Arminda Graves, AASW

Arminda Graves is an AASW-accredited social worker with six years of professional experience who supports people working through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflict, grief, depression, and other life transitions. She cultivates an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly, and she focuses on practical tools and compassionate guidance to help people move toward more fulfilling lives.

Arminda holds a Masters degree in Social Work, a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (Behavioural Health), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). She is a certified Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Level B clinician and a certified facilitator of Circle of Security. Drawing on these qualifications, she blends evidence-informed methods such as CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative approaches to tailor care to each person’s goals.

She works with a wide range of concerns including abandonment, avoidant personality patterns, blended family issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, commitment and communication problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence, feelings of emptiness, family difficulties, first responder issues, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and immigration-related challenges. Arminda provides therapy in English and Tagalog and aims to support and empower people as they take the first steps toward change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Arminda integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her work to help people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed steps toward meaningful change. This approach can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and situations where avoidance has become limiting.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and skills-focused, often used for anxiety, depression, and managing everyday challenges that interfere with functioning.

Additionally, Arminda employs a client-centered stance that prioritizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration. This foundation supports clients in exploring their own goals and shaping therapy to fit their needs and preferences.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Arminda works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, circumstances, and style. She adapts techniques over time so therapy remains responsive and relevant.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling, mobility, and varying comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access a licensed professional from home or elsewhere, offering continuity of care while accommodating busy lives and changing needs.