Therapy for Change
You may believe change is difficult because you don't know how to change or think it's impossible to create the change that will bring you joy.
Some adults work with me when they use substances to feel better about themselves or to "escape" reality. Some have shared that the cause of their alcohol and substance use are feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. When we've looked deeper into what's causing them to use substances, they've revealed thoughts such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'm worthless." and other beliefs that tempt them to use alcohol, and cannabis etc.
Perhaps you are tired of feeling not good enough, unmotivated, or dissatisfied with life and want to learn how to cope with these feelings leading to substance use; We'll connect on a human level and collaborate on creating the changes you want.
What Happens Next?
We'll start with a phone consultation to build rapport. During the phone consultation, we'll briefly discuss the problem or concerns you want to address in therapy; however, that can also be done if you feel more comfortable talking via email.
From there, we'll schedule our first virtual meeting. We'll continue to connect and develop specific goals to work on in our sessions. Some goals you might want to work on include not using alcohol or "cutting down" on alcohol or cannabis or learning how to cope with situations leading to sadness, anxiety, and habits. Whatever you decide to work on, we'll achieve the goal together.
Here Is An Example...
Let's say you want to avoid using alcohol, and you have good reasons to stop. In therapy, we'll focus on situations that cause you to drink alcohol. We'll discuss the thoughts and feelings about the situation(s) that influence you to drink, and some of those beliefs might include "I had a long day at work, and I deserve a drink." or "I'm a failure." Next, we'll take concrete steps toward reaching your of abstinence and improvements in your mood.
About Your Therapist
Far too often, we tumble down a mental "rabbit hole," asking ourselves, "What if?" We're in a free-fall, imagining one worst-case scenario after another. We know these images in our minds aren't real and are unlikely to happen, yet we believe our worst fears will come true.
Our thoughts have a unique way of "tricking" us into believing our accomplishments don't matter or that we don't measure up to other people. We try our best to cope with a few changes in our feelings and behavior. The happiness we want for ourselves appears elusive but yet at our fingertips. What drives me to work with you is that I want you to hold your happiness in your hands.
My name is Shariff, owner of Therapy for Change.
During my free time, I'm with my wife and children. However, I love the gym. There aren't many things outside of running, the bench, and the squat rack that I enjoy.
Maybe if I thought long and hard about it, I could name a few other things I like doing, such as gaming or rooting for the New York Giants to win a football game. But exercising does it for me.
Education & Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia (2020)
George Mason University Master’s of Social Work (2018)
Virginia Commonwealth University B.S. Psychology (2014)
Trained in
Collaborative Assessment Management Suicidality
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Read Client Reviews
"Shariff was extremely patient, non-judgmental, gave me validation, but made me see myself in such a positive way. Although our time together was short lived - because I moved - he made my first experience into this therapy world a great experience. I never felt ashamed, I felt completely accepted and I learned so much about myself and he gave me tools to use in my personal growth journey. I will forever be appreciative to him for his time, grace and acceptance."
– Chrystal
"In working with Shariff, I learned, it was and is okay to feel negative emotions and that confirmation of knowing it is okay to go through the motions was all I needed to move forward”"
– Katherine
"Shariff is methodical and an intent listener. I would go back to him if needed"
– Michael
“ I had a fantastic experience with Shariff. He was so genuine and helped me have such a positive outlook moving forward. If you’re looking for someone that truly listens to you and relates so much to your problems, I highly recommend! He was truly great!"
– Samantha
"I felt that the therapy I received was more involved and detailed than others I have received in the past. I was taught the practice of questioning my negative thoughts, this led to me becoming more aware of my headspace and allowed me to work on reversing this. I left these session feeling like I had made progress in my mental health rather than just talking it. I also enjoyed the fact that we would go over our time sometimes and would not be cut off when time was immediately up. It felt like I could tell that he cared for me and truly wanted me to make progress in life."
Sincerely,– Javier
