Hello, and welcome back to another episode of A Day In The Life! As you may already know, the team at Ascend wants to give you a glimpse into daily life at our facilities through the eyes of our amazing staff. With behind-the-scenes knowledge of how Ascend operates, you get a chance to get to know us before you step foot in residential or outpatient treatment!
This month, we’re getting to know one of our therapists, Xena. She’s a primary therapist at the Empress House who works closely with our clients and their parents. Learn more about what she does every day to get an idea of what to expect at one of our residential treatment facilities.
Life Before Ascend
Xena has always been passionate about supporting mental health and helping others, so it only made sense that she would pursue a career in therapy. Completing her graduate degree in social work, gaining experience through internships, and volunteering as a CASA (court-appointed specialty advocate) for adolescents in the foster care system all felt incredibly natural to her.
Working in inpatient treatment and community mental health also gave Xena a broad scope of skills and knowledge that make her an inspiring and effective therapist for teens who struggle with substance abuse.
Life At Ascend
Xena’s primary role with us is to provide individual, family, and group therapy sessions for our clients. She works very closely with them to support them as they explore and manage their emotions, develop coping skills, and address the underlying issues that brought them to treatment in the first place.
A typical day for Xena at Ascend involves meeting with clients for their individual and family therapy sessions. She also leads group therapy sessions, collaborating with her colleagues and documenting client progress. When Xena’s not in therapy sessions, you’ll find her in team meetings customizing client treatment plans or clinical training expanding her skillset.
Throughout the day, Xena collaborates closely with other therapists, her clinical director, medical staff, and mentors at Ascend to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
Why Ascend Is The Right Fit For Her
Xena has been with Ascend for just a little while, but she truly feels like this is the right place for her. She loves getting to witness the progress and growth of each client and collaborating with other therapists to ensure each client is getting the best possible care. Xena believes that Ascend provides the ideal environment to make real and lasting change in the lives of clients and their families.
When it comes to Ascend, Xena says we are supportive, empowering, and transformative for both clients and staff. We’re here to help others find a space where making positive changes is not only possible but highly encouraged.
We Love Xena Too!
After having the chance to observe Xena at work, it’s no mystery why she’s such a great contributor to our operations. Xena has the ability to create safe and empathetic spaces that encourage clients to share their concerns and find healing as they process the root causes of their mental health struggles. Xena is also dedicated to her professional growth, constantly working toward being a more effective therapist.
Just as important is the care and attention to detail that Xena puts into each new client. Every case has its challenges, and Xena rises to the occasion by ensuring effective communication among multidisciplinary teams, engaging in ongoing training and supervision, striving to remain flexible and open-minded in her approach to therapy, and maintaining a positive attitude for herself, her team, and her clients.
Growth & Change Are For Everyone
Ascend strives to create an environment where compassion is key. We want staff and clients to feel like they can take steps toward change — even if they’re scared. Working with us, Xena prioritizes compassion, resilience, and adaptability in the face of complex mental health challenges. She’s also gained so much knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Using her experience, Xena has had the privilege to witness many teens making progress during their time with us. Whether it’s overcoming substance abuse, building back trust with their families, or improving interpersonal relationships, each client has a personal success story that highlights their determination and strength.
Life Outside of Ascend
As a therapist, Xena understands the importance of self-care and personal development. Outside of Ascend, she pursues her passions and spends time with her family. Something that’s very important to her is advocacy for teens with mental health concerns. It seems like even when she’s not at work, she’s still working towards the betterment of our entire community!
Who’s Next?
Now that you know a little more about Xena and what she does as a primary therapist with us, you might feel more comfortable entering into treatment with our team. But if you have any concerns, questions, or comments, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out to us at 310.388.3713 or send us an email through our online form.
Just remember to stay tuned for the next episode of A Day In The Life to keep up with what we’re doing at Ascend!
