Dr. Ava Fiddle, DSW, LISW-CP/S

she/her/hers

Locations Served:

Primary Focus:

Locations Served:

Primary Focus:

I'm Here To Help You

Hi, I’m Dr. Ava Fiddle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LISW-CP/S) in South Carolina. I adopt a strength-based approach with my clients during therapy sessions. Engaging in the therapeutic process can be challenging, as sharing one’s most vulnerable moments requires significant courage. Therefore, I positively affirm individuals who attend and actively participate in their sessions.

Why I Am Passionate About Therapy

As society emphasizes focusing on our medical needs, I also strongly advocate for prioritizing our mental health. Every human’s story is valuable; it shapes their identity, worldview, and relational approach. It can be transformative for clients when the therapist demonstrates unconditional positive regard and empathy while providing a non-judgmental space for clients to share their most vulnerable moments.

I have witnessed this firsthand in my work with clients. When clients reveal aspects of their lives that they may have often hidden, it opens the door to self-discovery and self-nurturance. It enables them to reassess their communication patterns and limiting beliefs, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. Every behavior has meaning, and new patterns can emerge when we recognize the cycles of what is happening.

We all bring elements of our identity into the therapy room. Throughout my doctoral program at Simmons University, I have thoroughly reflected on my intersecting identities and how they impact my therapeutic relationships with clients.

I will never be an expert on a client’s life; my role as a therapist is to practice cultural humility and stay attuned to the client’s experiences and perspectives.

Therapy is a joint endeavor, and I believe it is most effective when the therapist remains curious, open, and committed to learning and growing. My passion for therapy comes from the desire to ensure that my clients leave their sessions feeling seen, heard, respected, and valued.

I believe that when clients can recognize their therapist’s humanness and genuine care and compassion, it fosters a stronger therapeutic bond and relationship.

Dealing with relationship conflict and feeling stuck?

Let’s join together to gain clarity and direction.

Why I Became a Therapist

From a young age, I knew becoming a therapist was my calling. I have always been fascinated by human relationships. Naturally curious, I often ask questions to understand the people around me better. I’ve always been drawn to self-help books, psychological podcasts, and educational videos about the human mind and experience.

Like many others, I have faced hardships. The support I received during those difficult times profoundly impacted my life.

I firmly believe that if we don’t work on our healing as therapists, we can’t truly help those we serve. I also believe we must continually engage in inner work to better support ourselves and one another.

Therefore, I recognize the importance and need of therapy, and since a young age, it has been my goal to create a safe space for people to share their struggles. I understand that for some, a space may never feel completely safe, but I have always been committed to doing what I can to cultivate a comforting and accepting environment.

What Is My Approach?

I strive to personalize my methods; this means I may not use the same evidence-based modalities for every client. It depends on their needs and what they wish to address in each session. A common thread among all clients is that every session is conducted with compassion, non-judgment, and empathy.

Establishing a strong foundation of trust is essential for meaningful work. I am also transparent with clients about my ongoing learning as their therapist to best support them.

I want my clients to understand that the learning process is continuous and that therapists must pursue ongoing training and psychoeducation to provide the most effective care.

I also challenge clients during sessions in a nonjudgmental manner. As a therapist, I stay attentive to their statements and use them as opportunities for deeper exploration.

While this exploration may bring discomfort, I consistently remind clients that I am on this journey with them. Therefore, my approach is highly collaborative and team-oriented.

Additionally, my approach involves checking in with clients to evaluate their progress and adjusting their treatment as necessary. I will also encourage clients to practice self-reflection. Are they using the tools provided? Are they feeling stuck in a particular area? Encouraging clients to reflect on their therapeutic experiences and how they apply what is discussed outside of sessions will ultimately improve the quality and efficacy of their treatment.

I am motivated and committed toward helping you reach your goals.

Contact me today to learn more about how I can guide you in that process.