Psychotherapy Practice & History of Projects
My psychotherapy practice began with addictive disorders in 1996 and over the years embraced the effects of trauma, anxiety, panic episodes & dissociative related issues. When I became certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy [CPT] for Trauma, [Resick, et al.] I began to notice a decrease in patient symptoms. I then combined somatic calming practices in treatment such as progressive relaxation, the early beginning of Bio Feedback [Jacobsen, 1932]. The Emotional Freedom Technique; [EFT-Tapping] breathing techniques and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing EMDR, [Shapiro, F. 1996]. Though my earlier training holds an undertone in the psychodynamic, I find, that the above modalities empower individuals to learn to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms. I support transformation through mutually agreed upon goals. I work with severe emotional clinical presentations with Type-I and Type II trauma, adults, as well as first responders. In addition, I work with parts-work for patients who prefer this modality over CPT.
Gelbart & Associates, Psychological Services Consultant
Gelbart & Associates, Psychological Services Consultant Treating adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in direct therapy with a variety of mental health challenges, such as attention deficit [ADD/ADHD] autism spectrum disorders, obsessive compulsive, addiction, mood dysregulation, anxiety, and co-occurring disorders with coordination to primary care physicians, and psychiatry.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
The Thelma McMillen Center For Chemical Dependency Treatment: Primary therapist initially a part of creating the Thelma McMillen Program [IOP] an intensive outpatient program for the adolescent population with substance abuse/use and co-occurring disorders. Provided support and direction to counseling staff with input into program objectives. Provided individual, group, family therapy, and training related to substance use & abuse. Coordination with primary care physicians, and psychiatry.
Saint John’s Health Center
Inpatient Chemical Dependency Unit: Provided adult group therapy, grief and loss, 12-step study groups, relapse prevention, and calming strategies such as, progressive relaxation. Provided case presentations to clinical staff, intake assessments, progress notes, treatment planning, discharge summary, and after-care planning.
Aids Project Los Angeles
Bio/psycho/social model with HIV positive and Aids patients prior to the protease inhibitors. Focused on high-risk substance use population.
Family Behavioral Health
The Richstone Family Center
On a grant from The Office of Criminal Justice and Planning (OCJP). Delivery of mental health services to high-risk gang affected youth and their families. Collaborative member of a gang suppression team.
School District Projects
Created a Supervision Program initiating contracts with 8 academic universities and provided clinical supervision to MFT Trainees, MFT Interns & social work ASW Interns beginning practicum hours towards licensure. Served 120 students per week K-12
The Initial approach to training began over a 3-day period for the Intern-Trainee associate. The first client session emphasized creating safety in the relationship with law, ethics and case management pre training. All forms were created to support evidenced-based practices in assessments, symptom analysis, conceptualization, treatment planning and progress note taking. Follow-up continued over the 10-month practicum period with rigorous training opportunities for the Trainee and Intern incorporating a knowledge base of community resources.
