Hello! My name is Marina Thomas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 7+ years of experience in Child Welfare and coming up on 1 year of experience as a Clinician. In witnessing many stories of trauma, life stressors and anxiety/depression, I was influenced to become a Clinician so that I can provide a service for my clients who need support through life-altering experiences, anxiety, depression and/or day-to-day challenges that are difficult to navigate. I am here to assist in understanding the root of the underlying issue and help create feasible goals/plans that work towards enhancing the overall well-being, safety and quality of life. I believe in a collaborative client-centered approach because I want my clients to have an active role in the therapeutic journey. The therapeutic environment I have created provides a safe and non-judgmental experience for processing, achieving goals and empowering self. I also believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I hope to be the support that is needed that assists you to implement strategies that will improve the overall quality of your life.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Clients can always expect respect, compassion and transparency during sessions. I am a Clinician who aims to support, empower, uplift and motivate. At the beginning of each session, I will give time for a "temperature check" to ensure my understanding of where my client is at the moment to be able to provide the best level of care. Throughout the therapeutic relationship, I will always ask how the client's experience is going to ensure that I am still a good fit for them. While working together, I will promote a safe space that encourages collaboration and honesty. I will encourage my client and I to work together to discuss specific challenges that client is facing that led them to seek therapeutic help, which will help me in creating a tailored treatment plan. I aim to provide an experience that is empowering and uplifting so my client can have an overall positive experience, gain insight and have the desired outcome/changes they would like to see in their life. My client can expect change and improvements while working with me as long as they are ready to participate in a collaborative relationship.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Having 7+ years of experience in Child Welfare, I have gained great skills in active listening, compassion, empathy and empowerment. I take pride in the respect I uphold when working with clients and meeting them where they are to ensure they are seen and heard. I believe that the client is the expert of their own lives and I am here to help them to grow in the ways they desire. My approach is empowering and uplifting to ensure my clients feel safe and supported. I have worked with clients who have been ambivalent or reluctant to change or help, but due to my approach, clients are receptive to services and end up having great success stories. I am here to meet my client where they are and be the extra tool they need in their toolbox.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Want to make a change in your life? Want to feel better overall? Want to aim for a life that your heart desires? Want to heal, but you just don't know where to start? I am best positioned to serve clients who might be having a hard time with life stressors or circumstantial situations and need some guidance to create new coping skills, find their strengths and implement tools that will help them reach their goals that gets them closer to their desired lifestyle. I am best positioned to serve clients that are in a place where they may feel anxious, depressed, worried, overwhelmed, etc. and are in need of help to navigate through those emotions.

About Marina Thomas