Caprice Mottley, MSW, LCSW

Indiana license #:33010213A

I was born in Southwest Michigan and I’m so happy and proud to share dual citizenship in my home country of Cape Town, South Africa. Southwest Michigan is where I received my Associate’s Degree at Lake Michigan Community College in Pre-Social Work and Sociology. I then transferred to Andrews University where I completed my Bachelors Degree in Social Work. I had the wonderful opportunity to play collegiate soccer for two years during this time. One year later, I had an amazing experience studying in Madagascar where I studied humanitarian and development practices, poverty analysis and reduction strategies and continued my studies at Andrews University to finish my Masters in Social Work. I’ve had an array of experiences working with Veterans, hospital social work, athletes, individuals in underrepresented identities and communities and college students. I landed the first Social Work Fellowship here at Notre Dame back in 2020 where I worked with athletes and the general student body. I’ve continued my career here at Notre Dame where my passion and love for mental health, sports and the general student population flourished. My desire to provide mental health support to college students at this critical time in their lives is so important because I know what it feels like too.

I like a laid back style of therapy where it almost feels just like a normal conversation. The “Hey Girl” approach to counseling I take can contribute to an affirming, non judgmental, collaborative, relaxed approach to attending to your mental health needs. Life can be really difficult and the incorporation of humor cannot be forgotten! As it’s my favorite to engage in this non-traditional style to therapy, it is embedded in evidenced based practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) drawing upon aspects of the biopsychosocial model, integrating strength-based perspectives as well as psychodynamic therapy approaches. It is vital that we include our work together with a multicultural based lens where all aspects of your identity and experiences are included in the journey of your healing. Within the past year I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy that helps one process traumatic memories as well as heal from these memories and distressing life experiences.

My special interests in population include athletes (current and former), exercise performance/enhancement, post injury adjustment, multicultural based challenges, microaggressions, colorism/texturism, People of Color in the workplace, invisible (physical) illnesses, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and spiritual exploration. "Weightlifting, fitness training, playing and watching basketball, football and soccer, advocacy for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), race relations, music, attending live concerts, traveling, dancing, trying new foods and restaurants, fashion, getting my nails done and makeup aesthetics.