Amanda Ricks

*** **** ******, *** *******, NS, B*H 2X4

Cell: 250-***-****

adru2u@r.postjobfree.com

Summary:

An exceptionally seasoned Mental Health Counselor and Creative Arts Therapist with a demonstrated track record of successfully working with diverse client populations. A responsible self-starter who communicates well and who is dedicated to improving the well-being of clients. Comfortable working in team based settings on a one to one basis or in group settings. Extensive Team Lead and program development Experience.

Skill Highlights:

Psychiatric population familiarity

Addictions specialist

Suicide risk assessments

PTSD group specialist

Superior communication skills

Dissociative disorders competency

Experienced crisis interventionist

Superior skills in client based approach and goal based planning

Excellent observation skills

Team player

Therapeutic expertise

Specialized training in grief counseling

Extensive knowledge or community resources

Strong skills in collaborative approach and positive change

Experience in assessment in emergency settings

Knowledge and expertise in crisis intervention and stabilization in brief psychotherapy

Extensive experience in dual diagnosis, FASD, Autism, Developmental Disabilities and Homeless Populations

Familiarity and ability to apply policies such as the Adult Guardianship Act, The Mental Health Act, Child Protection Polices, and Island Health Policies and Procedures

Family Therapy Background

Experience in Adult Education

Strong skills in community development

Ability to organize workload and prioritize tasks effectively

Successful counseling private practice

Superior knowledge of solution focused counseling, developmental theory, and creative arts therapies

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Training

Trauma Informed Counselling and Therapy in Brief, or Single Session Counselling

Community and Social Development Skills

Violence Prevention Trainer

Extensive Knowledge of Child and Youth Theory and Developmental Psychology Experience:

I have significant experience in working with dual diagnosis and diverse populations within mental health systems. I have charted and recorded information in client files. I have a strong skill set in communication both in written and verbal formats. I have conducted therapeutic individual, group, and family sessions. I have collaborated closely with families, teachers and service providers to implement consistent behavior therapy techniques at home and in the school as well as in the community. I deliver seamless care and minimize misuse and diversion through close collaboration with my peers. I have referenced and utilized various therapy techniques including psychodynamic, family systems, cognitive behavioral and lifespan integration therapy, grief, trauma based therapies, and creative arts therapies. I have extensive experience working cross culturally and have in-depth knowledge of working with challenging populations. I have diverse knowledge of creating and implementing person based and goal centered planning. I have worked with many populations including chronically mentally ill, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, and head injured clients. I have strong abilities in computers and using programs as well as creating and implanting new programming for various populations. I have experience and knowledge of working in crisis intervention and emergency situations and am familiar with law enforcement systems, Child Protection, and Community Living British Columbia. I have experience running my own business and working for others. I am a team player with significant leadership skill. I am a licensed insurance agent and offer comprehensive financial education and support in investments.

Career Chronology:

09/2019 to Current Associate Financial Educator and Life Insurance Agent with WGF Business Operator in Financial Education, working with people around their financial future and Insurance Needs- Victoria, BC 10/1999 to Current Drama Therapy and Counseling Services – Victoria, BC Owner/Operator, Clinician and Drama Therapist

09/2014 to Current Island Health – Victoria, BC

Clinical Mental Health Navigator

01/2006 to Current Sunshine Clown Society- Victoria, BC President of the Board, Trainer, Care Clown Volunteer 06/2007 to 08/2014 Community Living British Columbia – Victoria, BC Analyst, Facilitator, Team Lead for 3 different teams: Adult Guardianship, Developmental Disability Mental Health Team, Personalized Supports Initiative

09/2005 to 06/2007 Garth Homer Society – Victoria, BC One to One worker, Team lead, Non-Violent Intervention Trainer 05/2003-10/2005 Dragonfly Daycare-Victoria,BC

Differing Abilities daycare 0-15 years old

Owner/Operator

02/2002 to 07/20014 Boys and Girls Club- Victoria, BC Home Care Provider for Teen Moms and their infants 09/2000 to 05-2003 Blanshard Community Centre-Victoria,BC Reunification Family Counselor

06/1994 to 10/2002 Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba- Winnipeg, MB Community Development Coordinator and Counselor

Career Chronology (Cont)

09/1999 to 06/2003 University of Victoria-Victoria, BC Distance Education Teacher for the Department of Child and Youth Care and Adult learning Centre

06/1995 to 09/1999 Bellevue Hospital, New York City, NY Senior Rehabilitation Therapist

Education and Training:

2003 University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

Ph.D,: Human and Social Development, ABT

1996 New York University, New York, NY, USA

Master of Arts,: Developmental Psychology and Drama Therapy 1990 Concordia University, Montreal, QB, Canada

Bachelor of Arts – Drama in Education

Professional Affiliations:

2008 to Present- Sunshine Clown Society

2003 to present- BC Epilepsy Society

2002- 2012- Greater Victoria Homeless Coalition

Awards:

2021- BC Epilepsy Award- Award for Community fundraising and awareness promotion 1996- Drama Therapy Awarded from New York University- Creation for Change References:

Rebecca Ataya Lang – Long Time Associate and Current president of Sunshine Clown Society, also was business partner – 250-***-****

Further references available upon request, current supervisor or team leads

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