Naomi Rawitz, LCSW, CST, CSE
About Naomi
Naomi discovered her passion for counseling as an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis when she served as a crisis peer counselor. During her years of undergraduate and graduate school, she trained in multiple settings including a non-profit, a hospital, and a university counseling center. She also volunteered her time to provide creative writing therapy at a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and art therapy for under-privileged youth in the St. Louis area.
After graduating with her MSW, Naomi completed a Post-MSW Fellowship at University of Michigan’s Counseling and Psychological Services where she specialized in sexuality, trauma, and embodiment. Naomi then served as a senior staff Licensed Clinical Social Worker at University of North Carolina at Charlotte Counseling and Psychological Services.
Naomi completed the Sexual Health Certificate Program at University of Michigan in Sex Therapy and is both a Certified Sexuality Educator and Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT. She is passionate about helping folx reach a greater sense of sexual self-efficacy and relational health.
In her free time, Naomi seizes any opportunities she can to spend time in nature. She also finds joy in laughing as much as possible and cooking food (especially desserts) with loved ones.
Naomi Helps With
Trauma such as relational trauma, medical trauma, and trauma related to socio-cultural marginalization
Sexual functioning (e.g. erectile and ejaculatory difficulties, vulvovaginal pain, and issues accessing pleasure)
Unwanted compulsive sexual behavior
Romantic and sexual relationship issues (including those practicing ethical non-monogamy)
Gender identity and sexual orientation
Family-related concerns
Grief and loss
Emotional regulation
Loneliness and social disconnection
Self-esteem, imposter syndrome, & perfectionism
Body image difficulties
Navigating major life transitions
Interpersonal conflict
Women’s issues
Pregnancy & perinatal-related concerns
Mood-related concerns such as depression & anxiety
Treatment Approach
Naomi is a trauma-informed clinician who utilizes an integrative approach to therapy and believes that therapy should be tailored to the specific needs, learning styles, and preferences of her clients. She grounds her work in a relational-cultural, intersectional feminist lens, which involves exploration of how sociocultural systems shape hardships, and how these systems also create opportunities to heal, form healthy relationships, and build a stronger sense of identity. Naomi has particular interest and extensive experience with incorporating Internal Family Systems therapy. IFS guides clients toward increased compassion, clarity, and connection with the self and others through exploration of their multiple “parts.” Naomi is also an EMDR Certified Therapist with specific training in Somatic- and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (SAFE EMDR) as well as IFS-Informed EMDR. EMDR can be utilized to help address a variety of issues depending on client need and interest in this type of experiential therapy.
Other therapeutic modalities that Naomi frequently integrates into care include mindfulness practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Qualifications
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Illinois
Licensed Master of Social Work, Michigan
Formal Education
Master of Social Work
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis MO
B.S. Psychological & Brain Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis MO
Clinical Certifications and Professional Trainings
EMDR Certified Therapist
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Certified Sex Therapist
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
Certified Sexuality Educator
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 Teacher
Integrative Restoration Institute
Completion of Step 1 IFS-Informed EMDR
Syzygy Institute
Completion of Step 2 IFS-Informed EMDR
Syzygy Institute
Completion of Step 3 IFS-Informed EMDR
Syzygy Institute
Completion of 6-Day S.A.F.E. EMDR Training
Personal Transformation Institute
Specialty Populations
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As a queer-identified professional, Naomi takes a non-judgmental approach and understands folx may or may not view their LGBTQIA+ identities as relevant to their reason for seeking services. Naomi adheres to the Informed Consent Model of Gender-Affirming Care and can write letters to medical providers that meet WPATH standards.
Naomi also runs a group for those navigating cis-trans relationships.
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As a mental healthcare provider who has had the privilege to access therapy services, Naomi is especially passionate about supporting those who are in caregiving roles work toward healthy work-life balance and burnout recovery. She has extensive experience working with medical professionals, mental healthcare providers, parents, and teachers. Naomi can help you step out of an over-functioning roles and develop realistic self-care practices.
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With four years of experience across three different university counseling centers, Naomi has a deep understanding of the challenges that college students face such as creating work-life balance, finding community, and stress management. Naomi also appreciates the unique needs of international students, non-traditional students, and first-generation students.
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Naomi has co-facilitated several therapy groups for survivors of sexualized violence and understands that the title, “survivor,” does not fit for all. She runs a trauma-informed practice that encourages folx to share their experiences at their own pace. Naomi honors that abuse in any form can impact functioning and is prepared to assist with the shift from surviving to thriving.