Macaela West

Macaela West (she/her) is currently pursuing her license to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She works with individuals from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered approach. Macaela is lead to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families through various therapeutic methods to address areas of concern, improve overall well-being, and achieve set goals. She has experience working in various settings including community programs for youth, child welfare social services agencies, retirement communities, and immigrant and refugee programs. Macaela has experience working within multidisciplinary teams, service planning, and case management.

Specialties

Macaela has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults that are managing stress, experienced trauma, working through grief, depression, anxiety, amongst other life transitions.  Macaela is LGBTQIA affirming.

Treatment Modalities

Macaela practices from various therapeutic modalities to meet clients where they are in their individual and unique healing journey. She primarily utilizes person-centered therapy while drawing from strengths-based approach and systems theory framework. She uses additionally uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solutions-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychoeducational techniques. Macaela is interested in broadening her modalities to include play therapy and self-expression through multiple art forms.

Education

• Bachelor of Social Work, James Madison University, 2020
  o Minor in Family Studies
•  Master of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021
  o Concentration: Clinical Social Work
  o Advanced Standing Program
  o Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program Recipient