Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Charlene Merritt

Hilo,HI

Summary

Certified counseling professional with strong background in substance abuse treatment and client care. Skilled in developing personalized treatment plans, conducting individual and group therapy sessions, and providing crisis intervention. Focused on team collaboration, adaptable to changing needs, and committed to achieving impactful results. Known for empathy, active listening, and effective communication.

Substance abuse counseling professional with proven ability to guide clients through recovery. Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans that fostered significant client progress. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments, leveraging crisis intervention and motivational interviewing skills.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Ohana Counseling
04.2007 - 02.2025
  • Educated family members about addiction and recovery processes, enhancing their ability to provide effective support for their loved ones.
  • Continually updated professional knowledge through participation in training workshops, conferences, maintaining cutting-edge expertise in addiction counseling methodologies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create a supportive environment for clients, leading to better treatment outcomes.
  • Assisted clients in navigating the complex process of accessing community resources, resulting in improved overall wellbeing.
  • Increased client retention in treatment programs by building strong therapeutic relationships and promoting personal accountability.
  • Coordinated closely with probation officers and court systems, facilitating productive collaboration between treatment providers and legal authorities for optimal client outcomes.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately identify clients'' substance abuse issues and determine appropriate levels of care.
  • Reduced relapse rates through consistent follow-up appointments and support services.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
  • Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Psychotherapist

Ohana Counseling Services
04.2005 - 11.2024
  • Established a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering open communication and trust during therapy sessions.
  • Utilized mindfulness techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
  • Built strong rapport with clients through active listening skills and empathic understanding of their experiences, fostering lasting therapeutic relationships.
  • Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary based on changing needs or circumstances.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals in coordinating care for clients with co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
  • Documented client progress in confidential files.
  • Provided crisis support and emergency care for patients.
  • Worked with clinical psychiatrist and primary care physician to review patient progress and update treatment plans.
  • Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
  • Addressed issues related to addiction recovery using motivational interviewing techniques, supporting individuals throughout the process of change.
  • Advocated for placement of patients into community-based treatment settings.
  • Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression for clients by implementing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Education

Counseling Psychology

Argosy University, Hawaii
Honolulu, HI

Skills

  • Addiction assessment
  • Emotional regulation
  • Harm reduction
  • Client advocacy
  • Relapse prevention
  • Multicultural competence
  • Confidentiality practices
  • Recovery planning
  • Individual counseling

Timeline

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Ohana Counseling
04.2007 - 02.2025

Psychotherapist

Ohana Counseling Services
04.2005 - 11.2024

Counseling Psychology

Argosy University, Hawaii
Charlene Merritt