Speare Psychological Service Pa

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I am a Ph.D. psychologist licensed in the state of Minnesota (LP0655). After receiving my doctorate in 1972 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I joined the staff of the Range Mental Health Center and worked there as both a clinician and as an administrator until starting in private practice in 1982, which I have been doing since then. I have a wide variety of interests and training in the field of psychotherapy, with an emphasis on the treatment of anxiety, trauma, and depression. I use traditional, empirically validated treatments in my practice primarily but also incorporate more non-traditional, innovative approaches. Because I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, I have obtained advanced training in many different therapeutic methods. At times, people have commented to me that they don't envy me having to listen to people complain all day, every day. I don't agree with this view of therapy and believe I am lucky to be in this profession. It is exciting and challenging. Although people usually describe their problems in the first sessions, after that we work together to cope with or resolve the difficulties. I help my clients develop and apply skills and resources, work through past traumas and issues, and learn how to bring more happiness and contentment into their lives. There are few gratifications greater than seeing someone leave my office after the last session with improved self-esteem and self-confidence, no longer plagued by crippling emotions, and feeling optimistic about the future. In the course of my career, besides the provision of direct services, I have also been the Director of Clinical Services at the Range Mental Health Center, provided workshops and presentations to the general public and to mental health professionals, and in May, 1995, provided post-trauma services to victims, family members, first responders, and others following the bombing in Oklahoma City. My knowledge of alcoholism and chemical dependency has been enhanced by holding such positions as the interim director of the detoxification center (1974), the coordinator of chemical dependency services for the Range Area Human Resources Board (1974 - 1976), the facilitator of the University of Minnesota's training program for alcoholism and chemical dependency professionals on the Iron Range (1975 - 1976), and a member of the board of directors of the Arrowhead Center (1987 - 2001).