Justin Croak, MSW, LCSW, LCADC

Therapist

About Justin (he/him/his)

Welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker and drug/alcohol counselor experienced working in the substance abuse and mental health field. I enjoy working with clients experiencing family/relationship issues, codependency, mood disorders, men’s issues, trauma symptoms, life transitions, stress management and addictive behaviors in general.

In my work, I often integrate EMDR and parts work (IFS) modalities with clients to assist in uncovering and exploring different emotional learnings that may be showing up as barriers in life and relationships. I believe that taking time to get to know different parts of ourselves and understanding how and why they show up, provides space for deep and lasting change. These approaches have been meaningful to me in my own life, and I’m passionate about sharing them with clients who feel drawn to this type or work.

I view therapy as a collaborative team effort in identifying and challenging obstacles towards change. My personal therapeutic style is relational and supportive, creating a gentle and steady pace combined with directness when it’s helpful. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful part of healing.

Outside of my therapy office, I’m a big advocate for activities that nourish overall wellness. For me these include time in nature, hiking, running, experiencing other cultures, boxing, playing basketball, meditation, cooking and music/dance.

I would be honored to support you on your journey of growth and healing.

Areas of Focus

Codependency
Addictions/Recovery
Mindfulness
Stress management
Depression/Anxiety
Life Transitions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Parts Work
Family/Relationship Conflict
Healing from Trauma

Starting the process of self building after self destruction from addiction.

Addiction comes in the form of substances, food, shopping, exercise, relationships etc. Battling addiction creates wounds that require healing to recover from. Navigating this process can be challenging at times and can feel overwhelming. I offer those on the path of recovery support and guidance to alleviate some of the difficulties that present. I view addiction as a coping mechanism to escape from undesirable thoughts and feelings. Therefore, recovery is an opportunity to learn to cope with feelings in a new way. Providing emotional regulation skills, cognitive reframing and self soothing techniques are some of the methods I offer.

Creating wholeness within to break unhealthy attachments.

We often develop unhealthy attachments towards external sources to cope with an internal dilemma. A common form of an unhealthy attachment many people develop is within our personal relationships. Whether with friendships, family or romantic partners, codependency and dysfunction show up when we are neglecting our own emotional needs. Interrupting the pattern of unhealthy relationships starts by looking within. My role is to walk with you along the journey of showing up for yourself to lessen the need to seek for the solution from others. Through self esteem building, inner child reparenting, and development of communication and boundary setting skills, relief from the shackles of codependency is possible.

Embracing your pain to facilitate change.

The answer to your healing from your past already exists within yourself. I show up to guide you towards accessing it. Our childhood, adolescence and adulthood are filled with events that shape our views of the world and ourselves. These learned ways of thinking and behaving often keep us safe but can also prevent us from growth and change. Processing past traumas and any unresolved feelings attached to them is a step towards healing. I also guide you in identifying the "rules" that you have learned and operated from based on the past and begin to restructure them in a way that can be more helpful. Although it can be uncomfortable at times, setting new agreements for yourself allows greater freedom from the past and the potential to embrace the present.

Education & Training

License Number

"You cannot think your way into a new way of living, but you can live your way into a new way of thinking."

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