Talisa Sutherland
Tigard
Summary
Experienced counseling professional with strong background in providing support and guidance to women dealing with substance use issues in both residential and intensive outpatient settings. Skilled in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, with focus on fostering collaborative team environment to achieve positive outcomes. Known for adaptability, reliability, client advocacy, and results-driven approach in dynamic and challenging situations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Lifeworks NW
Portland, OR
10.2021 - Current
- Championed substance abuse recovery initiatives by implementing customized counseling using motivational interviewing, person-centered care approaches, and strengths-based interventions. Cultivated client resilience through advanced coping skills training and proactive relapse prevention measures in both individual and group settings using evidence-based practices.
- Conducted comprehensive substance misuse assessments and screenings to accurately identify client needs, diagnosis, and appropriate levels of care required. Created individual treatment plans, promoting autonomy and self-efficacy through personalized goal-setting.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation within client's electronic healthcare record while maintaining strict confidentiality standards as mandated by state regulations and ethical guidelines.
- From 2021-2025, led the SUD treatment team at the Mountaindale Recovery Center, a 12-bed level 3.1 residential treatment program for women with children. Many of which were involved with child welfare and DHS and working towards reunification. Routinely collaborated with government agencies, such as DHS, to ensure clients were participating in weekly child visitations and meeting requirements of their conditions for return. Supported prepartum mothers in establishing prenatal care with a women's healthcare provider, specifically supporting their intake to services with Project Nurture and their recovery doulas. Supported postpartum mothers in participating in postnatal care, mental health services, and peer support groups. Collaborated with the Children's Relief nursery (therapeutic preschool) and Community Health Nurse to provide mothers and their young children with access to developmental and educational resources that worked with them at home/on-site. Connected clients with community resources, such as housing, self-sufficiency benefits, domestic violence survivor advocacy & support, employment services, and parent mentorship.
- From 2025-present, led the SUD treatment team at the Hillsboro-Walnut site's level 2.1 Women's Intensive Outpatient Program. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients effectively in respect to their mental and behavioral health needs. Facilitates group and individual therapy sessions to promote peer support and recovery strategies.
- Experienced with delivering myriad evidence-based curricula, such as, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Untangling Relationships, Staying Quit, Coping with Anger, Helping Women Recover, Matrix, Domestic Violence Education, Breaking the Chains of Trauma, and Shame & Guilt.
Independent Care Provider
Area Agency on Aging & Disability of SW Washington
Vancouver, WA
10.2013 - 12.2013
- Engaged with patients and families, providing emotional support and instruction in preparing healthy meals, independent living skills, adaptation to disability or illness, and transportation to medical appointments.
Home Care Provider
CDM Caregiving Services
Vancouver, WA
07.2012 - 09.2013
- Furnished personal care to clients within private home settings and championed patient independence and well-being.
Hospital Technician & Phlebotomy Technician
Legacy Health
Salmon Creek, WA
10.2008 - 01.2012
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- - Conducted routine checks on standard patient vitals, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate.
- - Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- - Supported diagnostic and treatment procedures, including setting up and operating specialized medical equipment.
- - Engaged with family and friends to provide courteous, efficient visit experience.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, Psychology | minor in Sex & Gender Studies
Portland State University
Portland, OR01.2024
Associate of Science - AAS
Portland Community College
Portland, OR01.2021
Skills
- Industry Knowledge: Treatment Planning, State Laws, Psychopharmacology, Motivational Interviewing, Emergency Situations, Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Counseling, Trauma-Informed Care, Group Facilitation, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction Medicine, Chemical Dependency, ASAM, DSM-5, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Harm Reduction, Professional boundaries, Patient confidentiality, Client advocacy, Clinical documentation, Relapse prevention, 12 step programs
- Interpersonal Skills: Confidentiality, Collaborative Problem Solving, De-escalation, Interpersonal Skills, Teamwork, Active Listening, Easily Adaptable, Problem Solving, Self-starter
Certification
- CADC I - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I
Languages
English
Timeline
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Lifeworks NW
10.2021 - Current
Independent Care Provider
Area Agency on Aging & Disability of SW Washington
10.2013 - 12.2013
Home Care Provider
CDM Caregiving Services
07.2012 - 09.2013
Hospital Technician & Phlebotomy Technician
Legacy Health
10.2008 - 01.2012
Associate of Science - AAS
Portland Community College
Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, Psychology | minor in Sex & Gender Studies
Portland State University