Olinka Clark

My name is Olinka Clark and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Fort Wayne, IN and I enjoy working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults and I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently come from a Trauma Informe Care approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to chart a path forward.

My focus

I typically work with clients who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. My practice focuses on supporting individuals who have experienced significant emotional and psychological challenges, helping them navigate their healing journey in a culturally responsive and empathetic manner. I am most comfortable treating these conditions, offering a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and work toward recovery and empowerment.

My communication style

My communication style as a mental health therapist is characterized by empathy, active listening, and a client-centered approach. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, using reflective and supportive language to validate their experiences and build trust.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist was deeply personal and motivated by a desire to address the significant gap in representation within the mental health field. As a Black individual, I experienced firsthand the challenges of finding an African American therapist who could fully understand and relate to my cultural experiences. This lack of representation made it difficult for me to access the culturally responsive care that I needed. These experiences fueled my passion for becoming a therapist. I wanted to ensure that others, particularly within the African American community, could have access to a therapist who understands their cultural background and the unique challenges they face. Throughout my education and training, I remained focused on providing culturally competent care and advocating for greater diversity within the field of mental health. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to not only support individuals from diverse backgrounds but also contribute to the broader effort to make mental health care more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting by collaborating closely with clients, ensuring that the goals reflect their aspirations and are realistic and achievable. I emphasize the client's active involvement in the process, encouraging them to articulate what they want to achieve and why it's important to them.

My first session with you

During the first session with me, clients can expect a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where they feel heard and respected. I will begin by introducing myself and explaining the purpose of the session, which is to get to know the client and understand their reasons for seeking therapy. I will ask open-ended questions to explore their background, current challenges, and what they hope to achieve through therapy. Additionally, clients can expect me to focus on building rapport and establishing a sense of safety, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. I will explain my therapeutic approach, the confidentiality of the sessions, and what they can expect from the therapeutic process. I will also discuss any initial concerns or questions the client has about therapy. Throughout the session, I will use active listening and reflective responses to validate the client's experiences and begin to explore potential goals for therapy. By the end of the session, clients should feel more at ease, have a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process, and feel hopeful about the possibility of making progress in their journey.