Frantasia Rouse

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Brooklyn, NY, and received my graduate degree from Columbia University School of Social Work. My work focuses on helping individuals cultivate greater emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and direct. I believe therapy is most effective when it is grounded in trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. My goal is to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and, when helpful, gently challenged as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed. I believe symptoms often develop in response to life experiences, relationships, and environments, and together we work to understand not only what is happening now, but also the patterns and experiences that may be contributing to current challenges. I strive to create a space that feels supportive, respectful, and emotionally safe while also encouraging growth and meaningful change.

Depending on a client's needs and goals, I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), relational therapy, psychodynamic concepts, and DBT-informed skills. Early sessions often focus on building insight, emotional regulation, and a strong therapeutic foundation before moving into deeper processing work. My goal is to help clients develop a greater understanding of themselves, strengthen their relationships, and feel more empowered in their daily lives.

Clients can view the first session as a space to discuss what brings them to therapy, their goals, current challenges, and any previous experiences they have had with therapy. I also spend time learning about important aspects of a client's background and answering any questions they may have about the therapeutic process. Together, we begin to identify areas of focus and determine whether we are a good fit for working together. Depending on the client's needs, we may also discuss treatment options, including EMDR, and begin developing a plan for moving forward. The first session is intended to provide clarity, understanding, and a foundation for our work together.