Naomi Crickenberger is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in West Virginia. She has both a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s in Social Work. Her professional experiences within the field include: 

• residential treatment of teens with behavioral, mental health, and substance use struggles

• grief-specific work with children whose parents experienced terminal illnesses

• Community mental health therapist, working with diverse mental health struggles and populations

Hello there, my name is Naomi Crickenberger! (and yes, my last name is a mouthful and also very German.)

I consider it an honor that you would let me be part of your growth process, as someone who could witness and positively impact your life.

Who I work with:

I work with ages 6 and up. My specializations include:  

• Neurodivergence, especially ADHD

•  PTSD or those who have experienced traumatic experiences

• Attachment-related difficulties 

• Grief-related work

I work with anyone who is facing difficult and emotionally challenging issues, who is seeking to learn about themselves, grow, and receive support. I enjoy working with anyone brave enough to allow someone else to be a part of that often messy process. If you need a listening ear, an honest perspective, problem-solving skills, and a place where you will be patiently and kindly held accountable to move towards growth and healing in the ways you desire to grow, I am a good fit for you. 

The therapeutic relationship and process:

I deeply value authenticity, and in modeling authenticity, my goal is to give clients the support they need to let themselves be fully known — which is the first step toward healing. I believe the healing process is non-linear, messy, and often takes longer and is more uncomfortable than we would like. I believe that the difficulty and discomfort that come with growth and healing are worth it, because you are worth it. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is where healing can begin, continue, or be reinforced. Healing and change are best cultivated when the connection and healing found in the therapeutic relationship are practiced alongside those we most trust and value in our lives. 

Use of an Empowerment Framework: 

In addition to valuing relational healing, I also value practicality. I believe that issues we face in life often call for creative, diverse, and out-of-the-box solutions. I collaborate with clients, focusing on empowering them to build trust and confidence in themselves. People are so much stronger, resilient, and truly more beautiful in all their humanity than they ever realize. It is my goal to help each client see the strength, resilience, and beauty that already exists and that I see in them. As they do, they often find that they are much more capable of facing the difficult things in their life than they previously thought. 

Modalities and techniques I use: 

I use many therapy modalities that are evidence-based and highly effective to create change. I operate from an empowerment and strength-based lens, but my primary modalities include:  

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 

• Attachment Theory Framework 

• Psycho Dynamic Therapy  

When appropriate, I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I use play therapy with children and love incorporating art-based or narrative-based therapy exercises when clients prefer artistic or written forms of expression and processing. 

About Me

When I am not at work, experiencing the privilege of witnessing and being a catalyst for growth and healing in others, I most enjoy being in nature. As a native West Virginian, I am old friends with the hills, woods, and hidden worlds of wonder found here. I spend time walking, hiking, kayaking, and running. I also enjoy being an aunt to my closest friend's children, whom I have adopted as my nieces and nephews. When I need alone time, I frequent good coffee shops or go hammocking with a good book and a journal. Another well-known fact about me is that I am a giant nerd who genuinely loves learning. I view learning and increasing my knowledge and understanding as an ongoing life practice rather than an academic achievement.