Alicia Renee Gershweir
Tucson
Summary
Results-driven counselor with expertise in activity-based therapeutic interventions that boost client engagement and recovery. Demonstrated success in adapting strategies for diverse populations, resulting in enhanced mental health outcomes. Skilled in collaborative treatment planning and implementation of holistic care approaches.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outpatient Activity Therapist
Palo Verde Behavioral Health
Tucson
09.2019 - Current
- Developed curriculum emphasizing activity-based therapeutic interventions to address complex needs of individuals transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care.
- Implemented activities-focused therapeutic interventions for clients in PHP and IOP, enhancing engagement and recovery processes.
- Formulated integrative interventions tailored to diverse age groups (adolescents and adults), acuity levels, and symptomatology.
- Supported outpatient team by delivering clinical services as a mental health therapist, contributing to comprehensive client care.
- Provided training and support to junior therapists in therapeutic techniques.
- Attended seminars and workshops related to activity therapies for continuing professional development.
- Conducted informative presentations in the community covering topics of addiction recovery and mental health awareness.
Inpatient Recreation Therapist
Palo Verde Behavioral Health
Tucson
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Created tailored activities-based therapeutic interventions addressing diverse mental health acuity levels to foster engagement and recovery.
- Delivered activities-based therapeutic interventions to enhance emotional and psychological well-being of individuals in behavioral health hospital.
- Provided therapeutic interventions appropriate to the abilities of patients of varying ages (adolescents and adults).
- Collaborated on treatment planning and goal setting to ensure personalized patient care and support progress.
- Worked collaboratively with clinical and nursing teams.
Primary Therapist
Clear Springs Ranch
Aquilla
03.2018 - 10.2018
- Facilitated professional and ethical therapy for patients in residential chemical dependence treatment, enhancing recovery through group and individual counseling, family counseling, and psycho-educational sessions.
- Implemented holistic care involving creation of treatment plans, tailored interventions, comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations, regular assessment of treatment strategies, and efficient discharge and aftercare coordination.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create tailored treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care for diverse patient needs.
- Engaged in professional trainings related to primary therapist role such as motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and somatic-based interventions.
Behavioral Health Technician
In Balance Continuum of Care
Tucson
09.2017 - 02.2018
- Supported clients in continuous recovery through facilitation of 12-step oriented process groups.
- Supervised Peer Support Specialists to enhance their skills and knowledge for effective management of In Balance Program.
- Documented group processes and client progress to ensure accurate tracking of recovery milestones.
Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist/Intern
PSA Art Awakenings
Tucson
04.2017 - 02.2018
- Facilitated expressive therapy and social skills groups in art studio settings, promoting social engagement and self-expression among participants.
- Delivered psychosocial support and skills development workshops using expressive arts, enhancing coping strategies for adults with severe mental illness and youth with behavioral health concerns.
- Created individualized treatment plans in collaboration with participants, families, and clinical teams, ensuring tailored approaches to meet diverse needs.
Intern
In Balance Continuum of Care
Tucson
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Applied somatic techniques to enhance effectiveness of group therapy sessions.
- Developed skills to organize and facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic group sessions using 12-step process with somatic and holistic clinical interventions.
- Provided empathetic client care while maintaining comprehensive progress note documentation.
Home-based Services Provider/ Youth Respite
PSA Art Awakenings
Tucson
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Delivered in-home psychosocial rehabilitation while enhancing skill development for adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and youth facing behavioral health challenges
- Facilitated activity and play-based interventions to support youth engagement and development.
- Guided clients in setting and pursuing realistic treatment goals.
- Coordinated collaboration among community services to ensure clients' basic needs were met.
- Completed and maintained thorough documentation of ongoing assessments of client functioning.
Product Manager
World Integrated Systems in Health
Tucson
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Directed product management for shipping, ordering, and inventory, while conducting research for seminars and health courses to enhance offerings.
- Coordinated with suppliers to procure new merchandise, ensuring timely availability to meet customer demand.
- Tracked stock levels and orders to support inventory management, maintaining optimal supply for operations.
- Monitored product expiration dates and ensured compliance with standards.
- Maintained accurate records of incoming and outgoing shipments daily.
Client Coordinator
World Integrated Systems in Health
Tucson
09.2012 - 07.2014
- Leveraged interpersonal skills to enhance client care and support in holistic health office for diverse physical health and wellness concerns.
- Guided clients in product selection tailored to their specific needs, improving satisfaction and outcomes.
- Addressed customer requests promptly via email and telephone, ensuring effective communication and service.
Data Entry
Arizona Geological Survey
Tucson
03.2012 - 09.2013
- Performed data entry, data cleaning, and data coding for analysis.
- Facilitated data entry analysis and management through various software tools.
- Produced digital renderings of archived oil well logs demanding high precision and accuracy.
Research Technician/Lead Data Collector
First Things First External Evaluation (U of A)
Tucson
02.2011 - 08.2012
- Supervised data collection integrity and coordinated recruitment efforts for longitudinal study, ensuring reliable data for childhood development research.
- Prepared research and data collection materials, including surveys and questionnaires.
- Analyzed qualitative data using established methodologies and software tools.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Trained new staff on quality control procedures and best practices to maintain high research standards.
- Participated in internal audits to evaluate compliance with quality management systems, contributing to continuous improvement.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
Inclusion Aid & Art Teacher
Arts for All, Inc./AmeriCorps State
Tucson
04.2009 - 12.2009
- Designed lesson plans for arts and crafts courses accommodating participants with varying ages and abilities.
- Facilitated hands-on art projects to enhance creativity and expression.
- Mentored students in various artistic techniques and mediums.
- Implemented inclusive teaching strategies, fostering an engaging learning environment that accommodated diverse learning styles.
- Provided comprehensive support to participants with disabilities, enhancing social and self-care skills through tailored interventions.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching methods.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Emphasis in Somatic Psychology
Prescott College
Prescott, AZ08-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Integrative Studies And Humanities
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA05-2008
High School Diploma -
Salpointe Catholic High School
Tucson, AZ05-2004
Skills
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Treatment planning and assessment
- Activity-based interventions
- Mindfulness interventions
- Trauma-informed care
- Somatic framework application
- Creative process techniques
- Curriculum development
- Therapeutic presentations
- Experience with diverse acuity levels
- Collaboration skills
- Creativity and adaptability
- Written and verbal communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Empathy and intuition
- Integrated Care Models
Certification
- Certified Human Design Coach
- Certificate in Yoga & Mindfulness Therapy: Mind-Brain Change for Anxiety, Moods, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
- Trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Trained in the Sanctuary Model of Trauma-Informed Care
- Trained in Handle with Care Behavior Management System
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Experience with QuickBooks
- First Aid certified
- Fingerprint Clearance card
Employment Gaps
Between October 2018 and July 2019, I took time away from work in part due to unexpected layoff and to address health related complications coinciding with the premature birth of my son. I have continued to work at per diem and part-time status to focus on parenting and navigating subsequent chronic health challenges. I am currently resuming my pursuit of licensure, as I am passionate about providing best quality, ethical care and believe in the power of continued learning and supervision to develop and hone necessary skills to provide effective care and support.
Timeline
Outpatient Activity Therapist
Palo Verde Behavioral Health
09.2019 - Current
Inpatient Recreation Therapist
Palo Verde Behavioral Health
07.2019 - 07.2020
Primary Therapist
Clear Springs Ranch
03.2018 - 10.2018
Behavioral Health Technician
In Balance Continuum of Care
09.2017 - 02.2018
Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist/Intern
PSA Art Awakenings
04.2017 - 02.2018
Home-based Services Provider/ Youth Respite
PSA Art Awakenings
11.2016 - 04.2017
Intern
In Balance Continuum of Care
08.2016 - 08.2017
Product Manager
World Integrated Systems in Health
08.2014 - 01.2015
Client Coordinator
World Integrated Systems in Health
09.2012 - 07.2014
Data Entry
Arizona Geological Survey
03.2012 - 09.2013
Research Technician/Lead Data Collector
First Things First External Evaluation (U of A)
02.2011 - 08.2012
Inclusion Aid & Art Teacher
Arts for All, Inc./AmeriCorps State
04.2009 - 12.2009
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Emphasis in Somatic Psychology
Prescott College
Bachelor of Arts - Integrative Studies And Humanities
University of Redlands
High School Diploma -
Salpointe Catholic High School