Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cris Mertz

Highlands

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Primary Counselor with specialized training in substance abuse and exceptional Motivational Interviewing skills. Proven ability to foster meaningful connections in both one-on-one and group settings, facilitating impactful discussions that promote healing and growth. Renowned for delivering individualized care with a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards, ensuring clients feel safe and supported throughout the recovery journey. Passionate about empowering individuals to achieve goals and improve overall well-being.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Primary Therapist

Recovery Centers of America
09.2020 - 08.2025
  • Evaluated client progress on a regular basis using objective assessment tools, ensuring appropriate adjustments were made to their treatment plans as needed.
  • Increased client engagement in therapy sessions through the use of empathetic listening and motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals for therapy sessions, leading to improved overall satisfaction with treatment outcomes.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations promoting interpersonal growth and increased self-awareness among participants.
  • Maintained constant knowledge of [Type of Disorder] and [Type of Disorder] through education, research and trainings to provide most effective patient care.

Primary Counselor

Advanced Health & Education
06.2019 - 06.2020
  • Provided one-on-one and group sessions to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Facilitated group sessions with 8 to 60 people and encouraged participants to share stories in safe, confidential environment.
  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.

Treatment Associate

New Hope IBHC
09.2014 - 06.2019
  • Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for clients
  • Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families
  • Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
  • Organized treatment projects that focused on problem solving skills and creative thinking
  • Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction
  • Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history
  • Collected urine samples from clients to test for substances

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering/Business Management

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA

Addiction Counseling

NJPN
2018

Addiction Counseling

Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ
2015

Skills

  • Defining treatment objectives
  • Individual therapy
  • Crisis management
  • Family counseling
  • Mental health population familiarity
  • Addictions specialist
  • Solution-focused counseling
  • Providing community referrals
  • Relapse prevention
  • Group sessions

Certification

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Timeline

Primary Therapist

Recovery Centers of America
09.2020 - 08.2025

Primary Counselor

Advanced Health & Education
06.2019 - 06.2020

Treatment Associate

New Hope IBHC
09.2014 - 06.2019

Addiction Counseling

NJPN

Addiction Counseling

Brookdale Community College

Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering/Business Management

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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