Lesa M. Swainston
Orem,UT
Summary
Experienced Associate Clinical Social Worker with a proven track record at Tranquility Counseling Services, excelling in individual and couples therapy and evidence-based interventions like CBT and DBT. Skilled in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, significantly improving patient coping mechanisms and mental health outcomes. Knowledgeable in case management and group therapy facilitation, enhancing client satisfaction and service delivery.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Tranquility Counseling Services
Orem, UT
01.2022 - Current
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Developed individual treatment plans and provided counseling to patients.
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and therapy notes.
- Diagnosed clients by using DSM-V criteria and documented using diagnostic coding guidelines for each diagnosis.
- Treated patients with mental health issues and dual-diagnoses such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder..
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.
IRT MSW Intern
Wasatch Behavioral Health (IRT)
Provo, UT
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic processing groups.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
- Educated clients on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Counseled clients on life skills and coping mechanisms.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Co-facilitated supervision of group activities outside of IRT facility.
Case Management BSW Intern
The Refuge Utah
Provo, UT
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Facilitated Life Skills Class
- Assisted in facilitating the Domestic Violence Class.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' apartments.
- Assisted in providing transportation to secure client needs and attend appointments.
- Signposted resources for improved client and family access to mental health services.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
STAR Coordinator and Frontline Staff
Cirque Lodge
Orem, UT
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Administered Client Assessment Tests.
- Oriented new clients to the Cirque Lodge Treatment Program.
- Facilitated admissions procedures including client bag searches.
- Tracked and recorded pertinent client data.
- Provided support and answered questions for clients regarding adherence to Cirque Lodge's rules, regulations and expectations.
- Supervised and assisted in the effective operations of client and group activities including client safety and participation.
- Responded to emergencies and effectively managed crises through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Improved client satisfaction through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Provided group transportation to Walgreens for weekly replenishment of client needs and supplies.
- Monitored front areas so that questions could be promptly addressed.
- Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
Sales Associate
Sears
Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
10.1982 - 06.1985
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT05.2022
Bachelor of Social Work -
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT05.2020
Associate in Science University Studies -
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT05.2020
High School Diploma -
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute
Lethbridge Alberta Canada06.1985
Skills
- Individual, Couples and Family therapy
- Evidence-based Interventions such as: CBT, DBT, MI, and SFT
- EMDR trained
- Trauma-informed care
- Grief counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Clinical Documentation and Treatment Planning
Timeline
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Tranquility Counseling Services
01.2022 - Current
IRT MSW Intern
Wasatch Behavioral Health (IRT)
08.2021 - 12.2021
Case Management BSW Intern
The Refuge Utah
08.2019 - 04.2020
STAR Coordinator and Frontline Staff
Cirque Lodge
05.2016 - 12.2016
Sales Associate
Sears
10.1982 - 06.1985
Master of Social Work -
Utah Valley University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Utah Valley University
Associate in Science University Studies -
Utah Valley University
High School Diploma -
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute