Lisa DeFeis

I have been a clinical social worker for 30 years. Throughout the years I have worked with people of many different backgrounds, age groups, sexual orientations, cultures, races and ethnicities. The people I work with all have one important thing in common - they are all seeking understanding, validation, and emotional support as they work towards making positive changes in their lives. I provide a safe, comforting, space for people to open up (often for the very first time) about their experiences, worries, hopes, and dreams for the future.

I primarily use the "strengths perspective" in my work with clients. In this way I can help them to recognize and utilize their many strengths as opposed to merely focusing on the difficult issues they struggle with. I help them to focus on the things that they have control over, and to find a way to move forward instead of feeling stuck in the past.

My approach is to meet people where they are and give them the time and space to tell their story ... I don't tell them what to do - I help them to figure out what is best for them and provide emotional support as they move toward their goals.

Clients can expect to feel heard, respected, cared about, and hopeful that they can make positive changes in their lives. The people I have worked with reported feeling that there was someone who was truly on their side.