Alyson Charnas, Licensed Independent Social Worker

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”
— M. Scott Peck

APPROACH

Therapy can be a transformative process that allows for individuals to address their concerns and foster growth and change. I believe that each person comes to therapy with a unique set of biological, social and psychological traits that will inform the work we do together. My goal is to create a safe and non judgmental environment that leads to client trust and encourages the ability to share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles.

I am clinically trained in ego supportive, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Once goals are identified, I believe in utilizing techniques and interventions from a variety of approaches that best meet the clients needs. Through the therapeutic process, I hope to build on client strengths, address challenges with understanding, and develop new skills and approaches that lead to growth. My ultimate goal as a clinician is to see each client meet their own goals, feel stronger, and be more capable of addressing their lives.

My experience working with people of all ages, facing various challenges in different settings, has continually confirmed that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Therapy is an individual journey and in order for it to be successful, it requires a whole-person approach that takes into consideration all that impacts you and your world. My mission as a therapist is to provide you with the best care and support to enhance your quality of life.

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Self Esteem

    • Life Transitions

    • Grief/Loss

    • Relationship Issues

    • Stress Management

    • Caregiver Support

    • I have over 30 years of post graduate work as a clinical therapist working in various settings and with clients from across the lifespan. I have worked in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, community agencies and schools.

    • I attended New York University and started my career in New York.

    • I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio and have a Supervisory Designation.

    • I have had extensive training in CBT with the Cleveland Center of Cognitive Therapy

    • I was trained and assisted with research for DBT groups, skills training groups and multi-family group therapy at what is now New York-Presbyterian Hospitals Westchester Division.

    • I have the State of Ohio Department of Education Permanent Education certificate from my experience working within the education system.

    • I have led caregiver support groups for Alzheimers Association for many years.

    • I was involved in the Geriatric Hip Fracture Program at the Hospital for Joint Diseases and also the Geriatric Falls Program.

    • One of the most impactful and meaningful work experiences was working with Holocaust Survivors and helping them navigate their aging and life experiences. As manager and direct service provider, it deepened my insight and perspective on the broad range of human experiences and challenges.

ALYSON’S FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST

For as long as I can remember, I have always strived to help others and be open and empathetic. Throughout my early years and beyond, I gravitated toward being there for others as a support and active listener. I wanted provide care for others and help with their challenges. After considering a career in the traditional medical field, I discovered that my strengths were better suited for social work. I wanted to help not only individuals, but also populations in need.

My favorite part of being a therapist is seeing the transformation that can occur when work, time, reassessment of thought or point of view and problem solving are involved. Watching individuals take ownership of their journey and experience growth and understanding is remarkable and being a small part of that process is incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe we all need support and guidance from someone whose only goal is to help you with your own journey. At any given point, each person can be a mushy caterpillar and through time and change, they become a soaring butterfly. It is a beautiful process.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ALYSON

AVID NEEDLEPOINTER

LOVES SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY

ENJOYS TRAVEL