Herlay Divine

Hey there, My name is Herlay Divine. I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my master's from University of New England with a focus on Individuals, families, and groups. I’ve been practicing for 11 years. I specifically enjoy helping people find perspective through the voice of their pain. I think pain and discomfort can be our best teacher if we allow ourselves to look at it, this way.

My approach

My approach to providing therapy is warm, I use the humanistic approach and strength-based approach to assist my client in feeling comfortable, heard as well as confident in meeting their goal. Although I enjoy using many other interventions such as CBT, gestalt, psychodynamic, narrative, and bibliotherapy; I believe creating a safe space for a client's emotions is the best place to begin.

My focus

Although, I enjoy working with individuals, families, and groups. I consider it a great honor to work with my fellow women. I have a passion for working with women because I believe in assisting women in awakening who they truly are. When a woman can show up as who she truly is; everything around her is better. I enjoy providing psychoeducation around the women's psyche and teaching coping strategies that help with disengaging with self-judgment, low self-worth and imposed societal pressures. When a woman learns her value and power it becomes possible for this woman to become the best version of herself.

My communication style

Sessions with me are typically upbeat. I create an environment that is filled with trust, laughter, and hope. I come into each session with a mindset of empowerment that believes in each client. I believe that it takes often just one person in our lives to believe in us and for us; before we believe in ourselves.

My journey to mental healthcare

As early as 6 years old, I can remember being asked what do you want to do when you get older? I can remember answering with a sense of certainty " I want to talk to people!". Becoming a therapist has been a long journey. There were several times within the journey that I didn't think I'd make it because of failure. Failure has been my biggest teacher though in that it's taught me resilience. Failure has also caused me to have to take an inward look at detrimental dialogue; I've since been able to use and adopt failure as a tool towards continuous self-improvement. I now get to pour what I've learned through my journey and education with failure to others in a manner that is empowering.

My goals for you

I use the SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) method in sessions with clients. The client and I will tailor their goal using this approach.

My first session with you

In our first session, we will start with brief introductions, and then dive into why you are here. We will also discuss your beliefs about the challenges you are facing and what you hope to gain from therapy. We will then begin to talk about a tailored plan that we will use to help you reach your goals.