Rachel Plikerd
Bowling Green,OH
Summary
Dynamic Mental Health Therapist with strong communication, crisis intervention and trauma counseling skills. Expertise in developing personalized goals and fostering trust with clients to enhance therapeutic outcomes. I focus on building relationships that can help shape positive and hopeful outcomes within the therapeutic setting. I strive to be flexible and creative to find the best way to help foster positive and supportive environment. I am passionate about teaching foster families how to support and value each child that comes into their homes needing a safe space while working with the biological family system as well. I believe in the church stepping into those roles and surrounding the family and children in such a way that can continue to offer hope and healing for children experiencing foster care.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
InLight Mental Health Services
Bowling Green, OH
08.2022 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to develop personalized treatment plans for clients.
- Expanded professional knowledge through ongoing continuing education opportunities and participation in relevant workshops and conferences.
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions, enhancing therapeutic outcomes for diverse populations.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and feedback.
- Provided crisis intervention services, effectively managing high-stress situations to ensure safety.
- Educated clients and families on mental health issues, fostering understanding and resilience.
- Coordinated care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other relevant healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for clients.
- Created a safe environment that fostered open communication, trust building and vulnerability among clients.
- Provided trauma informed care for children experiencing foster care
- Work closely with foster care agencies, caseworkers, and foster families
Behavioral Aide
Rachel Wixey & Associates
Bowling Green, OH
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with educators to monitor and adapt strategies for student engagement.
- Assisted in crisis intervention by applying de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Trained new aides on behavioral management protocols and classroom support methods.
- Worked with children with autism
- Worked with high behavioral needs
- Worked with children experiencing foster care within the school setting
- Provided safe learning structures with flexible approaches for each child
- Worked closely with a team of people to provide the best care for each child
Equine Assisted Therapist
Project HOPE
Bowling Green, OH
09.2017 - 06.2021
- Worked with children experiencing foster care
- Worked with attachment disorders such as RAD
- Worked with children on the autism spectrum
- Worked with children with multiple muscular disorders
- Worked with high behaviors and complex emotions
- Provided group sessions with families, teens in group homes, and teens in JDC
- Provided therapeutic services utilizing the connection between people and horses for mental, emotional, and physical healing, involving activities like grooming, feeding, groundwork and riding to assist in building confidence, self-awareness, emotional tolerance, and coping skills for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma distress, autism, ADHD, and attachment disorders.
- Conducted workshops on coping strategies, fostering resilience among clients facing challenges.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Enhanced client well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Crown College
MN05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL08.2018
Master of Arts - Biblical Counseling
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA08.2021
Skills
- Trauma counseling, including mood disorders, PTSD, and attachment disorders
- Developing relationships through empathetic approaches and honest communication
- Child and adolescent therapist for children and teens experiencing foster care or living in broken family systems
- Family therapy for families navigating foster care, trauma, and complex dynamics
- Excellent communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Emotionally intelligent and adaptable
- Excellent at conflict resolution
- Productive goal alignment and flexibility to meet needs
Accomplishments
Safe and Sound Protocol Certified
Foster Parent
Certification
- LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Safe and Sound Protocol Training
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
InLight Mental Health Services
08.2022 - Current
Behavioral Aide
Rachel Wixey & Associates
09.2019 - 06.2022
Equine Assisted Therapist
Project HOPE
09.2017 - 06.2021
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Crown College
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Southeastern University
Master of Arts - Biblical Counseling
Regent University