Over 20 Years Achieved Sobriety
BIO:
I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce myself as a Clinical Associate & Recovery Coach at Recovery NOW, Inc. I have been clean and sober since 1984 from alcohol and drugs and worked as a Substance Abuse Professional for 24 years. I am reminded of the challenges one faces in early recovery on a daily basis, since I am a Program Director and Counselor for Behavioral Health Services and House of Hope. I continue to work a 12-step program yet recognize that the 12-steps are not for everyone. Assisting those who are not comfortable with 12-step programs is something that I have experience doing. I have found my work to be very gratifying and realize the positive benefits of being of service to others in recovery.
In addition to my training as a Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS), I have received training regarding matters such as relapse prevention, anger management, domestic violence, mental illness, trauma and sexual abuse. I spend quite a bit of time talking with my clients about relapse prevention and facilitate a Relapse Prevention Group at Recovery NOW, Inc. I have a special interest in assisting individuals overcome pill addiction and also facilitate a Pills Support Group. Learning how to tolerate feelings, frustration and develop more positive coping strategies other than escaping with alcohol/drugs is challenging.
As a Family Counselor at House of Hope, I have assisted families with their own recovery and as a result have a great appreciation for the challenges family and friends face. Substance Abuse is a family problem and the family must also learn more positive coping strategies. Families all too often find their world revolving around trying to control the substance abuser's use of alcohol/drugs and as a result must learn how to take care of their own individual needs by improving their self care and rebuilding their own lives.
"Recovery is a process with various stages of change. I believe it takes a year before one is comfortable in their own skin without the use of drugs and alcohol and have assisted 1000s of people with achieving recovery their first year and thereafter. I truly enjoy helping others achieve recovery and I look forward to the opportunity to assist you with
Your Very Own Recovery Process."
EDUCATION:
CSU Long Beach, California
- Post-Graduate Studies, Dept. of Social Work (MSW track)
CSU San Diego, California
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
CSU Dominguez Hills , California
- Certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Registered Addictions Specialist, #M050510540, Breining Institute, Sacramento, CA
- Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certification, CSU Dominguez Hills, CA
- L.A. County Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
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