Nora Hawley, LCSW

Nora_Hawley_LCSW

You are making your way through an uncertain time in life.  Whether it be middle school, the transition to high school, or the time to figure out your "future", everything is changing and none of it feels right.

You don't have the answers and you feel like no one understands anyway.  Your friendships might be changing, your body might be changing, and your mind is trying to catch up with it all.  During all of this, you're just trying to figure out who you are. You are exploring your identity, your interests, and where you fit into this world.  

Your thoughts and emotions might be intense, overwhelming, or confusing. You might feel anxious, unsure, or down about yourself.  Things that used to be easy might feel hard now.  Your head is full of "what ifs" and none of them seem particularly positive.  

What you really want is to feel heard, seen, and like you are not alone.  You want to be happy with who you are and the direction you're headed in. 

I CAN HELP.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for working with adolescents as they explore their identity and manage life's stressors, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression.  My goal is to connect with all of my clients through a non-judgmental, relational approach where I work to first establish trust and rapport. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies within a strengths-based, trauma-informed framework. 

I seek to build confidence within my clients and help them feel empowered to explore and manage their challenges.  I additionally incorporate different techniques into my practice including the use of art, books, journaling, movement, and music. I pride myself in meeting my clients where they are with warmth and empathy to ensure that the therapeutic process is one that feels safe, productive, and supportive.  

I have experience working with children and adolescents across numerous settings.  I am currently a middle school social worker and previously worked as an in-home clinician and as an outpatient therapist in a hospital-based child guidance clinic.  Through these positions, my schooling, and various trainings I’ve attended, I have developed my skillset to address a wide range of needs.  

While I specialize in working with adolescents, I also love working with individuals of all ages, from childhood to young adulthood.  

If you are interested in learning more about me and how I can support you or your family, call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

I HELP…

Middle School and High School Aged Individuals

I help pre-teens and teens who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, self-esteem issues, and school related stressors. I support clients in talking about their struggles, learning how to better manage their thoughts and emotions, and creating meaningful relationships and goals for their future.  

LGBTQIA+ Youth & Their Loved Ones

I help LGBTQIA+ youth explore their identity, including all of the feelings that might come with that (excitement, anxiety, fear, uncertainty). I support individuals to develop the skills needed to feel confident and comfortable with who they are and how they express themselves. I also support parents and loved ones of LGBTQIA+ youth who are committed to being supportive, and also need a safe, confidential place to explore their own complex emotions associated with their child or loved one’s identity development.

Children & Their Parents

I help children who are struggling with anxiety, behavioral, and social challenges learn how to recognize and understand their anxious feelings and to use simple, effective strategies to overcome their worries and fears.  

Group Therapy

I help children and adolescents who need support building social skills, improving their self-esteem, and in managing stressors at school, home, or in their interpersonal relationships to connect with others. Through the group experience, clients have an opportunity to engage with peers and to support one another in growing and learning new skills, strategies, and ways to relate with others.

Credentials:

  • CT Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #012189)

  • CT Certified School Social Worker (#071)

  • Master of Social Work from University of Connecticut School of Social Work

  • BS in Psychology from Northeastern University

  • Trauma Informed Care Training through Connecticut Behavioral Health, May 2022

  • Knowledgeable regarding CT special education laws and procedures, as well as school-based support services for students