Lydia Kernan
Lydia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and she graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Albany. She has a background in substance abuse counseling having worked at an inpatient rehabilitation facility from 2004 until 2011. In 2011 she began working with college students in the Counseling Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In the fall of 2018, Lydia joined the Vassar College Counseling Service. She enjoys working one on one with clients as well as in groups. Her approach involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies to help clients understand and cope with symptoms. By challenging thoughts, feelings and behaviors clients learn to take new perspectives that leave the door open for healthy, positive changes. She also has a strong background in motivation enhancement strategies. Clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment, grief work, identity as well as relationship issues. My hope is that clients will find a safe and protected space to be curious about their internal emotional experience. I aim to validate and affirm as well as provide new perspectives, so that clients feel able to make meaningful change.