A Brief Introduction to Rosie Pettway, LCSW
My social work career began long before I actually earned the degree. It began during my transition from corporate paralegal to elementary substitute teacher in the NYC Public School System. Teaching had placed me in a position to witness firsthand the deep emotional needs of children, which were being neglected and unmet by a system that promised nurturance, support and protection. I noticed the absence of much needed school based social workers. There was only one assigned to that particular school and she was overburdened with duties related to IEP’s for those children identified as having special educational needs. Coupled with (1) my desire to bridge the gap between strengthening mental health resources to children/families/teachers and (2) the physical and emotional trauma related to 911, I knew my path would lead me to becoming a clinical social worker. A total revelation to me! With my heart leading, I applied for social work school the next year and was accepted for the term beginning August 2002.
In much the same way I felt called to the field of social work, I also felt called to working with the aging. As I sat next to the chairs of patients receiving their dialysis treatments, I heard stories similar to the ones I’d heard in my work with children – histories of unacknowledged, unresolved trauma they’d been carrying/dragging across the lifespan: generalized anxiety and fear, immigration status concerns, systemic racism, sexual orientation, physical violence, teenage pregnancies, forced marriages, incest/rape/sexual abuse, partner violence, common feelings of unworthiness – unwanted and unloved, and stigmas related to learning disorders and mental health diagnoses. The main difference between the two populations is that the aging adults had carried their burdens and distress over a much longer period. Over lifetimes, and now many are finding themselves existing in a society where their needs are undervalued, thus unprotected.
It is my belief that within each of us resides an inner child, still longing for that never received attention (to be seen, to be heard), and still acting out to his/her own self-detriment, often manifesting chronic pain, illness and disease. Armed with this knowledge and now an older person myself, this presents an opportunity for me to participate and assist in the totality of healing for this population – mentally, emotionally and physically, including the child within, bringing unity, integration, stability and peace with Self-Love as the overarching goal. I began my social work career working directly with the youth; and in working with the adult aging population, I continue to touch the youth. For me, this is the best of both worlds. In this, I am fully grateful and satisfied.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NY LCSW 080035
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Rosie Pettway. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Rosie is absolutely fantastic! She has taken the time to understand my past and my current state of mind, has worked with me to define my goals for the future, and has provided countless excellent suggestions on how I can achieve those goals. Rosie has been understanding and insightful without fail throughout my sessions. With her help, I have seen a significant improvement in my life. I can't thank her enough!
Written on Jun 16, 2022 after therapy with Rosie for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Rosie changed my life. I was at the lowest point in my life, being physically sick from all the stress and mental illness. I was able to discontinue all my antidepressants and work out all the problem with Rosie. I couldn’t thank her enough.
Written on Mar 26, 2022 after therapy with Rosie for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
I'm very happy with Rosie and her professionalism.
Written on Mar 03, 2022 after therapy with Rosie for 3 weeks on issues concerning bipolar disorder
So far Rosie has really helped me get started on goals that I have struggled with for a long time. I can say they are goals now instead of a collection of overwhelming tasks, chores, or anxieties. Having someone to work with you on achieving your goals, to make you see your own small accomplishments, and talk through issues in a safe environment has helped me a lot in just a short amount of time.
Written on Sep 09, 2021 after therapy with Rosie for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
I love Rosie , she’s been helping me understand my family feelings towards my moms death and helping me make goals for myself that I’ve been working towards
Written on Jun 13, 2021 after therapy with Rosie for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd