I'm a clinical social worker licensed in both South Carolina and Massachusetts. Social Work is a second career for me, following a 20-year career as a writer and educator.
I tend to work with clients on issues such as life transitions, caregiving, serious illness, family conflict, and grief. I use my specialized training in Narrative Therapy to help clients explore and develop the "stories" they tell about themselves--a process that can help resolve complex issues related to guilt, existential crises, trauma, relationships, self-confidence, aging, and loss.
Establishing a sense of mutual trust and security are priorities for me during sessions, where clients sharing sensitive, personal stories often struggle with feelings of vulnerability and confusion. I approach each client with respect, sympathy, and objectivity.
As we work together, and as you share your story with me, I might ask questions you hadn't considered before, or point out unique threads in your narrative that you hadn't noticed on your own. I'm a curious, supportive listener and an experienced guide. In the end, though, you are the foremost expert on your own experience. Your story is yours, and yours alone.
I look forward to meeting you, to hearing you tell your story in your own words, and to helping you deepen your exploration of your own life.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Depression, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Divorce and separation, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
MA LICSW 121047
SC LISW-CP 14083
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kerri Tester. 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.
She’s extremely great at listening and keeping me focus on the goals and boundaries I set for myself.
Written on Jul 09, 2021 after therapy with Kerri for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd