in a state of emotional distress. In this case, I'd use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help the client become more aware of these thoughts, so they can eventually challenge and reframe them. There are also times when people struggle with deeper-rooted issues which may stem from childhood or a negative experience in adulthood. I've found that EMDR reduces the power of traumatic memories by using rapid eye movements that mimic those in REM sleep when we work out the stressors of the day. When combined with Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), the client learns to connect with suppressed emotions so they can find balance once more.

I typically treat young adults ages 13-18, and individual adults of all ages. Progress not perfection" is my mantra. I move at the client's pace to first build a trusting therapeutic relationship before diving into processing difficult memories and unresolved feelings. During my service in the U.S. Army as an Airborne MP, I had a friend who struggled with PTSD, and I observed firsthand, the difficulties they experienced on a daily basis. Sometimes getting out of bed was too hard. Back then, I lacked the tools to help them, but my friend's issues sparked a need, deep within me, to help others. Thus, the reason I pursued my MSW and eventually became an LCSW. I've since been driven to make a positive impact in my client's lives, and the world around me as well. This has been a rewarding journey that I plan to continue until retirement. At the first intake, clients are asked to explain the presenting problem. This allows them to consider what they would like to work on in therapy. Based on the client's responses, therapy goals are discussed and then set.

During a first session, I complete an extensive intake to determine the presenting problem. This includes a mental status exam, family, marital, educational, employment, and trauma history. Then we dive into the client's treatment plan. Therapy is like a shoe, you have to find the right fit, so I work hard to attend to the client's present problems and collaborate with them about how to go forward and what to expect from therapy.