Philosophers, poets, religious and spiritual leaders, all talk about the human condition. But what does it mean for the rest of us? Everyone runs into situations that produce anxiety, depression, disappointment, a need to make difficult decisions, tension in relationships, and other "discomforts" that we wish would go away. Sometimes we figure out how to get through these situations on our own but sometimes we need a little help. That's where we come in. HBH Counseling is a group of therapists dedicated to providing effective, evidence based therapy to help you to address life's situations, big and small. We provide individual, group, and couples counseling for mental health, substance use and addictive behaviors, and relationship issues.

Provide clinical supervision to LACs and CADC/LCADC interns. I approach supervision from a collaborative framework which is a dynamic, interactive, and relational process with mutually agreed upon goals. The process is marked by parity, individual and group accountability, trust and respect, valued expertise, conflict resolution, and a positive approach to confrontation. The general areas that receive attention in supervision include the supervisee’s professional behaviors, counseling skills, personal awareness, cultural awareness, and client/case conceptualization. Supervisory roles I will assume include teacher, evaluator, consultant, and counselor. (Please note that I will not serve as your own personal counselor; rather, I will take on appropriate counseling behaviors to assist you in your professional development). I follow a developmental approach to supervision primarily using the teacher role with novice supervisees and consultation with more experienced supervisees. Audio and videotapes, live observation, role play, and case report are all utilized in the supervision process. I consider intentionality to be paramount in work as a counselor. As such, I work with supervisees to help them become aware of the thoughts and feelings that occur with respect to the counseling relationship and process. Facilitating this awareness, including attention to the motivation behind interventions, is an important aspect of my work.

My clients are individuals struggling with emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar disorder to name just a few) substance use disorders, or both. I work with individuals, couples, families, and provide groups for adolescents and adults. I use evidenced based, science supported techniques including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). I am a certified SMART recovery group facilitator and although I do not have a group running at this time I am very interested in getting one started in the Ocean County area of NJ. I also provide educational workshops that promote personal growth and increased self-awareness and consultation services for employee wellness education to organizations. I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and provide clinical supervision to Licensed Associate Counselors seeking clinical licensure.

• Attended the 2012 American Counseling Association Institute for Leadership Training as an “Emerging Leader” sponsored by the NJCA.• Met with the staff of Senator Lautenberg, Senator Menendez, and Representative Chris Smith to discuss the need to increase hiring of professional counselors by the Veteran’s Administration.

• Identify organizations that could provide a mutually beneficial partnership to the members of NJCA and the organization itself. • Work closely with the Conference Chairperson, NJCA Executive Director, and the NJCA Board President to identify needs and set goals for sponsorship.• Develop relationships with potential sponsors and exhibitors based on established synergic goals.

Supervise and train unlicensed staff. Review progress notes and paperwork submitted by staff at all levels. Communicate with families receiving services as well as outside agencies to address service deficiencies and improve client satisfaction. As Clinical Consultant, oversee interview and orientation of new staff and develop programs / services.• Autonomously wrote and currently maintain first employee handbook to use as a learning tool for new and existing service providers.• Developed and implemented policies and procedures designed to bring agency into full compliance with state and federal regulations. • Created a formal hiring and orientation process to better prepare new service providers. • Revamped payroll and billing process to increase agency’s ability to be paid for services rendered and improve quality of service documentation.• Collaborate with clinical supervisors to devise common goals and identify training needs, improving supervision and training of unlicensed staff.• Raise awareness of non-clinical staff of state and federal laws and regulations along with ethical considerations involved in provision of mental health services while moving agency toward a more organized system.

Provide individual counseling, group counseling, and case management for individuals with substance abuse/dependence issues. Complete biopsychosocial assessments and recommend appropriate level of care based on ASAM criteria, DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, and the client's stage of change. Communicate client's treatment progress and needs with appropriate state agencies such as the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services, County Drug Court programs, and state and county Probation and Parole officers. Attend monthly consortium meetings focused on removing barriers to treatment and improving treatment success for women. Assist in supervising interns and entry level staff with a focus on training in ethical behavior, counseling skills, HIPPA and confidentiality issues, and substance abuse/dependence education.

Work with the Disaster Response program at Catholic Charities to provide services to victims relocated to New Jersey as a result of the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region; Facilitate psychoeducational groups and activities designed to foster resilience; Assist in the completion of FEMA applications for assistance; Provide referral to local and state agencies as needed by consumers; Traveled to New Orleans with a group of volunteers to assist in the clean up efforts and help families to begin the process of rebuilding homes and lives.

Conducted individual and group therapy with undergraduate and graduate students; performed psychological evaluations using DSM-IV-TR criteria; created individual treatment plans and implemented interventions using an eclectic counseling approach; facilitated harm reduction group for students involved in high risk drinking behaviors; co-facilitated therapy group for students working on family of origin issues; assessed level of substance use of students admitted to in-patient unit due to intoxication and made treatment recommendations and referrals based on DSM-IV-TR diagnosis, Counseling Center protocols, and ASAM criteria.