Theresa Ellison tree7herelvi@gmail.co
Counselor
Grand Rapids,MN
Summary
A counseling professional with strong foundation in empathetic client interactions and mental health support. Known for impactful counseling strategies that foster positive client outcomes. Focused on collaborative team efforts and adaptable to changing needs, ensuring reliable and effective support. Skilled in active listening and conflict resolution, valued for reliability and flexibility.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Care Counselor
Cerebral Medical, INC.
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Established rapport with diverse clientele through empathetic listening and effective communication skills
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans addressing clients'' specific needs.
- Enhanced client well-being by providing comprehensive counseling and support services.
- Developed culturally sensitive treatment approaches, recognizing the unique needs of diverse populations served as a CARE Counselor.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, ensuring timely updates to care plans and coordination with other service providers.
- Ensured compliance with ethical guidelines and legal requirements throughout all aspects of counseling practice.
- Promoted self-efficacy among clients by empowering them to take ownership of their recovery process.
- Reduced crisis situations by implementing proactive intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Assisted clients with goal-setting and developing action plans for personal growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in mental health counseling and service delivery.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
Hospice Bereavement/Volunteer Coordinator
Sanford Health Home and Hospice
12.2020 - 01.2021
- Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization''s goals.
- Maintained regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media updates, and personal check-ins, keeping them engaged and informed about upcoming opportunities.
- Collaborated with other departments to maximize impact of volunteer efforts.
- Managed volunteer calendar and verified coverage of key roles during volunteer unavailability.
- Worked with program teams to identify and match volunteers with appropriate activities.
Patent Relatons
Sanford Health Medical Center
04.2020 - 12.2020
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by addressing concerns and providing timely resolutions.
- Developed strong rapport with patients, fostering trust and open communication lines.
- Provided exceptional customer service through active listening and empathetic support during challenging situations.
- Facilitated the resolution of billing issues by collaborating with financial departments and advocating on behalf of patients when necessary.
- Ensured all relevant documentation was properly filed, keeping records up-to-date for future reference and easy access.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient care and communication.
- Managed difficult conversations with upset or dissatisfied patients, demonstrating professionalism while working towards an amicable resolution.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining a professional attitude and offering assistance where needed.
- Provided excellent customer service to patients and medical staff.
Bereavement Coordinator
Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospice
04.2015 - 03.2020
- Advocated for the importance of grief support within the healthcare community by attending conferences, presenting on relevant topics, and networking with industry professionals.
- Participated in relevant professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in grief counseling and service delivery techniques.
- Planned, coordinated and facilitated bereavement groups and delivered ongoing compassionate support to bereaved.
- Coordinated special events such as remembrance ceremonies or workshops that offered support and education for grieving families.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions in compliance with confidentiality guidelines and organizational policies.
- Completed initial intakes and follow-up assessments and coordinated resources and referrals based on assessment.
- Enhanced family satisfaction by providing compassionate bereavement support and facilitating grief counseling sessions.
- Established strong relationships with community organizations to broaden available resources for grieving families.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring seamless care coordination during the bereavement process.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource for local media outlets seeking information on grief-related topics or stories involving the organization''s work within the community.
- Performed clinical supervision to bereavement team and interns and coordinated orientation, education and development of team members and volunteers.
- Accepted different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs and values and seamlessly adapted bereavement support to accommodate individual needs.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular feedback from participants, implementing improvements as needed to maintain high-quality services.
- Provided ongoing training for staff and volunteers in grief sensitivity, increasing overall competency in managing emotional situations.
- Applied suitable interventions to meet needs of patients and families and demonstrated understanding of community health, welfare, and social agencies.
- Conducted thorough assessments of bereaved individuals, identifying their specific needs and preferences for support.
- Managed referral network of mental health professionals for clients requiring additional support beyond the scope of bereavement coordinator services.
- Delivered timely follow-up calls to bereaved families, offering reassurance and valuable resources during their time of need.
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
07.2012 - 11.2014
- Developed relapse prevention strategies for clients transitioning out of treatment programs, empowering them to maintain long-term sobriety.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
- Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, creating an open dialogue about their experiences and challenges related to substance abuse.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Advocated for clients'' needs within the legal system, ensuring access to essential services and support during rehabilitation efforts.
- Increased patient engagement in group therapy sessions by fostering a safe and supportive environment for open communication.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Supervisor/Lead Counselor
Lutheran Social Services
02.2010 - 07.2012
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents and maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting healthy coping strategies and interpersonal skills among participants.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WIBachelor of Arts - Major Religious Studies/Psychology
Concordia College
Ann Arbor, MISkills
- Anxiety reduction
- Mental health awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Suicide prevention
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Case documentation
- Clinical documentation
- Crisis intervention
- Slack, Google Workspace, Gusto
Publications
- Leaving Fear at Heaven's Gate, God's Grace: The Answer For Anxiety, Xulon Press, 2023
- Leaving Grief at Heaven's Gate, Sorrow No More: God's Grace Reigns Over Grief, Xulon Press, 2020
Languages
English
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Care Counselor
Cerebral Medical, INC.
12.2021 - 12.2022
Hospice Bereavement/Volunteer Coordinator
Sanford Health Home and Hospice
12.2020 - 01.2021
Patent Relatons
Sanford Health Medical Center
04.2020 - 12.2020
Bereavement Coordinator
Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospice
04.2015 - 03.2020
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
07.2012 - 11.2014
Supervisor/Lead Counselor
Lutheran Social Services
02.2010 - 07.2012
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bachelor of Arts - Major Religious Studies/Psychology
Concordia College
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