Shannon Gilligan Cushing
Portland,OR
Summary
Experienced counseling professional equipped to support employees and their family members effectively. Skilled in crisis intervention, emotional support, and mental health assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering impactful results. Adaptable with client-centered approach and excellent communication skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EAP Counselor
Canopy EAP
04.2017 - Current
- Promoted work-life balance by offering guidance on time management, prioritization, and self-care practices for employees.
- Collaborated with HR professionals to develop tailored mental health initiatives that increased overall workforce resilience.
- Supported clients in overcoming personal challenges with targeted psycho-educational interventions and therapeutic strategies.
- Conducted on-site training services for managers and employees on wellness and health topics.
- Empowered clients to make informed decisions about their mental health care through education on available treatment options and community resources.
- Developed comprehensive case management plans to address clients'' unique needs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, and empathy throughout all EAP activities.
- Served as an advocate for employee well-being, championing the importance of mental health support in fostering a productive and engaged workforce.
- Delivered high-quality EAP services, ensuring timely access to resources and relevant support systems.
- Assisted with referrals for members needing ongoing or additional counseling services.
- Delivered crisis intervention and management support in response to critical incidents.
- Enhanced client well-being by providing comprehensive assessments and personalized counseling sessions.
- Provided crisis intervention services, effectively addressing urgent mental health concerns among employees while ensuring a safe working environment.
- Maintained strict confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive client information, adhering to ethical guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices and emerging trends in the Employee Assistance Program field.
- Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
Mental Health Counselor
De Paul Treatment Center
06.2014 - 04.2017
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Evaluated client progress using standardized assessment tools, continuously refining treatment plans to address changing needs.
- Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
- Facilitated therapeutic support groups focused on topics such as grief, addiction, or relationships to foster connection and shared healing experiences among participants.
- Presented case history material to review and discuss with other staff members.
- Enhanced patient engagement through the implementation of group therapy sessions focused on coping strategies and emotional regulation.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care for patients with mental health disorders.
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and effects of employment and housing issues on mental health.
- Delivered empathetic crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients during acute episodes and coordinating necessary care.
- Improved client mental health stability with consistent one-on-one counseling sessions focused on trauma-informed care.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Supported clients by representing needs and advocating for patient rights in healthcare, legal and community-based settings.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
Adult Outpatient Intern
De Paul Treatment Center
05.2013 - 04.2014
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working with a diverse population of both mandated and non mandated clients with dual diagnosis.
- Co-facilitated DBT and mindfulness groups.
Education
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
George Fox University
Newberg, OR05-2014
Master of Science - Life Sciences
University of Portland
Portland, OR05-2009
Skills
- Ethics and confidentiality
- Self-care strategies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Grief counseling
- Couples counseling
- addictions counseling
- anxiety and depression management
- work stress and work life balance
- crisis counseling and assessing for suicidality
- working with diverse populations
Application
I recently came to know of your need for a skilled and experienced mental health counselor by hearing of the opening through your website. I have a deep interest in the position due to the fact that I qualify fully as a mental health counselor and also offer additional expertise in addictions counseling. I possess over ten years of relevant experience working with mandated and self-referred clients in the outpatient setting and mental health clients in both the residential and outpatient setting. Being a trained mental health counselor that currently works in a fast-paced and continuously evolving environment, I am fully capable of working independently and efficiently with clients. I offer diagnostic skills for mental health and addiction assessments. I have training in the DSM V and ASAM. I have experience in providing evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. I have experience and knowledge of local resources for client needs in addition to counseling and I am knowledgeable about the process of sending referrals on behalf of clients to other professional organizations., My CV is enclosed for your review and I enthusiastically wait for an interview to discuss this position in detail. If you need any additional documents, feel free to contact me at the above mentioned number or email address. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Certification
LPC
CADC I
Timeline
EAP Counselor
Canopy EAP
04.2017 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
De Paul Treatment Center
06.2014 - 04.2017
Adult Outpatient Intern
De Paul Treatment Center
05.2013 - 04.2014
LPC
CADC I
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
George Fox University
Master of Science - Life Sciences
University of Portland
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