Description
Summary Capable, caring and creative therapist, specialized in the treatment of severe mental illness and/or dual diagnosis populations. Focuses on empowerment and personal responsibility to encourage client growth. Helps each client lead a more functional and healthy life by using eclectic interventions. Additionally, has extensive business experience as a diverse and innovation manager, trainer, and consultant. A leader and a team player, with the rare combination of a healer's heart and a businessman's head. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Private Practice February 2015 to Present, Huntington Beach, California * Provides individual, couples, family, and group clients with ethical and effective therapy * Partners with clients to assess needs, determines goals, and create positive, change oriented treatment plans * Raises client awareness and improves understanding by creating and leading informative and interactive groups * Draws on knowledge, expertise, and resources to provide guidance and ensure the best care for each client * Partners with clients' support network to produce realistic, practical, and potent courses of action Program Coordinator/Outpatient Therapist July 2014 to February 2015, Touchstones, Social Model Recovery Systems, Orange, California * Stimulated growth and met adolescent dual diagnosis clients' needs through compassionate and positive therapy * Created and maintained all clinical, operational, support, and related facets of the Outpatient Program * Achieved objectives and promoted quality care by creating and applying program policies and procedures * Expanded staff understanding of the clients served through educational training and hands-on workshops * Documented all services in compliance with organizational standards, state, county, and federal regulations Primary Therapist February 2013 to June 2014, Harbor View Adolescent Center, Genesis HealthCare, Long Beach, California * Conducted individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents with severe mental and/or dual diagnosis disorders in a locked, residential, DMH funded IMD/Skilled Nursing Facility * Facilitated and optimized prosocial behavior and continual client growth by developing and presenting groups teaching healthy, effective coping skills for psychosis and anger management, self-soothing, peaceful conflict resolution, increased assertiveness, and related areas, focusing on eclectic treatment plans and positive reinforcement * Acted as liaison between clients/families and collateral agencies such as DMH, DCFS, Office of Public Guardianship, Full Service Partnership, and others, to ensure each client's best current and future care * Collaborated daily and monthly with each resident's treatment team to assure his/her smooth transition to a lower level of care, either the family home or another residential facility, upon discharge Program Counselor April 2012 to January 2013, Meadowbrook Manor, Genesis HealthCare, Culver City, California * Used a wide range of theoretical orientations and treatment strategies to counsel chronically, severely mentally ill adults in a locked, residential IMD/Skilled Nursing Facility * Researched, developed and presented material for a variety of daily mental health-based core curriculum groups * Collaborated with medical staff, residents, treatment teams, and outside agencies to create residents' treatment plan short and long-term goals, provide guidance, and observe and document behavior, participation, and program progress Counseling Intern July 2009 to August 2011, Mariposa Women & Family Center, Orange, California * Helped clients achieve short and long-term goals by collaborating with individual, family, group, and child clients to create, implement, and revise customized treatment plans and strategies designed to identify and address their needs * Increased each client's knowledge base, and enhanced the effectiveness of their treatment using a variety of resources * Continued to learn and grow through participation in formal and informal training and networking events * Assured quality client service and adherence to all ethical and legal codes by consulting with peers, supervisors, and experts Human Services Intern & Counselor January 2008 through May 2008, Community Service Programs, Santa Ana, California * Learned how the organization helps its clients, victims of sexual and other domestic violence, by sheltering children, providing support, counseling families, and educating communities * Collaborated to create the organization's 11th annual awards and educational conference by researching, building, and maintaining a directory of local businesses, and by soliciting these contacts for sponsorships and donations Human Services Intern & Counselor May 2007 through January 2008, Phoenix House, Santa Ana, California * Collaborated with clients, and with other counselors, to assess needs, create treatment plans, conduct individual and group counseling sessions, and develop and provide supporting and other resource material for clients throughout their substance use recovery programs * As a member of the Vocational Training and Outpatient Services Programs, assisted clients in their residential and post-residential treatment, helping them to obtain aftercare support, maintain sobriety, and return to the workforce * Monitored individual and group attendance, participation, and progress to achieve client goals and to maintain legal compliance Human Services Intern & Counselor January 2007 through May 2007, Straight Talk Gerry House, Santa Ana, California * Provided assessment of client needs, identified and incorporated each client's strengths and areas in need of improvement, to develop and implement treatment plans and programs designed to help obtain and maintain sobriety * Facilitated each client's treatment and development through individual and group counseling, education, and behavioral modification methods and strategies * Partnered with clients to bring about behavioral change by ensuring their participation in all aspects of their programs, maximizing their use of all available resources to bring about desired results * Monitored effectiveness of each client's treatment, revising goals and approaches as needed Student
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