Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ariel Tausk, lmsw-c
Personal Statement
As a clinician, I provide a calming demeanor and stable presence in therapy, inviting patients to feel safe, heard, and understood. With a soft-spoken, gentle, and empathetic approach, I listen without judgment or pressure and collaborate with patients to help them achieve their therapeutic goals.
My ability to remain composed in intense situations has allowed me to work effectively with patients with high needs and complex emotions. Others have described me as consistent and reliable, offering a stable foundation for patients to explore, process, and grow at their own pace.
In 2018, I earned my master’s in social work with a clinical concentration from Michigan State University, after completing a bachelor’s in social work. In my eight years of practicing social work, I have helped instill a sense of hope in patients coping with crises and other challenging life circumstances.
My compassion extends to animals as well as people. In my personal life, I am deeply committed to caring for animals in need. My animal companions include chickens, cats, a rabbit, and my family’s English bulldog, Pebbles. I enjoy spending time with my animals, friends, and family, as well as exercising, hiking, gardening, and trying new plant-based recipes.
Practice Philosophy & Treatment Approach
I believe therapy does not always require years of treatment to see improvement. Early in therapy, I teach patients coping skills they can begin using immediately to calm emotional distress. Additionally, I am skilled at short-term interventions, such as solution-focused methods, problem-solving skills training, and considering creative solutions to life’s problems. My overall goal is to teach patients practical clinical skills to use in their daily lives, so that one day, they can become their own therapist.
My primary treatment approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – an evidence-based modality that helps patients examine their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Behavioral Activation (BA) is another treatment I employ regularly, which seeks to replace negative patterns with enjoyable activities and build a sense of practical accomplishment and social connectedness. I also utilize skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help patients manage intense emotions, reduce stress, resolve conflict, improve relationships, increase mindfulness and create meaningful lives.
Treatment Focus & Specialty
My ideal patient is motivated to make positive changes and is receptive to a skills-based approach. They appreciate a steady, thoughtful, and reflective style of therapy, preferring guidance that is calm and supportive rather than highly directive. My style focuses on helping you make progress at your own pace.
I am experienced in working with children, adolescents, and families to improve relationships, particularly supporting at-risk youth and those involved with juvenile justice. My approach engages reluctant youth by building rapport through humor and a calming presence.
I also value working with older adults, empathizing with challenges like grief, life transitions, and seeking fulfillment in a new stage of life.
As someone with lived neurodivergent experience, I am sensitive to the needs of patients with AD/HD, ASD, sensory, and learning disorders, supporting low-pressure interactions and fostering interpersonal skills at an individualized pace. I have supported patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities by fostering autonomy and self-determination as well as teaching practical skills in a clear and respectful manner.
Additionally, I provide effective treatment for personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder, using consistency, crisis management, and DBT-informed strategies.
My Unique Contribution to the team at Meaningful Change
As the skills interventionist at the practice, I aim to help patients develop their unique set of coping tools utilizing DBT, CBT, and other treatment methods to help them manage strong emotions, challenge dysfunctional negative thoughts, and maintain healthy social connections.
I am familiar with the challenges that can come with executive functioning – planning, organizing, time management, attention, focus, and impulse control. I am experienced in guiding patients to develop personal strategies to better plan and organize their schedules.
Behavioral Activation
Motivational Interviewing
Strength-Based Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Brief Solution-Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy