Oriana Filiault

As an LICSW specializing in pediatric and adolescent therapy, I offer a collaborative, strength-based approach grounded in over 20 years of experience across residential, child protection, medical and school-based social work. I understand that children and teens do not exist in a vacuum; their well-being is deeply influenced by their family, peer, and school environments. My goal is to create a non-judgmental, inclusive space where young people feel safe to explore their identities, manage academic or social stressors, and build practical emotional tools. By blending evidence-based practices with genuine, empathetic connection, I help my clients navigate their unique challenges, and I would be honored to support your family on that journey.

My philosophy is based on being a partner in clients' growth by helping them translate clinical insights into meaningful, real-life changes.

My practice is defined by using a collaborative, strength-based model that honors the complexity of clients' environments and built on the following pillars:

• Systems-Focused Perspective
• Safe & Inclusive Environment
• Evidence-Based, Practical Skill-Building
• A Diverse Clinical Foundation

The first session is designed to be a gentle, low-pressure introduction where we focus on building a foundation of trust. For anyone, starting therapy can feel nerve-wracking; my goal is to make that initial meeting feel safe, predictable, and focused on your unique needs.

The first meeting will focus on:

1. Building a therapeutic alliance: I will prioritize creating a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where a client feels heard, validated supported and most importantly, safe.
2. Gathering a holistic understanding of the "whole" client: This will include not only symptomology but also identifying a clients' support systems, strengths & assets, and obtaining pertinent background information about history and development.
3. Setting collaborative goals: We will be working together to identify clear and achievable goals.
4. Demystifying the Process: Often, new clients are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with "how" therapy works. We will discuss the structure of sessions, importance of confidentiality and the next steps moving forward.