Joshua Hardwick

Hi, my name is Joshua Hardwick, and I hold a clinical social worker license specializing in evidenced-based therapy/mental health. My primary approach to therapy consists of supportive listening, and introducing interventions/coping skills supported by research to improve wellbeing, life satisfaction, and daily functioning for people experiencing mood disorders and symptoms related to trauma.

My approach

I believe that the individual is the subject matter expert on their life and experiences and only after offering empathetic listening, can understand how to help their specific needs. Therapy is a collaborative effort that requires willingness from the client and skills, competency, and experience from the therapist that only comes from continuous training and years of clinical practice. Theoretical approaches used in my practice are largely based off of strength-based, Cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic theories.

My focus

I have worked with a very diverse group of adults who have experienced mood disorders and trauma-related disorders that present in various ways and require individualized treatment plans and interventions. When it comes to recovery, one size does not fit all and this has been something learned and refined over years of working with a wide array of clients from varied ethnic, racial, political, religious, social, economic, and sexually oriented/identifying backgrounds.

My communication style

My goal in therapy is to be empathetic, understanding, and direct in my communication. Being vague and subtle is rarely helpful, but tact and caring can still be used when speaking directly. Therapy is work that requires change, and honest discussion about change is imperative to experience an improvement in quality of life/living. I try to foster change in cognition (thoughts that have been unhelpful and unhealthy (negative thoughts)) and in behavior that has kept clients stuck in unworkable and unproductive routines that keep them stuck. My goal is to create an open, safe, welcoming environment that allows for this type of conversation.

My journey to mental healthcare

I started my career in mental health after serving in the army and seeing the effects of trauma and stress. After working with recently incarcerated people trying to reintegrate/transition to the community, I recognized a need to build my clinical skills and go back to graduate school to be able to offer more informed care. I graduated from the Master of social work program at the University of Washington and worked at the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs to earn my clinical license in mental health. I am driven to help people live their best lives and experience whole health and fulfillment.

My goals for you

Establishing treatment goals is an important first step in therapy that I try to set collaboratively with clients within the first 3 sessions. It is hard to know which way to go if you have not picked a destination. Visualization of a life worth living is used to help clients determine their goals and S.M.A.R.T. goal planning is used in addition to focus on processes that assist the client in getting g to their goals (strategy to goals)

My first session with you

The first session is crucial in determining client's needs, the chief concern, and pertinent mental health history. The first session is a chance for the client to talk and share all that has been going on in their lives that led them to seek therapy and what they would like to work on/get help with while in therapy. This is also an important opportunity to establish therapeutic rapport and discuss what can be accomplished in treatment to provide hope and direction to clients.