Aniya Lewis, LMSW

Healing Work

Therapy with me…Before we began to dive deep into what brings you to therapy. I believe that building rapport is an important step to the therapeutic process. It allows for you as the client to feel safe in sharing information with me. Furthermore, I believe that the therapeutic process is a collaboration between myself and the client. Lastly, I allow space for adult learning experience meaning that the therapist and client can learn from each other. I won’t pretend to know everything but I will always be open to learning new things.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work…I’m a proud black woman.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about…working with adults who struggle with mental health issues and addiction (co-occurring disorder), stages of change of recovery, and medication-based treatment. I also have experience working with incarcerated persons in helping them identify their triggers and risk factors for recidivism.

I work best with clients who are… ready to show up for themselves and put in the work even though it can be challenging at times.

I am not a good clinical fit for… clients who are not open to being challenged and being committed to the work.

What makes me unique…I have a reflective, empathetic, straightforward approach to treatment.

Learning and Growing

I’m always open and excited to learn new things. The thing I’m most excited about is expanding my knowledge and clinical expertise on forensic social work (court mandated clients and incarcerated or formerly incarcerated clients).

What resources me to build resilience…Traveling, taking naps, and unplugging from the day to day demands.

Education
– MSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore
– BA, Hofstra University

Certifications/Trainings/What I’m Reading Currently 
– The Body Keeps Score