The best gift a client can give me is ending therapy because they met their goals"
― Gardelyn Bonilla, LCSW
Founder of Let's Pause
ABOUT ME
HOLA
My name is Gardelyn Bonilla (She/Her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) born and raised in NYC. From a young age, I have always been fascinated by human behavior, relationships, and their intricacies. My interest intensified as I got older and realized the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health related ailments within my community that often went ignored and masked with unhealthy coping patterns. Although acceptance of mental health and its importance has become more mainstream, In communities of color, the topic of mental health continues to be taboo and viewed in a negative light. I want to change that.
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HEAL YOUR WHOLE SELF
My work centers on helping people heal their whole selves; Whether you are struggling with managing feelings related to world events, work/life balance, grief/loss, life transitions, stress, trauma, (incl. generational trauma), -isms/ structural barriers (ie. racism), interpersonal difficulties, or challenges involving anxiety, let's partner to navigate these challenging realities.
My goal is to help you feel empowered, and confident that you have the tools to tackle challenges you may face. My goal is also for you to thrive in your relationships with other people, community, and systems because humans are complex, social beings and wellness does not occur in isolation.
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YOU ARE THE EXPERT
You are the expert in your own life...My role is to learn from you and guide you along your journey. Through our collaboration I will bring attention to maladaptive thought and behavior patterns that stand in the way of you living your BEST life, whatever that personally looks like for you.
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So step into my virtual office...Let’s Pause
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
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Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Hunter College
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Master’s Degree with specialization in Clinical Practice with individuals and families from the Silberman School School of Social work at Hunter College
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Seminars in Field Instruction (SIFI)
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Certified Life Coach
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Building Coaching Competency
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Sanctuary Model and its core concepts
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Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
PREVIOUSLY FACILITATED CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS
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Trauma & Trauma Informed Care
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Vicarious Trauma. Workshop conducted at NYC Bar Association
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Ethical Concerns for Busy Public Interest Lawyers. Panel conducted at LEAP Conference
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Best Practices when Working with Immigrant Youth
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Recognizing and Responding to Suicidality and Self-Injurious Behavior
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Identifying Developmental/Intellectual Delays
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Principles of Effective Communication
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Creating & Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
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Prioritizing & Practicing Self-Care
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Fundamentals of Self-Preservation