Tag - Clinicians Connect

09 Sep

National Suicide Prevention Month

What is it?

September is the month designated to draw awareness and attention to major public health concern of suicide. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the US. Over the past 20 years, suicide rates have been on the rise in every state in the US but Nevada, according to the CDC. In 2017, the CDC found there were more than twice as many suicides in the US as there were homicides. Millions of others have serious thoughts of suicide, have made plans or have attempted to end their life. The American Association for Suicide estimates, based on information from 2016, there’s a suicide attempt every 28 seconds.

What You Can Do?

Although there’s no single cause of suicide, one of the risk factors is social isolation. Reach out to people, engage them in conversation, help them know they aren’t alone. Steps we can all take to assist those in crisis:

  1. Ask direct questions. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
  2. Listen to their answers. People with suicidal thoughts often feel alone, so be sure to let them know you care about what they have to say. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
  3. Do a safety check/keep them safe. Ask the person if they have a plan. Then try removing or disabling things they could harm themselves with such as alcohol, drugs, medications, weapons, sharps and even access to a car.
  4. Don’t keep a secret/help them connect. Let them know you’ll help them come up with a plan that involves telling a professional who can utilize the many services and resources available to help.
  5. Stay connected. Staying in touch after a crisis or after being d/c from care can make a difference. Studies show suicide deaths go down when someone follow up with at risk person.

If you know someone in crisis call lifeline 1 800 273 8255 or text the crisis text line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24-7. The deaf and hard of hearing can call via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.

If you find yourself struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, we are here to help. Please consider reaching out to us. We’re in your corner.

Written by,
Kandee Willis, LCPC

By Counseling, Mental Health Intern Clinic, Mental Health Services, Recovery, Therapy, Trauma Therapy , , , , , , Comments Off
Read more...
26 Aug

August Clinicians Connect

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk at little better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month and talking about them. This month’s Clinician Connect is:

Dan Novak, Intensive Outpatient Coordinator

Dan began his internship at Riverwalk Counseling Center in May of 2018 while completing his Master’s of Clinical Psychology degree at Benedictine University. Coming on board as a clinician after completing his internship, he continued to grow his passion for the field of counseling and is very motivated to help his clients by going the extra mile to meet their needs. He is eager to meet every challenge that meets him and takes great pride in his work.

1. What influenced you to become a therapist?

“I became interested in helping others when I was a child. I grew up with an older brother who has special needs, and at a very young age quickly realized how poorly the world sometimes treats those of us who are different. My desire to advocate for, help, and protect him lead me down a path of eventually becoming a therapist.”

2. What did you do prior to your current role?

“I spent almost 19 years in the business world, but always believed there was something else out there for me. When my dad died of cancer in 2013, I decided to leave the business world and go back to college and pursue the career I always wanted as a child. I competed my bachelors is Psychology in 2016, my master’s in clinical psychology in 2019, and began working as a therapist in June of 2019.”

3. In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?

“Self-care is something everyone should engage in. I love sports, spending time outside, and hanging out with family and friends. One of my favorite hobbies, playing golf, combines these all three of activities and allows me to clear my mind for 4-5 hours. Laughter is another self-care activity I love to engage in. Whether it’s quoting a funny movie, telling a bad joke, or sharing a funny story. I truly believe laughter can often be the best medicine.”

4. What is a fun fact about you?

“I was ranked 19th in the state of Illinois in men’s one-meter springboard diving my senior year of high school.”

By Counseling, Mental Health Intern Clinic, Mental Health Services, Recovery, Therapy , , , , , , Comments Off
Read more...
26 Mar

March Clinicians Connect

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk at little better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month and talking about them. This month’s Clinician Connect is:

Eric Mueller, LCSW, CADC

Eric has worked in the behavioral health field since 1994. He worked for Naperville Community Outreach in 1994 and in 1996 he began working at Edward Hospital for 12 years and spent eight of those years as a Clinical Therapist with the Addiction Services Department. There he helped clients and their families cope with the impact of drug and alcohol addiction.

 1. What influenced your decision to become a therapist?

“In 1994, I began working with Naperville Community Outreach. I started working with young adolescents upon entering the field and it brought me a sense of satisfaction in being able to advocate for them.”

2. What did you do prior to your current role?

“Before coming to Riverwalk, I was working with Naperville Community Outreach as a youth worker. In 1996, I began my 12 years at Linden Oaks Hospital working with adolescents and adults with dual diagnosis, and their families in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.”

3. In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?

“Outside of work I like to spend my time with the family, play golf, and read non-fiction novels.”

4. What is a fun fact about you?

“I own 150 Frank Zappa vinyl records.”

By Counseling, Mental Health Services, Therapy Comments Off
Read more...
04 Dec

December Clinicians Connect

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month & discussing personal information about each clinician. The clinician we will be connecting with is:

Ashley Wilkinson, MSW

AshleyW

Ashley is new to Riverwalk Counseling Center, but she has over 13 years experience in the mental health field. Her background is in child welfare and trauma. She has been working as a foster care and adoption manager at Our Children’s Homestead for 10 years. She also teaches a course about trauma in children and teens at Aurora University. She has a lot of experience working with children 3 to 18 and would say this is where her passion lies. However, She has worked and still loves to work with individuals or families that would be past the age of 18!

  1. What influenced your decision to become a therapist?

When I was 16 I had an awesome psychology teacher and teacher’s assistant who really encouraged me to follow this path! I am thankful for all the people I meet along my journey and continued to push me into this role! I have been in the field for 13 years and still enjoy what I am doing.

2.What did you do prior to your current role?

I am still working as full time Adoptions Manager at a Specialized Foster Care Agency in Naperville called Our Children’s Homestead. I have been with this agency for 10 years. I help find homes for children who do not have families and match children with families who are ready to expand their own! This job has its ups and downs, but in the long run it’s so worth it!

3. In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?

I have a rescue lab mix named, Archie. I love to take him on adventures and explore new places.  I find being outdoors very peaceful and calming!  It helps to center me. A great book and a comfy couch is where you can find me when I am unwinding or just need some time to myself!
4. What is a fun fact about you?

I LOVE to sing. I have been singing since I was three years old. I have classical training and participated in multiple choirs over the years 🙂 My friends call me the “human jukebox.”

 

By Counseling, Recovery, Therapy Comments Off
Read more...
05 Nov

Clinicians Connect Blog- Mary Reagan-Vorasorn

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month, discussing personal information about each clinician. The clinician we will be connecting with is:

Mary E. Reagan-Vorasorn, M.A.,
LCPC, CADC
Student Program Coordinator

1.What influenced your decision to become a therapist?

“I was in college when I decided to study psychology after taking a year of physics!  I then began teaching DUI classes in Spanish two days after graduating from Lake Forest College being one of the few Spanish speaking Psychology majors in my graduating class.  A classmate was offered a job from an internship which she declined and instead of returning to Ohio, I stayed in Illinois.  Thus began my career in addiction and mental health. ”
2.What did you do prior to your current role?

“Prior to working at Riverwalk Counseling Center, I had worked as a case manager at MacNeal Hospital in the Behavioral Health Outpatient program.  Then after having children, I decided to try private practice.  I contacted my former supervisor, Char Scott who was forming her practice and have thoroughly enjoyed this part of my journey in this profession.”
3.In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?

“I like to hang out with my children nowadays.  There’s nothing like a rousing game of Uno or a read-in to end the day. ”
4.What is a fun fact about you?

“I met my husband at swing dance lessons!  He is an awesome dancer though we don’t cut a rug nearly enough lately.”

 

By Counseling Comments Off
Read more...
02 Oct

Clinicians Connect- Char Scott

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month, discussing personal information about each clinician. The clinician we will be connecting with is:

Charlene Scott

 

 

  1. “What influenced your decision to become a therapist?”
    I think in some ways, I was always a therapist albeit not trained.  Growing up in a high stress family as the third of three children, I was always trying to be the peacemaker.  I have had my own therapy experiences which were very important in preparing for this role especially doing psychoanalysis for an extended period.
  2. “What did you do prior to your current role?”
    My original career was in marketing & market research.  Then, I went through an addictions training program and ultimately received a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.  I have done many things, including case management, crisis assessments, home health social work and developed two successful dual diagnosis programs in Chicago area hospitals.  My career goals were to develop a private practice and teach since as a single mother, I needed the flexibility of being able to set my own hours.
  3. “In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?”I enjoy getting together with friends on a regular basis, taking my dogs to the dog park, spending time with my now 18-year-old son, riding my bike, going to movies, cooking and Netflix.
  4. “What is a fun fact about yourself?” I guess that I am from a small town in Indiana and I still regard myself as a “small town girl”.

 

 

By Counseling , Comments Off
Read more...
07 Sep

Clinicians Connect September 2017

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month, discussing more personal information about each person. The clinician we will be connecting with is:

Ali Elrehaimy

 

1. What influenced your decision to become a therapist?
“I always enjoyed helping others and I felt that if I could help one person, then I could be potentially creating a positive impact on multiple others that are a part of their life, like a ripple effect in a way. Mental health is an ever evolving field that’s always interesting and everyday is a new day with different challenges.”

2. What did you do prior to your current role?
“I was getting my Master’s education and working through college in a wide range of jobs from retail to institutional research.”

3. In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?
” I always try to make time in my day to eat and re-center myself; I typically have music on in the office to put myself in a good mood. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, anyone who can make me laugh because I strongly believe that’s one of the most effective things that can lift someone’s spirit and relieve stress. I also love to swim, ride my bike, watch movies, cook complicated dishes, and sleep…a lot.”

4. What is a fun fact about yourself?
” I am Egyptian, born and raised, and one day hope to be the 5’7″ bridge between mental health and my part of the world.”

By Counseling , Comments Off
Read more...