Shona K Maddocks LCSW

My style/approach to therapy is one of compassion and non-judgmental. I believe it is a pivotal moment when deciding to ask for assistance. I know that it is hard to trust others when your experiences have taught you to do the opposite. I am aware that you probably feel you are taking a risk. It's hard to admit things are not going well, or you still don't feel well (and don't know why). It is important to know, I will not discount your existing strengths. We will work together to build on the strengths you already have and you will learn some new ways to cope.

The first session, is about finding out what is currently going on in your life? What brought you to therapy? We will explore what you want things to look like when you are feeling better. We will discuss a preliminary plan for your treatment.

I determine therapy goals by working with each client to determine what he/she/they wants from therapy. I will assist client to identify symptoms related to diagnosis and a plan to reduce or eliminate symptoms. I work with clients to realisitically set goals he/she/they believe are attainable. We monitor progress to see what is getting in the way, and work to overcome the barriers. This process is done with support and encouragement at the client's pace.

• Connecticut, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 007993

My worrk history started at a day program working with adults with Developmental Disabilities. I worked there for 11 years.. I learned about the natural gifts that each person possesses, and the importance of a strenght-based perspective. After completeing my Bachelor of Arts degree, I worked for a Community Action Agency in an urban setting. I enjoyed successfully advocating for impoverished families against utility shut-off's. I was amazed by the level of resourcefulness in families struggling every day to keep adequate food and shelter in place. We worked under a grant that specified in order for the families to receive monetary payment on their electric and gas bills, we had to "teach" them budgeting classes. I felt that if anyone could teach budgeting, it was the parent or parents on my caseload. I understood, I watched my mom, who was a single parent with 3 children, find a way to pay the bills with her meager factory job salary. I have witnessed the effects of poverty and other social issues. I think my experience helped me understand and be supportive to these families. I then worked with young adults (18-25) who had been recently discharged from DCF care. Many had been traumatized and were using substances. This was where I refined and sharpened my clinical skills, as I began to grasp the nature of childhood trauma. I went back to school for my Master in Social Work where I had 2 field placements. The first, was in an Elementary School with K-8th grade. The second, was an Intensive Outpatient Program for adults diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse disorders. After graduation and a well-need trip to unwind, I worked in a community mental health clinic with adults. I worked this job for 5 years working mostly with of cooccurring mental health and substance use disorders for 5 years. This was followed by 3 more years work as a clinician in several other mental health/substance abuse clinics. Eventually, I decided to go into group private practice where I worked with adults diagnosed primarily with mental health disorders. When we went in lock-down in 2020, due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, I had already started the transition to setting up my own virtual practice. I also have limited office hours in Windham County. I enjoy working with adult women. men, young adults, adults and seniors. Another particular area of interest is doing grief counseling with pet owners/guardians whose pets are terminally ill or have passed. I volunteered in an animal shelter with cats from 2012-2014 and will donate approximately 3% of my annual salary to an animal shelter. My previous experience also includes work with individuals with criminal histories, extreme poverty, family issues, relationship issues, domestic violence, childhood and adult traumas. I work with LGBTQ, and racially diverse clients. Through my post graduate work I have sharpened my clinical skills, gained experience, attended numerous trainings, and I am learning more about the neurobiology of trauma. I look forward to offering all that my training and experience has taught me about compassion, empathy, skill, support, trust and building on one's existing strengths. I believe all starts with active listening, observing and understanding