 Every counselor’s approach to the work of counseling is shaped, not only by one’s education and theoretical orientation, but also by life experiences and by one’s understanding of the healing process. Growing up in a large farming family of 13 children in Michigan, I learned how to negotiate a challenging environment. These early experiences led me toward a study of psychology and sociology. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology and Sociology in 1968, a Master’s Degree in Humanistic Psychology in 1980, and an Education Specialist Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1981, I began a career working in various fields of mental health. These areas included substance abuse, bereavement/grief counseling, elder counseling, outpatient mental health counseling, and trauma work. My personal journeys into meditation, yoga, eastern religions, dream analysis, and grief work have led to deep personal growth and a vital spiritual life.
Work Experience:
- Served as a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) for 1.5 years in Augusta, Georgia.
- For 12 years counseled Georgia consumers (GA OCA) through the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs regarding consumer laws such as 3-day right to cancel, bait & switch, and more. Also worked as Investigator with GA OCA addressing violations of Georgia and Federal Consumer Laws.
- Employed as an Elder Care Counselor for 10 years with the Area Agency on Aging in Atlanta, Georgia. In this capacity worked in private/public partnership with employees of IBM, Coca-Cola, AT&T, Hewlett Packard, and 90% of other fortune 500 companies to provide counseling and elder care referrals in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area.
- Worked in the addictions/recovery field for 25 years in Asheville/Black Mountain. Facilitated intensive outpatient and continuing care groups for chronically addicted individuals, provided counseling to individuals, and coordinated substance abuse prevention program for children.
- For the past 8 years in private practice in the Asheville area delivering mental health, substance abuse and trauma counseling sessions in my office and through virtual sessions throughout North Carolina and adjoining states.
- Invited to join nineteen other addiction professionals in the first class of North Carolina Addictions Fellows. The Fellows received a year-long advanced training in addictions theory, brain Neural Plasticity and group therapy leadership skills. Still actively engaged with Fellows in trainings.
- Worked as a Bereavement Counselor for 3 years with Care Partners Hospice in Asheville, NC.
Professional Organization Memberships and Licenses/Certifications
- Certifications/Licenses in North Carolina as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, former Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant, and a former Certified Clinical Supervisor through the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practices Board
- Membership in National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC)
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Institute trained Trauma Clinician
- Membership in EMDR International Association
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional by the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
- Membership in North Carolina Addictions Fellows
- Specialized training for persons with gambling addictions
- National Elder Care Counselor of the year by Work/Family Directions
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“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
M L King, Jr. |
