ABOUT ME
In order for you (potential client) to really understand how my philosophy and approach to counseling has developed, allow me to tell you about me. I am the proud father of two sons who are 32 and 28 years of age. I have a semi-structured self care regimen. I enjoy science fiction movies, books, and art. My favorite movie is James Cameron’s Avatar. My favorite author is Steven King. My favorite artist are local unknown artists/crafters. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to multiple genres of music, many types of yoga and meditating, gardening/landscaping, home improvement/repair projects, cooking, and working with/helping others. I live in Burlington, VT and I am a Vermont native. I was born in Proctor, VT and raised in Rutland, VT. I also appreciate historical Vermont books, art, and architecture. My father served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and received several honors/awards including the Purple Heart and Congressional Medal of Honor. He was an excellent woodworking craftsman and welder. My mother worked as a secretary, homemaker, and at a Ford dealership and GE Aviation. I grew up in an Irish Roman Catholic household in a majority Italian neighborhood. I spent my summer days and afterschool afternoons with many friends at the neighborhood playground. I appreciate the historical role Vermont and Vermonters have played in the national arena. I am proud of the indigenous heritage and culture of the Abenaki/Algonquin tribes. I adhere (mostly) to a natural diet of organic fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy. I eat gluten and dairy products in very strict moderation. But I do love my chocolate peanut butter cups from the local (organic) chocolate factory.
My Formal Education
College of St. Joseph, Rutland, Vermont
I went back to college at the age of 43. I went to the college I started to attend in 1986 when I graduated High School. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. While studying there I took many fascinating courses like: modern media; cosmic horror movies; sociology; theology; criminal justice; organizational behavior; and website marketing. These were in addition to the core BA courses and required psychology courses.
Degree Confirmed: June 2017
As a Provider Scholarship fund recipient I was required to complete community service hours to give back to my community. I helped with events such as: the annual Easter Egg Hunt; the annual trick or treating Halloween event; fundraising for Dismas House; Bingo with residents at the Bardwell House; and I organized a public screening of “The Anonymous People.”
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
I applied to the University in the fall of 2017. I was accepted into the program and began there in the fall of 2018. I graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I took many interesting and educational courses such as Human Development, Research Methods, Career Counseling, Counseling Assessments, Diagnosis in Counseling, Psychopharmacology for Counselors, Addiction, Family Counseling, Professional Issues and Ethics, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Counseling Theories, Group Counseling, Trauma Informed CBT for Veterans, and Postpartum Depression/Perinatal Mental Health for Women.
Degree Confirmed: August 2020, CACREP Accredited Program
I am in the process of attaining the National Board of Certified Counselor’s National Certified Counselor designation/certification. I will soon be scheduling my national counselor’s examination for April, 2021.
My Work Experience
August 2020 – Present: Baymark Health Services (BAART Programs)
(BAART Programs) Master’s Level, MAT Counselor, Apprentice Addiction Professional
September 2017 – December 2020: University of Vermont Medical Center
(Inpatient Psychiatry) Master’s Level, Mental Health Technician, CPR/AED Certification, MOAB & ProAct Certified
August 2019 – August 2020: Central Vermont Substance Abuse Services
(One Year Internship) Bachelor’s Level, Intensive Outpatient Program – Group Clinician, Adult Outpatient Program Clinician
September 2014 – June 2017: Rutland Mental Health Services
Peer Support Specialist, Crisis Support Specialist, Residential Recovery Specialist, Site Safety Coordinator, Group Facilitator
June 2013 – March 2015: Vermont Psychiatric Survivors – Outreach Program
Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator, Intentional Peer Support Certified
Training Certificates
April 2020: Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals (PESI)
Instructor: Joni Gilbertson, MA, NCC, LCPC, LMHC, BCÂTMH, CTMH
CEU: 12.5 Hours (Online); Test Completed 04/08/2020 – 10:46 AM CST; Original Program Date 02/20/2020
July 2020: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Techniques for Everyday Practice (PESI)
Instructor: John Ludgate, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Psychotherapist
CEU: 6.25 Hours (Online); Test Completed 07/19/2020 01:26 AM CST; Original Program Date 07/26/2016
July 2020: Advanced Practical Clinical Skills for the Trauma-Informed Therapist (PESI)
CEU: 6.25 Hours (Online); Test Completed 07/12/2020 10:43 PM CST; Original Program Date 03/21/2017
September 2013: Wellness Recovery Action Plan Group Facilitator (Vermont Recovery Network)
Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
Instructors: Karen Lorentzon, Jane Winterling
Turning Point Center, Rutland, VT, September 2013
June 2013: Intentional Peer Support (Vermont Psychiatric Survivors)
Shery Meade
Instructor: Chris Hanson
Capitol Hotel, Montpelier, VT, June 2013
Professional Credentials & Affiliations
American Counseling Association (Member # 6526860)
National Counselors Examination for NCC (Schedule for April 21, 2021)
Wellness Practices Encouraged and Supported by Me:
“When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we’ even illness becomes wellness.” ~ Malcolm X
- Guided Meditation ~ Many can be found on the “Calm” Phone App
- Mindfulness Practice ~ Based on Buddhism philosophies
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Grounding Exercises ~ for example, 5,4,3,2,1 activity
- 12 Steps (work) with a Sponsor
- Support Group Meeting Attendance
- Hatha Yoga
- Yin (Restorative) Yoga
- Tai Chi and Qui Gong
- Karate / Kung Fu (Martial Arts)
- Balanced Nutrition Programs (Organic/Local)
- Strength Training Programs
- Cardiovascular Exercise Programs
- Music Therapy
- Writing (Journal) Therapy
- Art (Crafts) Therapy
- Bowen Theory Family Therapy
- Integral Life Plan ~ Ken Wilber
Check back on this website often, as I will be posting articles on each of these practices regularly.
Modalities
- Adults & Adolescents
- Individual
- Couples
- Families
- Groups
Issues
- ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Addiction/Alcoholism
- Adjustment Disorder
- Anxiety
- Attachment Patterns
- Behavioral Issues
- Career Transitions
- Compassion Fatigue – Burnout
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Gender Role/Identity Issues
- Grief/Loss
- Life Coaching
- Life Transitions
- Mania
- Marital and Premarital
- Men’s Issues
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Mood Disorders
- Multiculturalism
- Societal Oppression
- Palliative Care – Redesigning End of Life
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Perinatal/Postpartum
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Racial Identity
- Self Esteem
- Sexual Orientation Issues
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Stress Tolerance/Resilience
- Substance Use Disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- Women’s Issues
Types of Practice/Therapies
- Attachment/Adjustment Theory
- Career Counseling
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Crisis Intervention Plans
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Therapy
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Positive Psychology (Strengths Based)
- Relapse Prevention Plans
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- Brief Solution Focused Therapy
- Transtheoretical Stages of Change
- Wellness Recovery Action Plans
- Written Exposure Therapy
Vermont License
VT Secretary of State Board of Allied Mental Health Professionals
Non-Licensed & Non-Certified Psychotherapist (License # 097.0134612)
VT Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation
Apprentice Addiction Professional (License # 149.0133944)