Betty Jo ReynoldsLCSW

I started my profession focusing on chronically medically ill children and their families in medical family therapy .My undergraduate background is from Biology and medical knowledge. I expanded my know working in psychiatric hospitals with both children and adults eventually providing therapy in an outpatient basis for all age groups.Recently I have focused on working with older adults with medical and behavioral health issues and have utilized family therapy to involve family members in treatment because it effects all of those in the family with good results.What I learned early on has helped shape me into a better professional to get the positive results for the folks I work with in treatment.

The therapeutic bond between the client and therapist serves to open up the door to effective treatment with the outcome of successful goal attainment. If this relationship is not addressed it can serve as a barrier against the client meeting their goals or "getting better".For the therapist it is essential to go into the client's world to understand their concerns in their own culture or life.I work to achieve that goal specific to their needs abilities and strengths. Their improvement is paramount for me in working with them.I welcome them into treatment.

I believe the path I have taken as a therapist has shaped me as a person better able to cope with all the gifts life throws at us.I have learned to go forward in pursuit of bettering myself and facing my stresses rather than running. Like the man who approached three dogs coming at him. He did not run away but instead he went closer towards them.If he had attempted to run they could have easily reached him. Fear can be anywhere with us but eventually we face it to grow.My focus in therapy is to be the catalyst breeching the gap for folks to reach their potential and happiness in their life.

• Florida, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW2625

I started working in the children's hospital and then several adult medical hospitals focused on coping with medical illness both acute and chronic .From there progressed to assisting families cope with loss and grief.I wanted to enhance my knowledge in behavioral health and worked in adult and children's behavioral health hospitals and partial hospitalization eventually working with all ages in outpatient therapy which I have found to be the most rewarding to me .Recently I have worked more so with older folks with behavioral and medical issues.