Therapist Spotlight 5.1 - Ariel Wagerman, LMSW
Get to know our therapists!
We are back with our Therapist Spotlight interviews! This is an opportunity to get to know a little bit more about our therapists and learn what it might be like to work with them. Finding a therapist can be hard, it is a big step. You have to choose to make a change in your life and trust in a person you don't know. For many that is the most influential part of therapy - making a connection, so take some time to learn about our therapists!
Therapist Spotlight #5 with Ariel Wagerman, LMSW
What brought you to the helping profession?
If you asked me growing up, what I wanted to be when I was older, the answers would have changed from being a teacher, a vet, an occupational therapist, a nurse, and then one day it switched to being a therapist. Among all these careers, the urge to be in the helping profession was always there. Early in high school, this urge developed into a specific focus and passion – to advocate for and create a support system for mothers and their mental health. In order to follow this passion, I had a plan…and then that plan went out the window!
Growing and trying to navigate the life transitions of my evolving plan, I was introduced to the field of social work. Social work allows me to follow the dreams I have for advocating for mental health, breaking its stigma, and becoming the therapist I wanted to be. I have evolved to not only support moms in times of life transitions, but to work with older teens and adults navigating an array of life transitions while learning how to cope with daily stressors as well.
Social work allows me to follow the dreams I have for advocating for mental health, breaking its stigma, and becoming the therapist I wanted to be.
What is a typical therapy session like with you?
When clients enter the therapeutic space, whether that is within the walls of my office at our practice location or virtually from the comfort of their couch, I meet them with an individualized approach. Therapy can be challenging and emotionally tasking, so not everyone is ready to go at the same pace. One consistency with all clients is that within my role, I will always show up as an authentic human being; who has her own life experiences and will react with normal human reactions (no robot therapist here!). My clients can expect to lead the session by recalling recent experiences and feelings as I promote self-determination within their healing journey. I meet the client with support and validation, while gently challenging, motivating, and encouraging exploration. I rely on my education and experience as a mental health clinician to help the client navigate these experiences, which ultimately affect the client’s goals and values.
One consistency with all clients is that within my role, I will always show up as an authentic human being...no robot therapist here!
What are some challenges that your clients face?
My clients often face challenges with life transitions, anxiety, and depression. Life is constantly shifting, and we as humans change with it, experiencing many transitions along the way. Common life transitions which can create stressors for individuals whom I work with include emerging into adulthood, dating, becoming a mom, becoming a dad, marriage, navigating parenting roles, independent living, career changes, leaving behind an old lifestyle, moving, and changes in family dynamics. My clients who experience anxiety and depression often describe difficulty adjusting to these life transitions, and at times not feeling like themselves, or that they have lost their spark.
Want to learn more about how Ariel can support you in becoming your most authentic self? Reach out and schedule a session with her today: ariel@insightmaryland.com
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