Jocyline Semedo
Hi, I’m Jocy, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Master of Social Work from Simmons University and a Certificate in Trauma Practice. I’ve worked in behavioral health since 2017, including in-home therapy with youth and families, community programs for young people exposed to violence, and restorative justice work. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with anxiety and stress, depression and mood concerns, trauma and PTSD, and family and relationship conflict. Sessions are held by telehealth, so you can skip the commute and bring your own comfy chair.
I use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused strategies to help you shift patterns that keep you stuck and move toward your goals, because insight is great, but so is actually feeling better.
You don’t need the perfect words to get started. Most people don’t have them, and that’s what I’m here for. I’m warm, down to earth, and happy to meet you wherever you are.
First session
The first session is an opportunity to determine whether we are a good fit. We will meet by secure video, and I will explain how therapy works, including confidentiality and its limits, and answer any questions you have. I will ask what brought you in and what you would like to be different. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, more at ease, and clearer on next steps. From there, we will move at a pace that feels right. Some people prefer to begin setting goals right away, while others need more time to talk first. Either approach is perfectly fine. You do not need to prepare anything, though a quiet, private space is helpful.
Strengths
My approach is practical and collaborative. We’ll talk about what’s going on and what you’d like to change, and we’ll build a plan together. I use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused strategies to help you shift patterns that keep you stuck and move toward your goals, because insight is great, but so is actually feeling better. I hold space, and I’m also honest, so I’ll gently push back when it helps. My work is trauma-informed, so we go at your pace and you never have to share more than you’re ready to. I focus on your strengths, because you’ve already gotten through a lot. If something isn’t working, we’ll change course together. You won’t hurt my feelings.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is an adolescent, young adult, or adult dealing with anxiety and stress, depression and mood concerns, trauma and PTSD, or family and relationship conflict. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of carrying things alone. They want practical tools, an honest conversation, and a space where they don’t have to find the perfect words. A sense of humor is welcome but never required.
Origin story
I started in behavioral health in 2017, working with youth and families in their homes and in community programs for young people exposed to violence. Seeing how much people carry, and how much shifts when they feel heard, made me want to go deeper. That led me to my MSW, trauma training, and the work I do now.
Ongoing work together
Each session builds on the last. We will work toward the goals you set, using cognitive behavioral and solution-focused strategies to shift the patterns that keep you stuck. I will check in regularly on whether therapy is helping, and you will know you are making progress when things begin to feel different: managing stress with more ease, communicating more clearly, and feeling more like yourself. If something is not working, we will adjust our approach together, and I welcome that feedback.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We look at how your thoughts, feelings, and actions affect one another. Together, we notice the thought patterns that keep you stuck and practice more helpful ways of responding, with tools you can use in daily life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I draw on DBT skills to help you manage intense emotions, handle stress, and communicate more clearly in relationships. We practice specific, practical skills, so you have something concrete to use when things feel overwhelming.
Trauma-Focused CBT
This approach helps you understand how difficult experiences have affected your thoughts and reactions. We go at your pace, build coping skills first, and you never have to share more than you are ready to.
Faith-based therapy
If your Christian faith is important to you, I welcome it in our work. We can explore how your beliefs, values, and relationship with God support you, and how they connect to what you are going through. If faith is not a focus for you, we will not make it one.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
We focus on what you want to change and what is already working, instead of dwelling on the problem. Together, we set clear goals, identify your strengths, and take practical steps toward them.
Location
Virtual sessions