Sheila Verna, LSW:

Great to meet you!

I am in what you would call in an “encore career”, pivoting after a fulfilling career in the fashion business, then many years as a stay-at-home mom. Channeling that experience along with acquiring a Masters in Social Work, serving on the local Board of Education for over ten years, dedicating several years to directing the “Youth Council” at a local non-profit and blending all of that together, I strive to provide a comprehensive, well thought-out, therapeutic experience for your child and your family.

My approach is first and foremost working through a positive psychology lens, working with the child and their family’s strengths. Identifying the strengths and capitalizing on them fosters awareness, organic change and growth. Along with those, comes the most powerful therapeutic change-maker, intrinsic motivation. With intrinsic motivation, a child WANTS to make the changes for themselves, even though it takes mindful effort. It’s one of the key elements in building self-confidence and children understanding the power they hold within themselves to effect change in their lives. 

Works with: Children, Early Teens

Specialties: Adjustment, Acculturation Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Inattention, Defiance, Parent-Child Conflict, School Issues, Separation Anxiety, Self-confidence Issues, Social Skills Training, Substance use disorder.

Approach: Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Strength-Based Therapy

Style: Compassionate (and PASSIONATE), high energy (enthusiastic), authentic, and perceptive.