Lisa Lenihan, Intern Therapist
MSW Candidate

What should your client know about you?

I am a very good listener and love to help others achieve success. I have worked as a tutor for almost five years and the joy that I experience when seeing students shine truly makes my day. I am also the mother of three beautiful children, whom I love beyond measure, and have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.

What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy may integrate my experiences as a tutor, focusing on a client-centered, empathetic approach, blending practical problem-solving techniques with a deep understanding of individual circumstances, and helping clients navigate their emotional and psychological challenges within the context of their environments. With experience, I would like to tailor my methods to meet each client’s specific needs and preferences. I would like to be able to blend understanding, active listening, and unconditional positive regard for the client, hearing their words and also understanding and reflecting on their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I would also like to formally recognize the widespread impact of trauma while providing a safe space- by prioritizing the client’s sense of safety and control, and understanding that trauma affects how different people perceive and respond to the world around them. I would like to be extremely sensitive to the vulnerabilities of trauma survivors and fine-tune my work in order to avoid re-traumatization.

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

Through reflection and guided exploration, I hope that my clients will gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, behaviors, and patterns, and leave with a clearer sense of themselves and the factors that influence their mental health. In addition (with training) my clients can expect to leave sessions with practical tools and strategies for managing their challenges, whether it’s handling stress, anxiety, depression, or navigating life transitions. I hope that my clients will have a positive experience in a safe, non-judgmental space, where their feelings are validated, and their experiences are acknowledged. I want to give my clients the emotional support that they need, in order to foster healing and encouragement so that they feel heard and respected. I would like to guide my clients so that they feel empowered to take charge of their lives, make informed decisions, pursue personal growth, and develop confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges and difficulties.

What has been your path on becoming a therapist?

My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by my personal experiences with being a mother, a community college tutor, the daughter of a registered nurse, a sister, and in being a domestic violence survivor, which has given me unique and profound perspectives. My journey has involved deep personal healing, reflection, and growth, which in turn has fueled my desire to help others. In addition, my own resilience and the challenges that I have faced have allowed me to relate to clients with greater empathy and understanding, particularly those who have experienced trauma themselves. My decision to become a licensed clinical social worker reflects a drive to turn my own experiences into purpose, as a way of guiding others towards healing. I want my clients to leave sessions with me feeling more hopeful, with a renewed sense of direction, even when dealing with difficult issues. I hope that they will see a path forward and feel supported while walking through it.