Elaina Gardner, LMSW

About Elaina Gardner, LMSW

I am a professional clinically limited licensed social worker with experience working with a wide range of Diagnoses. I have a Master of Social Work degree with a Concentration in Psychodynamic Theory, which I obtained from Wayne State University. In addition to Psychodynamic Theory, I often utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach, as well as incorporating Mindfulness into sessions. I have been working through an agency that provides Mental Health services to inmates in county jails since August of 2018 where a primary part of my job is to meet one-on-one with individuals having difficulty coping with their incarceration. I also have experience working in Outpatient settings, doing one-on-one therapy, where I worked primarily with Substance Abuse. I have worked predominantly with adults, but am more than eager to also work with families, couples, and adolescents. I strive to use empathy to relate to my clients as well as building rapport. My experience working in a Criminal Justice setting has allowed me to show my client’s acceptance, reflective listening, motivational interviewing, and assisting client’s in forgiveness for themselves and others. My experience with Substance Abuse has allowed me to teach and reflect with the client on the five stages of change. I individualize your treatment based on your necessities. My goal for my clients is to collaborate to create and maintain treatment goals that will allow for growth and healing. I aim to give my clients a safe place to work through trauma, mental distress, hopelessness, etc.

Wear it Purple Day! What is it & How to Get Involved

By |August 24th, 2023|Categories: LGBTQ2+, Mental Health, Sexuality|

What is the Purpose of Wear It Purple Day? Wear It Purple is an organization that was originally founded in 2010. The inspiration was a response to stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment in regard to their sexuality or gender identity. The organization aims to create supportive, safe, [...]

Facts About Overdose & Treatment

By |August 18th, 2023|Categories: Adults, Health, Mental Health, Treatment|

What is an overdose? Overdose (OD) happens to a person when a toxic amount of a drug, or multiple drugs, overwhelms the bodyWritten by Harm Reduction . Overdosing can occur with a variety of substances, even over-the-counter painkillers and alcohol. Opioid overdoses occur when there are too many opioids in the body or a [...]

Human Trafficking Awareness & Tips to Protect Yourself

By |July 27th, 2023|Categories: Adults, Health, Mental Health, Trauma|

What is Human Trafficking? Human Trafficking is a type of act that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion, as a means to obtain a form of labour or commercial sex act. Traffickers lure victims into trafficking situations through the use of violence, manipulation, romantic relationships, and false promises involving well-paying jobsWritten by [...]

Sexual Assault Awareness

By |May 8th, 2023|Categories: Adults, CBT, Health, Mental Health, Sexuality, Trauma, Treatment|

What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault or sexual violence refers to any sexual activity where one party was unable or unwilling to offer consent. Sexual assault is a major public health crisis in the United States. This type of event has a life-long impact on victims' health, opportunities, and well-being. Individuals of all genders, [...]

Telehealth vs. In Person Therapy

By |April 25th, 2023|Categories: Alternative Therapy, CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health, Personal development, Treatment|

Traditional Therapy Talk therapy provides support for one's mental health through face-to-face or in-person communication with a licensed therapist. Sessions typically range from 45 minutes to an hour and on average are done weekly, biweekly, monthly, or as needed. Telehealth or Telemedicine Telehealth, telemedicine, online therapy, and virtual therapy are all [...]

10 Ways to Show Support to the Transgender Community

By |April 3rd, 2023|Categories: Adults, CBT, LGBTQ2+, Mental Health, Relationships|

Transgender Day of Visibility Each year on March 31st, the world celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This day is celebrated to raise awareness about transgender people. The day is utilized to acknowledge the contributions of trans individuals. It also aims at educating people on the poverty, discrimination, and violence that the transgender [...]

6 Common Sleep Disorders & Signs to Look out for

By |March 24th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health|

What are Sleep Disorders? Sleep Disorders involve issues with quality, quantity, and timing of sleep, which can impact levels of distress in the daytime and impair functioning. Another term for sleep disorders is sleep-wake disorders. Insomnia is one of the most common and well-known sleep-wake disordersWritten by American Psychiatric Association . Importance of Sleep [...]

Coping Skills & Distraction Techniques to Utilize when Feeling Triggered to Self-Harm

By |March 3rd, 2023|Categories: Adults, Anxiety, BPD, CBT, Depression, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Social Anxiety, Stress, Treatment, Wellness|

What is Self Harm? Mental health struggles can look like anxiety, depression, mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, etc. These moments may feel like it is impossible to move forward or to feel better. When this is the case, the mental anguish can be so painful that some feel they must distract themselves with something easier [...]

8 Ways to Nurture Intimacy in your Relationship

By |February 27th, 2023|Categories: Adults, CBT, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Personal development, Relationships, Wellness|

Nurturing Intimacy in Relationships Growing up, many of us have a skewed view of what a romantic relationship will look like. Regardless of what the relationships around us look like: fairytales, romance novels, romantic comedies, and cheesy love songs all tell a story of what an ideal relationship looks like. These media portrayals of [...]

8 Common Miscommunications Affecting Your Relationship

By |February 13th, 2023|Categories: Adults, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Everyday tips, Mental Health, Personal development, Relationships, Wellness|

Improve Your Communication this Valentine's Day Reducing miscommunications affecting your relationship February means Valentine's Day, which means heart-shaped candies, flowers, and chocolates. On a more fundamental level though, it is an opportunity to intentionally prioritize your romantic relationships. No matter the strength of a couple, we are always able to improve [...]

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