Therapist Dr. C J Van Wright Photo

Dr. C J Van Wright, LICSW

Addictions LGBTQ+ Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

C.J. Van Wright, DSW, MSW, LICSW (they, them)

Thank you for reviewing my profile. It is important to know the background and preparation of the provider you're working with, so if we seem like a potential match to you, I welcome further conversation so that we can explore working together.

C.J. is Assistant Professor at Westfield State University. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas / St. Catherine University doctoral social work program, C.J.’s professional background includes community mental health services (20 years) with culturally diverse people in urban settings, Black Female to Male (FTM) Transgender Identity, intergenerational impacts of slavery, trauma-informed group work with incarcerated women, and social work teaching as a practice. CJ has provided supervision to countless social workers over the years, so they have a robust appreciation for the stressors that affect individuals who do human service work. In addition, C.J. facilitates adult trauma psycho-education groups for women at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center.

As to therapeutic style, I believe that connection and safety matter above all else. As a Black gender-nonconforming individual, I know for myself how important it is to find spaces and places where I am fully accepted and understood. In a mindful and collaborative process, I work with each individual--people from all backgrounds--to establish a strong working alliance that feels right to you and has clear boundaries. I invite clients to consider various interventions that have proven to be helpful, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness. My theoretical orientation includes Relational Cultural Theory and Constructivist Self Development Theory. It does not matter if these things are familiar to you or not, as my training allows me to guide the process.

Healing and growth happen when we are settled, connected, and empowered to change. I heartily invite you to consider undertaking such a journey with me.

Professional experience

20yrs in practice
Addictions LGBTQ+ Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression

Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Gender Dysphoria, Multicultural Concerns, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Prejudice and Discrimination

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

MA LICSW 110246

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. C J Van Wright. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Super kind, thoughtful, and insightful! Dr. Van Wright has been a very consistent and strong source of positivity and support in a way that helps me organically focus on what moves I need to make in my life. It never feels like there is judgement yet accountability is a constant as well!

Written on Dec 14, 2023 after therapy with C J for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Thank you for everything that you do for me Dr. CJ. Looking forward to getting back to our normal schedule this week.

Written on Dec 13, 2022 after therapy with C J for 9 months on issues concerning addictions

I was told I would probably go threw a couple therapist when I first started but she is just so easy to talk to and really seams to know exactly what I’m thinking I feel so lucky to have her as my first therapist experience

Written on Jul 21, 2022 after therapy with C J for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life c

CJ listens to me and helps me process my thoughts. They also give me worksheets that help me and my journey in therapy. Thank you so much CJ!

Written on Jul 01, 2022 after therapy with C J for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief

Patient, thoughtful and a good listener.

Written on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with C J for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and anger management