Celina Patterson

Hi my name is Celina Patterson. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience working with teens, adults, BIPOC clients, and educators navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression. Many of my clients have held it together for so long that they don't know how to put it down — and reaching out for support takes real courage. As someone who has also worked full-time in a school setting for years, I have a deep understanding of the compassion fatigue that comes with caring for others professionally, and I hold particular space for educators and school staff. I offer a judgment-free space where you are seen, heard, and valued.

I blend trauma-informed CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, person-centered therapy, and play therapy to meet each client where they are. Play therapy is often thought of as just for kids, but play isn't something we outgrow — it's how we naturally process, regulate, and make sense of our experiences at any age, including as adults. I take a strengths-based approach, building on what's already working rather than only focusing on what's not. Every session closes with a simple ritual: naming three "bright spots" from the week or your day, so our work stays grounded in progress even during harder stretches.

In our first session, we'll take our time getting to know each other. There's no rush and no pressure to have it all figured out. We'll explore what's brought you to therapy, and I'll ask about your history, current stressors, and the strengths you already carry. From there, we'll begin thoughtfully building a treatment plan together — one that reflects your goals and your pace, not a one-size-fits-all approach. You'll leave knowing what to expect going forward and feeling like this is a space built around you.