Desiree Farragher, MSW, LISW-S

Licensure

Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor

Education

Master of Social Work Degree, May 2010, Youngstown State University

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology, December 2006, Youngstown State University

Professional History

Desiree Farragher is a Clinical Social Worker who works with a variety of populations in her clinical practice. She began working with PsyCare in 2006 while completing her bachelor’s degree and has continued to work at the agency while achieving her educational and professional goals. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University. While in graduate school, Desiree was awarded the Children’s Circle of Friends Foundation Scholarship. In addition to providing therapy services, Desiree also works as an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, to promote the social and emotional development of young children. Most recently, she began providing services through the Mental Health Bridge Program, a pilot program designed by the Ohio Children’s Alliance to provide support and service coordination for the early childhood population across the state. Desiree is also a member of various committees within the county, where she collaborates with other professionals to provide comprehensive information, support and resources to individuals and families within the community.

Specialties

• Early childhood development, assessment and treatment
• Individuals with developmental disabilities
• Injured workers
• Neurodiversity
• Treatment for adults, teens, children and families
• Behavioral and academic concerns
• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Traumatic experience issues
• Grief and loss
• Parenting skills
• Transitions and adjustment

Professional Objectives

“It is my priority to provide support, education and therapeutic interventions through comprehensive treatment. I continually work to expand my knowledge to implement in my practice. Clients are included in developing their own treatment goals, to empower them and encourage the ability for one to evaluate his or her own progress. Overall, my goal is to promote adaptive thought patterns, healthy coping strategies, problem-solving skills and self-awareness to enhance individual social and emotional growth.”

Theoretical Orientation

Desiree uses several theoretical interventions in her practice. Some of these include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, an intervention derived from cognitive and behavioral theories, to identify the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions to improve a client’s ability to cope with life stressors. Psychosocial theory is used to encourage recognition of conflicts and challenges to stimulate self-awareness and promote learning and growth. Solution-focused therapy is often applied to assist clients in developing their own solutions, and evaluating their efforts in the process. Choice theory, which includes the intervention of reality therapy, is implemented in treatment to help people discover and modify their own feelings and actions, recognizing they are in control of their behavior. Interventions are modified based on a client’s individual goals for treatment.