Sherri McElfatrick
LSW | Licensed Social Worker (In supervision toward clinical licensure)
Being a human is hard sometimes, life is full of ups and downs. I believe we all have personal strengths and resilience to navigate those ups and downs. I primarily use a person-centered model; this model will focus on your strengths and build upon those strengths. Our work together will be goal oriented to help navigate life’s challenges. These goals will be attainable and manageable. My goal is to develop a working relationship, one where you feel empowered to achieve your goals. During our time together we will develop a toolbox to use when times are overwhelming. I will help you identify tools you may already have and develop new tools you have not used before.
I have several years’ experience working with life transitions; parenting, career changes, health issues and relationships. Anxiety and depression can also present during difficult times, I will work with you to help minimize these symptoms. I specialize in grief and loss; I spent over a decade working in hospice. Past losses if not dealt with will present itself throughout life, often triggered when other losses occur. Our focus will be to learn to live with the loss, not move on or forget. You will get to the place where memories are no longer painful but cherished. Loss comes in several forms, no matter the type of loss you are experiencing I am here to listen.
Throughout my career I have worked with the chronically ill, most recently focusing on neurodegenerative disease. My passion is helping to guide you during the difficult transition that occurs as you learn to manage health challenges. I am a present listener who will encourage you to voice frustrations and fears that come with chronic illness. I also love working with caregivers. Taking on the role of caring for another is an honorable yet difficult task. I will encourage self-care and talking through frustrations, challenges and difficulties you may face as a caregiver.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including two young children. Pets are an important part of my life; I have both cats and dogs that keep me very busy. I look forward to hearing from you!
I accept Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, Quest, & United/Optum Insurances.
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