Annika Leah Yokum, ASWA little about me: Prior to becoming a therapist at Love Heal Grow Counseling, I provided therapy for college students and community members at the Center for Women & Community in Massachusetts. During this time I also became a Massachusetts certified rape crisis counselor and co-led a support group for survivors of sexual assault. This work is very close to my heart and has informed many areas of my career. I completed my Masters degree at the Smith College School for Social Work and am trained in Psychodynamic theory, integrative therapy and maintain a focus on attachment. I enjoy working with individuals and couples and helping them find a greater sense of wholeness.
Things I keep in mind as a therapist: Many of us are affected by trauma in some way, shape or form. I strive to emphasize a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in our work together. I believe that you know your story better than anyone else and I honor that your experiential knowledge is valid and important. As a therapist I like to create space for complexity and I believe we each hold many intersecting identities, which shape how we interact with the world, others, and ourselves.
Working with partnerships: I know that relationships can bring up challenges, sometimes revealing qualities of ourselves, or our partner(s) that we struggle with. I work with folks to help them identify the cycles they have found themselves stuck in, and work together to help rewrite these patterns. I would love to help you build a deeper connection and facilitate a stronger, self-sustaining relationship. I also believe that our emotions can often be a guiding compass and together we can work to unpack the deeper meaning and representation of emotion in order to better understand yourself and your partner(s).
Other interests of mine: Prior to my journey in becoming a psychotherapist I helped develop a preschool and enjoyed working with children and families. I have a love for all things outdoors and enjoy getting out in the woods or by the water as much as possible. I have a huge spot in my heart for cows and dogs and have a cat, who I consider to be my sidekick.
Formal Credentials:
Associate Clinical Social Worker. BBS Registration #83152.
Supervised by Megan Negendank, LMFT #93259
M.S.W., Masters in Social Work: Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA.
B.S., Major in Psychology with Minor in Biological Anthropology: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.