Sarah Mathewson
Reading ,PA
Summary
Experienced in providing support to individuals facing addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. Possess exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for helping others. Strong foundation in counseling theories and practices, able to effectively apply therapeutic techniques to facilitate positive change. Gained valuable clinical skills during internship. Eager to further develop career in addiction and mental health counseling, empowering clients on their journey towards recovery.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor Graduate Intern
Steps to Recovery
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: STR Behavioral Health – Lehigh Valley is a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorder outpatient treatment center
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate clients’ substance abuse history and psychological conditions
- Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans based on individual needs and goals
- Facilitated both individual and group psychotherapy sessions, promoting recovery and relapse prevention strategies
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers, to ensure holistic patient care
- Provided crisis intervention and counseling during acute episodes of substance abuse or emotional distress
- Development and execution of psychoeducation programs, including topics such as stress management, coping skills for triggers/cravings, and the neurobiology of mental health conditions/substance use disorders
- Maintained thorough and confidential case notes, progress reports, and treatment updates in compliance with state and federal regulations
- Monitored clients’ progress and made adjustments to treatment plans as necessary
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of group session notes and compliance with program requirements and adhering to confidentiality standards and regulatory guidelines
- Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development activities, such as clinical seminars, case presentations, and supervision sessions with licensed staff
- Adhere to ethical principles and professional standards of conduct in all interactions with clients and colleagues, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and acting with cultural humility
- Practicing excellent communication skills, including active listening and empathy, with the ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic alliances with clients from diverse backgrounds
- STR Behavioral Health – Lehigh Valley is a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorder outpatient treatment center
- Therapeutic Approaches & Experience: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
Trauma Peer-Support Volunteer
Lehigh Valley Health Network
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Emotional Support: Offer empathetic listening and emotional support to patients and families experiencing trauma, acknowledging their feelings and providing a non-judgmental space for expression
- Resource Referral: Assist individuals and families in accessing hospital resources, support groups, mental health services, and community organizations that best suit their circumstances and needs
- Education and Information: Provide information on trauma recovery, coping techniques, and available resources to empower individuals and families in their healing journey
- Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information and adhere to ethical guidelines in all interactions with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Active Listening: Excellent listening skills and the capacity to provide non-judgmental support while actively engaging with patients and families to understand their needs and concerns
- Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of cultural diversity and sensitivity to the needs and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a commitment to providing inclusive and culturally competent care
Education
M.Ed. - Mental Health Counseling
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA12.2022
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Collaborative Team Engagement
- HIPAA Compliance Knowledge
- Client Advocacy
- Crisis Management Techniques
- Personal Accountability
- Psychoeducational Support
- Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Evaluations
- Relapse Prevention Strategies
- Multicultural competence
- Trauma-Informed Counseling
Certification
- Mandated Reporting: Knowing your Role in the Protection of Children, Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, 10/2023
- Recognizing and Responding to Early Psychosis for Community Health Providers, HeadsUp, 04/2024
- Assessing Suicide Risk Using the C-SSRS, Relias, 01/2024
- Professionals Working with Family Members of Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder, STR Behavioral Health, 05/2024
- Crisis Prevention Certification, Crisis Prevention Institute, 12/2024
Therapeutic Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Person-Centered
- Motivational Interviewing
Honors And Awards
- Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, 02/2020 - Present, Awarded to top 10% of Psychology students at West Chester
- Dean’s List, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 08/2019 - 12/2022, Students completing 12 or more graded hours in an academic semester and achieve a semester GPA of 3.670
- Academic Achievement Award, Psychology Department of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 05/2020 - 12/2022, Given to psychology majors with a GPA exceeding 3.75
Research Opportunities
- Conferences and Publications, In the spring of 2022, I had the opportunity to present my research proposal regarding mindfulness in the role of trauma recovery for opioid use disorder to other psychology faculty members and individuals involved in university research. This was a highly rewarding experience for me; I gained professional speaking, presenting, and leadership skills., Mathewson, S., Somppi, M., and Gawrysiak, M. (April 2022). The Role of Dispositional Mindfulness Against Craving in Trauma Recovery for OUD. Poster presentation for the 2022 West Chester University of Pennsylvania Research & Creative Activity Day (RCAD). Annual meeting for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). West Chester, PA.
Timeline
Counselor Graduate Intern
Steps to Recovery
01.2024 - Current
Trauma Peer-Support Volunteer
Lehigh Valley Health Network
01.2024 - 06.2024
M.Ed. - Mental Health Counseling
Lehigh University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
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