Hello, I'm Mary Jo - I have extensive knowledge and skills in both outpatient mental health and school clinical practices, wellness interventions and programs, implementing mental wellness professional development and have provided training both locally and nationally regarding evidence-based practices in schools. I supervised clinicians in outpatient substance abuse for a hospital treatment program and was a supervisor for clinicians for Employee Assistance Programs. Most recently, I have been an administrator within a large school division supporting 187 school social workers, supervisors and several managers. I have received clinical training in DBT, solution-focused and CBT clinical modalities and I work with older children, adolescents, and families in my private practice. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families' mental health and wellness by assisting adolescents and families with finding solutions to improve their relationships, and moods and find more happiness in their lives. I specialize in supporting adolescents to find solutions for the next steps toward college and career success and manage their strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness and anger to have healthier relationships with their peers, teachers and within their families. In our counseling sessions we will focus on finding your goals for a more holistic health, better relationships and solutions for having peace and happiness in your life. I am unable to accept referrals from students and families in Fairfax County Public Schools due to my full-time employment with the school division.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I review the confidentiality of counseling services and the limits of confidentiality for your safety needs. I want clients to feel comfortable during the first session so will ask them more questions about themselves other than what I receive on their intake information. I might ask screening questions if the client has not completed the PHQ9 or GAD7 screeners. I will ask more questions about what their goals for counseling are and if they would like to have others involved in the counseling services (school, parents with adolescents, etc.) with signing release of information consent.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked within K-12 public education systems and have an understanding of students with learning disabilities, and ways to find student success within school divisions. I also have a been in private practice for years with knowledge regarding how to support adolescents and families find solutions at school and at home. During my years working in public schools, I have supported students' emotional well-being and mental health. I have worked in schools, private practice supervised clinicians working toward their own clinical licensure. I believe all children, adolescents and families are able to find solutions that best fit their own needs and look forward to assisting you with finding solutions for peace, happiness and wellbeing.