THERAPIST PROFILE
I have spent a lifetime in wonderment and passion contemplating the human spirit and its connection to the universe. Psychology and social work are among my most important lifetime pursuits.
I began in New York as a social worker for the city Department of Social Services 'way back in 1968 after studying at the State University of New York at Cortland, NY. Later, I studied social work and transpersonal psychology and completed my master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, Stout. I possess two master's degrees: the first in guidance and counseling, the second in marriage and family therapy. These were obtained 1986-9. Prior to that I received certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Minnesota, 1985.
For 19 years, 1987 to 2006, I worked as a social worker for Intermediate District 287 of the suburban Minneapolis area public schools. I counseled children and adolescents with educational and behavioral disorders. Prior to that I worked as an Addictions Counselor in various treatment settings.
While working as a school social worker, I began my private mental health therapy practice. After retiring from the school system in 2006, I turned my attention fully to my private practice.
During my education, I became especially fascinated by the impact of shame on the psyche, its inhibitory effects, and its connection to depression and anxiety, and also, importantly, addictions. Shame is "feeling defective, as if something is wrong with me". (Diana Fosha) A person suffering shame symptoms feels demoralized, depressed, and trapped within themselves. I frequently work with clients who are struggling with shame issues, who are often surprised by the realization that they are struggling with shame issues. Just naming these internal struggles as shame is helpful.
In addition, I became deeply interested in "Attachment Theory"--the importance of early bonding, connection, and relationship to the development of healthy minds and brains. Establishing a therapeutic rapport can enhance the process of rebuilding healthy interpersonal connections and repairing old wounds. Brain science--how the brain functions both normally and otherwise--can be helpful for a client to understand in this regard.
I am licensed in the State of Minnesota as an Independent Clinical Social worker, Marriage and Family therapist, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
I have spent a lifetime in wonderment and passion contemplating the human spirit and its connection to the universe. Psychology and social work are among my most important lifetime pursuits.
I began in New York as a social worker for the city Department of Social Services 'way back in 1968 after studying at the State University of New York at Cortland, NY. Later, I studied social work and transpersonal psychology and completed my master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, Stout. I possess two master's degrees: the first in guidance and counseling, the second in marriage and family therapy. These were obtained 1986-9. Prior to that I received certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Minnesota, 1985.
For 19 years, 1987 to 2006, I worked as a social worker for Intermediate District 287 of the suburban Minneapolis area public schools. I counseled children and adolescents with educational and behavioral disorders. Prior to that I worked as an Addictions Counselor in various treatment settings.
While working as a school social worker, I began my private mental health therapy practice. After retiring from the school system in 2006, I turned my attention fully to my private practice.
During my education, I became especially fascinated by the impact of shame on the psyche, its inhibitory effects, and its connection to depression and anxiety, and also, importantly, addictions. Shame is "feeling defective, as if something is wrong with me". (Diana Fosha) A person suffering shame symptoms feels demoralized, depressed, and trapped within themselves. I frequently work with clients who are struggling with shame issues, who are often surprised by the realization that they are struggling with shame issues. Just naming these internal struggles as shame is helpful.
In addition, I became deeply interested in "Attachment Theory"--the importance of early bonding, connection, and relationship to the development of healthy minds and brains. Establishing a therapeutic rapport can enhance the process of rebuilding healthy interpersonal connections and repairing old wounds. Brain science--how the brain functions both normally and otherwise--can be helpful for a client to understand in this regard.
I am licensed in the State of Minnesota as an Independent Clinical Social worker, Marriage and Family therapist, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
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sand and therapist's pictures by Ed Fischtrom
sand and therapist's pictures by Ed Fischtrom