Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Memberships
Timeline
Generic

Paula Bruce

Midvale,UT

Summary

Dedicated therapist with over 10+ years of experience in providing behavioral health services (i.e individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, case management, supervisory roles, & crisis intervention) to diverse populations. Experienced working in different types of settings including residential treatment programs, outpatient programs, aftercare programs and private practice settings. Adept in conducting assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and administering effective, evidence based interventions. Experienced in being part of a collaborative clinical team, starting and running a private practice and small business, aftercare and sober living director, and case manager.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Private Practice Therapist

WildSide Innovative Therapy
05.2021 - Current
  • Provide individual, couple, and family therapy to diverse clients, aged 18+.
  • Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans/goals addressing client's problems.
  • Evaluate client's progress on an ongoing basis.
  • Utilize innovative and effective therapy interventions to apply to client's emotional problems.
  • Respond to mental health crisis as they arise.
  • Document client sessions and progress notes in a timely manner.
  • Manage all aspects of running a small business (scheduling, office management, etc.)
  • Improved client satisfaction by providing tailored therapy sessions and incorporating a variety of therapeutic techniques.
  • Mentored new therapists joining the practice, sharing knowledge and expertise while fostering a collaborative team environment

Clinical Therapist

Ascend Recovery
04.2011 - 01.2022

Clinical Therapist

  • Served as an advocate for patients within the mental health system, ensuring access to necessary resources and supports.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing patients in acute distress and connecting them with appropriate resources.
  • Provided psycho-education on coping mechanisms, equipping patients with practical tools to manage stressors effectively.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients to share experiences and develop coping skills.
  • Continuously updated clinical knowledge through professional development, staying current on best practices in the field of therapy.
  • Monitored treatment adherence, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize engagement and ensure continuity of care.
  • Prepared and maintained comprehensive progress reports for review by various parties.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of patient progress, enabling accurate evaluation of treatment efficacy.
  • Utilized evidence-based interventions in individual therapy sessions, tailoring techniques to each patient''s unique needs.
  • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing personalized treatment plans.
  • Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients, promoting trust and open communication for more effective treatment outcomes.
  • Educated families about mental health issues, fostering understanding and support for their loved ones'' treatment process.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, ensuring optimal patient progress.
  • Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose mental health disorders and inform appropriate interventions.

Additional Positions

  • Aftercare Director and Therapist
  • Sober Living Director and Therapist
  • Case Manager

Education

Master of Arts - Marriage And Family Therapy

Argosy University
Draper, Utah
09.2014

Substance Use Disorder Education - Addiction

Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
05.2010

Bachelor of Science - Human Services Management

University of Pheonix
Murray, Utah
10.2006

Skills

  • Behavioral , Mental Health, and Substance Use Assessment
  • Safety and Risk Assessment
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment planning
  • Referral Coordination
  • Individual and Group Therapy
  • Progress evaluations
  • Documentation & Record Keeping
  • Rapport building
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Excellent Communication
  • Leadership/Supervision
  • Small business management
  • Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound

Certification

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Utah #7697763-3902

2017 to present

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Utah # 7697763-3904 2015-2017

Master Addiction Counselor, NAADAC #508047 2016 to present

Certified Brainspotting Therapist, BPS, 2019

Trauma Therapist III, SSH, 2015

Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Utah # 7697763-6006 2011 to present

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship, ICEEFT, 2013

Skills Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, BT, 2016

DBT Certification Course (DBT-SUD), PESI, 2019

Substance Abuse Professional/DOT, NAADAC #147325 2000 to present

Professional Memberships

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) #142231 2012 to present
  • National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) #99203 2015 to present
  • Association of Utah Substance Abuse Professional (AUSUP) 2009 to present

             Secretary Board Member 2009



Timeline

Private Practice Therapist

WildSide Innovative Therapy
05.2021 - Current

Clinical Therapist

Ascend Recovery
04.2011 - 01.2022

Master of Arts - Marriage And Family Therapy

Argosy University

Substance Use Disorder Education - Addiction

Utah Valley University

Bachelor of Science - Human Services Management

University of Pheonix

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Utah #7697763-3902

2017 to present

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Utah # 7697763-3904 2015-2017

Master Addiction Counselor, NAADAC #508047 2016 to present

Certified Brainspotting Therapist, BPS, 2019

Trauma Therapist III, SSH, 2015

Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Utah # 7697763-6006 2011 to present

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship, ICEEFT, 2013

Skills Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, BT, 2016

DBT Certification Course (DBT-SUD), PESI, 2019

Substance Abuse Professional/DOT, NAADAC #147325 2000 to present

Paula Bruce