Francine Trtanj
Baxter
Summary
Compassionate Psychotherapist with 25+ year progressive career history building therapeutic relationships to facilitate growth. Background serving adult populations in residential and outpatient environments. Clinical Supervisor focused on developing team's clinical knowledge, decision-making skills and performance standards. Capable and caring social work professional able to apply evidence-based practices to make a difference for clients. Highly collaborative, organized and resourceful with good communication and interpersonal abilities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist
Equus North Therapy, LLC
03.2021 - Current
- Conduct thorough assessments of client's psychological functioning, identifying areas for targeted therapeutic interventions.
- Develop personalized treatment plans to address each client's specific needs, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
- Promote the development of a trusting relationship between clients and therapeutic equines used in the program, as well as educating clients on safety around horses.
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD for clients by implementing Gestalt therapy techniques.
- Continuously update knowledge of emerging research and best practices in the field of trauma-based therapy, ensuring delivery of cutting-edge care to clients.
- Utilize mindfulness and somatic techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
- As owner of Equus North Therapy, create, manage, and executed business plan and communicate company vision and objectives to the public.
- Process vital documentation, complete forms and obtain appropriate insurances and authorization for services.
- Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Clinical Supervisor
Minnesota Specialty Health Systems Brainerd
10.2012 - 06.2021
- Provided ongoing oversight of client treatment to ensure implementation of appropriate treatment plan, adherence to quality model and utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Competed Diagnostic Assessments to determine diagnosis, strengths, needs and recommendations for treatment.
- Led and directed team of nine mental health professionals and practitioners and support staff.
- Maintained compliance with Rule 36 (IRTS) licensing standards.
- Participated in review and implementation of policies and educate staff on changes.
- Counseled individuals regarding mental health, substance abuse, and rehabilitation issues.
- Responded to crisis situations with calm and professional approach to optimize support.
- Collaborated with case managers, law enforcement and community providers.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups to improve client's quality of life.
- Developed Positive Behavioral Support Plans.
- Conducted weekly group supervision and quarterly individual supervision with mental health practitioners.
- Developed innovative programs and activities based on analysis of client needs and interests.
- Provided clinical supervision for five licensed and license-eligible mental health professionals, as well as providing supervision for social work interns.
Psychotherapist
Self Employed
10.2008 - 10.2012
- Part of a network of self-employed psychotherapist that provide in-home therapy to individuals in a 5-county area around Brainerd.
- Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
- Documented mental health services and responses to treatment in patient case files.
- Worked particularly well with clients with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as SPMI clients.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, insight-oriented therapy, problem-solving and a strengths-based approaches.
Clinical Supervisor
Nystrom And Associates, Ltd.
01.2007 - 08.2008
- Supervised a team of mental health practitioners under the Children's Therapeutic Support Services model.
Mental Health Practitioner
Nystrom And Associates, Ltd.
02.2001 - 01.2007
- Provided in-home therapy with SED-diagnosed children and their families using a family-systems model.
Social Worker, Director of Social Services
Bethany Good Samaritan Village
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Provided medical social services to long-term care patients and their families.
- Developed and implemented Bethany House Adult Foster Care model.
- Ethics committee chair.
Family Resource Coordinator
Alzheimer's Association
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Coordinated the Family Care Planning Program.
- Developed and ran a dual support group for early stage Alzheimer's patients and their families.
Education
M.S.W. - Gerontology
George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington Univ.
St. Louis, MO1993
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL1987
Skills
- Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy Certification
- Mental health treatment programming
- Treatment planning
- Effective team leader
- Staff supervision
- Team player
- Psychosocial/Diagnostic assessments
- Clinical experience with trauma, mood disorders, SPMI diagnoses
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Anxiety disorder expertise
- DBT qualified
- Program oversight
- Process improvements
- Staff education and training
- Reliable
- Superb writer
Accomplishments
Publications
A Support Group for People in the Early Stages of Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (1995), Journal of Applied Gerontology, 14 (3), 289-301.
Hobbies
- Horseback Riding
- Knitting and Hand Spinning
- Gardening
- Level III Reiki practitioner
- Jewelry Making
Certification
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy Certification from Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies
Timeline
Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist
Equus North Therapy, LLC
03.2021 - Current
Clinical Supervisor
Minnesota Specialty Health Systems Brainerd
10.2012 - 06.2021
Psychotherapist
Self Employed
10.2008 - 10.2012
Clinical Supervisor
Nystrom And Associates, Ltd.
01.2007 - 08.2008
Mental Health Practitioner
Nystrom And Associates, Ltd.
02.2001 - 01.2007
Social Worker, Director of Social Services
Bethany Good Samaritan Village
01.1996 - 01.2001
Family Resource Coordinator
Alzheimer's Association
01.1993 - 01.1995
M.S.W. - Gerontology
George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington Univ.
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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