Leigh Carlson
Barrington,IL
Summary
Compassionate mental health care professional, proficient in applying various modalities, and creating individualized care plans. Possesses specialized skills in Internal Family Systems, crisis intervention, and group therapy facilitation. Skilled in empathy, active listening, and communication, ensuring effective support and positive outcomes for clients. Excels at organizational leadership and navigates complex institutional systems to provide training and support to staff.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Steyn Integrative Counseling, PC
Barrington, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted client assessments to determine mental health needs and treatment plans.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions under supervision of licensed counselors.
- Assisted in creating and implementing therapeutic interventions tailored to client goals.
- Documented client progress and maintained accurate case notes for ongoing treatment evaluation.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive client care strategies.
- Engaged in professional development through attending workshops and training sessions regularly.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate effective treatment plans for clients.
Director of Pastoral Care
Willow Creek Community Church
South Barrington, IL
11.2016 - Current
- Facilitate communication between church leadership, staff teams, and congregation members effectively.
- Provide compassionate care to individuals facing personal challenges, or crises.
- Maintain accurate records of pastoral care interactions, and follow-up actions taken.
- Facilitate ministry planning, budget preparation, and staff allocation for care ministries across multiple church campuses.
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure the emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being of church members.
- Supervise and train pastoral care staff and volunteers.
- Respond promptly to emergency situations requiring urgent pastoral care.
- Collaborate with other staff members to develop effective ministry programs.
Job Coach
High School District 211
Palatine, IL
06.2010 - 08.2016
- Collaborated with teachers to identify student strengths and career interests.
- Guided students in learning to complete job tasks to develop motivation and skills.
- Implemented strategies to foster student's abilities, increasing independence across settings.
- Conducted training sessions on workplace etiquette and communication skills.
- Engaged with employers to create partnerships for student employment opportunities.
- Traveled to work locations to provide hands-on training, direct supervision and support to participants.
- Engaged individuals receiving support through coaching, feedback and skills development exercises.
- Worked with staff to develop, monitor and resolve skills training or vocational issues.
- Conducted individualized assessments of student abilities, interests, and needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Taylor University
Upland, INMaster of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KYSkills
- Strategic planning
- Staff training
- Crisis intervention
- Budget management
- Grief support
- Social justice advocacy
- Mental health support
- Staff supervision
Certification
- LPC
- EMDR Certified
- Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified Provider
Accomplishments
- Inducted into the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society for maintaining an outstanding academic record (GPA 3.5 or higher).
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Steyn Integrative Counseling, PC
01.2025 - Current
Director of Pastoral Care
Willow Creek Community Church
11.2016 - Current
Job Coach
High School District 211
06.2010 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Taylor University
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of The Cumberlands