Tawanda Lewis-Hazan

Hi there. Making the decision to work on yourself is a big step. CONGRATULATIONS! I’m Tawanda N. Lewis-Hazan, a Licensed Professional Counselor, with over 14 years of experience and I’m passionate about helping people get to where they need to be.

Life can be rich and rewarding. It can also be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting at times. Sometimes you just need some support. If you’re seeking help with mental and emotional issues, want greater self-awareness or self-management, dealing with challenging relationships (platonic, familial, or amorous), trying to manage workplace stress, looking for direction . . . or if you just want more out of life, then perhaps I can help you.

I mainly use talk therapy, General Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy, while incorporating techniques from various evidence based cognitive, behavioral and mindful approaches to address a variety of symptoms and diagnoses.

While most issues didn’t arise suddenly, they also won’t be resolved in a few sessions but I do like to take a more direct and action-oriented approach, once rapport has been established.

Therapy should always be a collaborative experience based on open and honest communication. Therapy is always your opportunity to reflect on your experiences and work through them. However, in order to facilitate therapy, expect me to pose clarifying questions and give constructive feedback. I’m pretty honest and upfront. Since I’m typically solution focused, I don’t like wasting people’s time, so expect me to be both observant and actively listen to hear what you say and don’t say.

Know that I will do my best to create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space where you can openly communicate, express and process. I am a therapist that will share some personal aspects of myself but only when it makes sense and to help normalize your experiences; and I do use humor at times, when appropriate and to add levity.

In order for therapy to be effective, the therapeutic relationship, also known as the therapeutic alliance, must be a good and strong one. Rapport and open communication are crucial aspects.

It may be hard or feel weird to open up and share parts of your life with a complete stranger but during the first session, I try to create a welcoming, warm and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to share your emotions and concerns. Working collaboratively with me, I will try to help you feel more empowered and better equipped to handle life's ups and downs."

Based on your goals, I serve only as a guide to help you get to where you said you wanted to go.

By setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) early on in therapy it helps me:

· To help you get clear about what your needs are and how to meet them effectively in your own life beyond therapy

· To help draw your attention back to your original therapy goals

My hope is that you overcome whatever you're struggling with, learn positive coping skills, increase your resilience and improve the quality of your life.