Christine Finlayson
Derry,NH
Summary
Quality-oriented LADC / Counselor and Clinical Psychology Masters student seeking LCMHC licensure in the state of NH. (3.7 GPA) currently working in the field as lead residential therapist for a 24 bed detox/residential dual diagnosis facility, with a combined 5 years of work/education experience including clinical hours of on-site training / education. Extensive experience with individual, group, trauma, family and couples counseling, also working with clients in MAT, and extensive experience working with dual mental health diagnoses, both in-person and telehealth. Compassionate and empathic, aiming to leverage a proven knowledge of clinical mental health counseling to successfully fill the counselor role at your company. Frequently praised as hard-working by peers, I can be relied upon to help your company achieve its goals.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LADC Substance Abuse Counselor
Liberty Health Services Detox/Res Dual Diagnosis
07.2022 - Current
- Lead residential therapist / 24 bed unit
- Conducts both telehealth / in-person individual therapy sessions, as scheduled and documents as required; Conducts both telehealth /in-person group and/or family sessions, as scheduled and documents as required; Co-facilitates assigned group or family sessions; Responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessment, for patients; Prepares individual treatment plans for each assigned patient; Ensures all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner; Liaison between referral sources and patients; Provides crisis intervention to patients, as needed; Plans for aftercare for assigned patients; Case management; Evaluates patient' needs and determines if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed; and, Performs other duties as assigned; Completes and maintains accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information; Participates in case conferences or staff meetings.; Attends training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
- Assists with the diagnosis of mental health disorders in collaboration with the psychiatric provider.
- Collaborated with various healthcare professionals to plan rehabilitation programs.
- Documented and filed patient health reports and charts.
- Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
- Developed treatment plans that included short-term goals and objectives.
- Conducted crisis intervention when needed.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations regarding confidentiality and HIPAA laws.
- Managed load of multiple cases on consistent basis.
- Provided supportive counseling services to help clients manage their emotions and behaviors.
- Assessed safety risks and developed strategies to protect clients from harm.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Created behavior plans designed to reduce negative behaviors while increasing positive ones.
- Helped individuals address disabilities and put together career plans.
- Acted as an advocate for clients by attending meetings with other providers or agencies when needed.
- Provides psychoeducation around mental health topics such as coping skills, anger management, communication techniques.
- Established long and short-term goals for therapeutic services to encourage patient progress.
- Actively participated in clinical supervision sessions with supervisor or external consultant.
- Monitors client progress and reported outcomes to supervisors.
- Promoted healthy relationship building among peers through conflict resolution exercises and role-playing activities.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Participated in weekly staff meetings for case consultation and discussion.
- Maintained client records according to agency standards.
- Coordinated community resources such as housing, transportation, medical appointments for residents.
- Facilitated weekly therapeutic groups based on identified needs of clients.
- Facilitated team meetings between residential staff members to discuss resident progress or challenges.
- Educated families about mental health issues related to the client's diagnosis.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional team to define features and build powerful and easy-to-use products and customer-facing workflow tools.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents in residential setting.
LADC Substance Abuse Counselor
Manchester Comprehensive Treatment Center
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided individual, family, and group counseling sessions to address addiction issues.
- Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Coordinated transportation for clients attending off-site appointments or 12-step meetings.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Facilitated psycho-educational groups on topics such as relapse prevention, anger management, and communication skills.
- Advised families on how to support their loved one throughout the recovery process.
- Developed referral process to assist client access to special programs and services.
- Assisted with program development initiatives aimed at improving service delivery models.
- Referred clients to appropriate outside agencies when necessary.
- Ensured that all clinical documentation met state regulations and standards of practice.
- Attended professional development workshops related to substance abuse counseling.
- Conducted assessments of client's mental health status and substance use history.
- Assessed patients in active drug and alcohol withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
- Evaluated referrals from external sources regarding potential new clients.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and treatment requirements to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Worked closely with drug court staff in designing treatment plans specific to client needs.
- Developed treatment plans based on evidence-based practices and current research findings.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
- Assessed clients to determine individual needs and developed treatment plans accordingly.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss best practices for treating addiction disorders.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Actively participated in quality assurance activities designed to improve patient outcomes.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Organized treatment projects that focused on problem solving skills and creative thinking.
- Developed aftercare plans for clients transitioning out of treatment programs.
- Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
- Monitored client compliance with medication regimens prescribed by psychiatrists or primary care physicians.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress in the electronic medical record system.
- Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills, and community resources.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA09.2026
Bachelor's - Clinical Addiction CounselingPsychology
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Manchester, NH12.2022
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Human Services
MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Manchester, NH04.2022
Skills
- CBT
- DBT
- CPT
- Anger Management
- Trauma therapy
- Talk Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Group and Family Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Relationship Counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Family Counseling
- Defining Treatment Objectives
- Goal Setting
Affiliations
- Acknowledged for my holistic approach to healing.
- Praised for creativity within a group setting.
- Extensive experience working with trauma among other various mental health diagnoses.
Accomplishments
- Deans List while attending SNHU
- Honors while attending SNHU / National Honors Society member
- Employee of the month at current place of employment
- Lead residential therapist / in charge of full residential programming and development / leadership role at current place of employment
Certification
- LADC / pursuing LCMHC licensure in the state of NH.
Timeline
LADC Substance Abuse Counselor
Liberty Health Services Detox/Res Dual Diagnosis
07.2022 - Current
LADC Substance Abuse Counselor
Manchester Comprehensive Treatment Center
03.2021 - 06.2022
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Merrimack College
Bachelor's - Clinical Addiction CounselingPsychology
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Human Services
MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- LADC / pursuing LCMHC licensure in the state of NH.
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