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Welcome! My name is Camille Hart. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My approach to therapy is strengths based. I believe that clients have strengths to draw on as we work towards building the skills we need to function at the level we desire.
My approach
I am trauma informed. In my experience, most individuals come to therapy with a history of trauma at some level. I like to use a variety of techniques from DBT, CBT, and solution focused. Mindfulness plays an important role in my approach. We often struggle to maintain focus and stay in the present. I teach a variety of breathing and grounding skills in session to help clients self soothe as needed. It's also a helpful to have those skills to use between sessions.
My focus
I enjoy working with clients who have a strong drive to improve their lives. I treat individuals ages 18 and older. I specialize in treating trauma, substance use disorders, grief, depression, and anxiety.
My communication style
My approach tends to be validating and no nonsense. I will point out strengths and areas of growth. I will also lead the tough discussions on behaviors that are not serving my client well. I gently approach my feedback and tailor it to the client I am working with. It is important to me that a client feels comfortable and doesn't feel shame or guilt coming up when issues or areas of growth are identified. I seek permission regularly before providing feedback. I don't want to give a client more than they are ready for in that moment.
My journey to mental healthcare
I was drawn to therapy when I was working at a youth residential treatment center. I was one of the floor staff working closely with the residents. I worked with clients with high-risk behaviors. Those clients regularly reminded me how much hope there is in life and a capacity for change. I was inspired by their courage to learn skills for a better future. I have loved my journey as a therapist. I have built my skill set around areas I have noticed gaps in my knowledge. If I'm unsure of how to help a client I will find resources or trainings to help me be more effective. I will always work hard both in session and outside of sessions. It is important to me to be ethical and knowledgeable. I will not encourage clients to engage in skills or behaviors I wouldn't be willing to try myself. It is important to me to try out skills to see how they work. I recommended yoga for several years because the research indicated it was effective. I started practicing it myself so I had the personal experience behind it when recommending it as a coping strategy. I loved it so much that I am currently training to be a yoga instructor. I am also learning how to incorporate it in my sessions.
My goals for you
My motto is "realistic and kind." I help clients explore ways of breaking the desired goal down into manageable steps. It is important to keep it realistic so that it is attainable. It is also important to keep it kind so that we aren't pushing to move too quickly. That often leads to a feeling of failure or discouragement. Moving too quickly can impact how someone feels about future goals or shake their confidence. Creating manageable and attainable goals builds confidence for larger or more detailed goals in the future. Successfully navigating a goal also builds our self-esteem. It is important to be flexible throughout the process. Life happens and obstacles arise that may change the timeline. I want my clients to know that I'll assist in keeping goals realistic and kind. It is important for me to help them set themselves up for success.
My first session with you
Many of my clients over the years have told me I have a comfortable presence. That means more than I can put into words. I do my best to help put someone at ease in the first session. I gauge the conversation regularly to ensure I'm not pushing anyone too hard. It makes it easy to stop doing therapy if it is uncomfortable. I recognize this may be the one shot someone is willing to give therapy a try. I want to honor that and help them settle in. I want clients to feel emotionally safe in their interactions with me.
