Yvonne-da Copeland,LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist whose foremost goal is to equip each client with practical strategies that effectively facilitate a journey toward wholeness. I possess a bachelor's degree in sociology, a master's degree in administration, and a master's degree in social work. My fifteen years in clinical social work have included evidence-based treatment of clients from all walks of life--from the severely mentally ill to the mildly impaired to Veterans, to those in the general population.

Every individual is unique and presents with distinct needs, I approach each case from a person-centered approach. My top modalities include Christian Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Compassion Focused, Narrative, Strength-Based and Psychodynamic Therapies. My top specialties include Anxiety, Depression, Anger Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Thought Disorders.

My "ideal client" is the individual who comes to me with the realization of the needdesire for optimal mental health and one who is genuinely motivated to seek change. And, because each individual is unique and presents with distinct, individualized needs, I approach each case from a person-centered approach and implement unique treatment modalities specific to that individual.

I approach each client as an empathic listener, with a desire to intently hear the needs, perspectives, and goals of each client. Throughout the session, my tone remained calm, my demeanor poised, and my listening style reflective and non-judgmental.

Unlike a physical wound, mental illness is often the invisible wound that many in society silently carry. I was drawn to therapy by my need to help others overcome the stigma that those with mental challenges often experience and to help individuals grappling with mental challenges achieve optimal mental wholeness.

My training includes over eight years of intense, hands-on work experience in a mental hospital treating those with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, etc., as well as five years of work experience with military Veterans in an outpatient clinic. I also work in private practice as a psychotherapist.

Successful care and progress for each client look different and are based on the identified needs and goals that each client personally sets for himself. Progress occurs per the client's own pre-established benchmarks and goals, identified and discussed during the initial therapy sessions.

My first session with each client is designed to establish rapport and to learn about the client and what brought the client to therapy. During this initial first session, I invite the client to share their needs, concerns, problems, background, etc., and what their goal is for therapy. I also share about myself, my educational background, my work experience, and, based on the client's need, how I can most effectively assist the client in achieving his goals.