Naomi Rawitz Therapy Michigan Ann Arbor

Naomi Rawitz, LCSW, CST, CSE

About

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

  • Mood-related concerns such as depression & anxiety

  • 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 desire discrepancy in relationships)

  • Unwanted compulsive sexual behavior

  • 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 

  • Career path 

  • Women’s issues

  • Pregnancy & perinatal-related concerns 

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 trained in Somatic- and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (SAFE EMDR) and is happy to incorporate EMDR to help address a number of presenting concerns. 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

Certified Sex Therapist
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists

Certified Sexuality Educator
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists

iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 Teacher

Integrative Restoration 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

  • 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.

  • As a mental health provider who has sought mental health care throughout her life, 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 health professionals, and teachers. She knows how difficult it can be to shift out of an over-functioning role in professional and personal environments, and is ready to help folx who are overburdened take steps to heal.

  • 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.

  • 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.