Naomi Crickenberger is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed to practice in West Virginia. She has 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 with parents with terminal illnesses, and community mental health. 

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 are taking the time to consider letting me be a part of your growth process, and one that would get to witness and positively impact your life.

Who I work with:

I work with ages 6 and up. I also specialize in and have an affinity for working with neurodivergence, especially ADHD, PTSD/those who have experienced traumatic experiences, attachment-related struggles, and grief-related work. I work with anyone who is facing difficult and emotionally challenging or distressing issues in their life that are impacting their ability to function and live the life they desire. I work with those who are seeking to learn about themselves, to grow, to receive support, and anyone brave enough to allow someone else to be a part of that often messy process. 

My perspective on what I do as a therapist and why: 

First of all, every therapist's approach is different because every therapist and person is different. I believe that the superpower behind why therapy matters and why it can and does create lasting change is that it is relational. I bring my full self when engaging in sessions with my clients, meaning I deeply value authenticity. Not the authenticity that makes sessions about me or a false attempt to be more likable, but the kind that allows others to let their walls down and be known, because I go first in choosing to be myself unapologetically, while still upholding ethics at the utmost. I know and have experienced that growth and healing are a process, that is non-linear, messy, and often takes longer and is more uncomfortable than we would like. I also believe in the dignity, worth, and value of a person, whether they believe that for themselves or not. Meaning, I believe that the difficulty and discomfort that come with growth and healing are worth it, because you are worth it. You are worth showing up for. It is my privilege to patiently listen, offering radical grace, lack of judgment, acceptance, and presence. I believe that healing and change occur best in the context of relationship with the use of open and honest, genuine connection. 

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is where healing can begin, continue, or be reinforced. However, healing is cultivated deepest when the connection and healing found in the therapeutic relationship is practiced in connection with those in our lives we most trust and value. That is the most important aspect of what I do; however, it is not the only aspect. As my friends would tell you, and as I have also graciously self-proclaimed, “I am a practical queen”. I believe that issues we face in life often call for creative, diverse, and out-of-the-box solutions. As I collaborate with my clients on how to help them face difficult things or solve complex problems, my focus is on empowering them and helping to increase their 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 them see the strength, resiliency, and beauty that already exists 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 thought. If you need a listening ear, an honest perspective, problem-solving skills, and a place where you will be welcomed and held accountable to move towards growth and healing in the ways you desire to grow, I may be a good fit for you. 

Modalities and techniques I use: 

I use many different therapy modalities that are evidence-based and that I have seen firsthand create active growth and change. I operate from an empowerment and strength-based lens using primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, attachment theory, and psycho dynamic modalities, with the use of some others when appropriate, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing. I also 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 West Virginian hills, woods, and hidden worlds of wonder found here. I enjoy walking, hiking, kayaking, and running (when I can summon the motivation to do so, which varies). I enjoy the pleasure of being the “aunt friend” to my now “adopted” nieces and nephews of my closest friends. I also love a good coffee shop or hammocking moment with a good book and a journal. Another very known fact about me is that I am a giant nerd, who genuinely loves learning and views learning as an ongoing life practice rather than as an academic achievement