River View Wellness
321 Main Street, Suite B
Winooski, Vermont 05404
(802) 391-3530
Monika Turner, Psychotherapist, M.A., L.C.M.H.C
River View Wellness
321 Main Street, Suite B
Winooski Vermont 05404
(802) 391-3530
This document is for clients being treated by Monika Turner, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Professional Disclosure
State law requires that all practicing psychotherapists in Vermont provide clients with information about the professional qualifications and experience, what constitutes unprofessional conduct according to Vermont statues and how to file a complaint with the office of professional regulation. The law further requires that the psychotherapist obtain and keep on file a signed form acknowledging that this information has been made available. To follow is a description of my professional qualifications and experience, treatment methods, information from the office of professional regulation about complaint procedures and a list of practices that constitute unprofessional conduct. This document is also to help clarify important aspects of your treatment and to represent an agreement between us. Your signature at the end of this document indicates your agreement with these policies.
Qualifications and Experience
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Master’s Degree in Psychology, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling
Northern Vermont University, Johnson, VT May 2010
Dean’s List GPA 4.0
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Northern Vermont University, Johnson, VT May 2008
Dean’s List GPA 4.0
Child Development Associate, CDA Credential
Community College of Vermont, Burlington, VT September 2004
GPA 4.0
TRAININGS /AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Treatment of Complex Trauma & Dissociative Disorders Part II, International Society of Trauma and Dissociation: Jan.-June 2018
31 Secrets of the Embodied Self: Hearing Baby's Story in EMDR for Trauma in Implicit Memory: Sandra Paulsen PhD. January 2018
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR): Certification 2016 EMDR International Association, Basic Training 2014
Diagnosis & Treatment of Complex Trauma & Dissociative Disorders Part I, International Society of Trauma and Dissociation 2017
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: Fundamentals of Hypnosis October 2014
Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) 2012-2014
Motivational Enhancement /Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MET/CBT5),
Win C Turner, Ph.D, 10/2009-3/2010, Certificate Awarded 3/2010
Apprentice Addictions Professional (AAP), The Vermont Board Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board, Certificate Awarded 2/19/2010
TRAININGS/ CONFERENCES
· International Society of Trauma and Dissociation “Research Intervention Innovation” NYC, 3/29/19-4/1/19
· International Society of Trauma and Dissociation “The Ripple Effect: Trauma & Dissociation in the Mainstream” Washington DC 3/30/17-4/3/17
· International Society of Trauma and Dissociation "Hand in Hand: Trauma, Dissociation, Attachment" San Francisco, California 3/29/16-4/1/16
· International Society of Trauma and Dissociation "Mastering the Complexity of Trauma & Dissociation" Orlando, Florida 4/16/15-4/20/15
· International Society of Trauma and Dissociation "Exploring and Learning Together: What We Now Know about Trauma & Dissociation" Long Beach, California 10/23/14-10/27/14
· The Language of Possibility: Utilizing Hypnotic Language and Creating Metaphor; Molly DeLaney PsyD, Colchecter, VT 4/12/13
· Attachment, Trauma, and the Development of Mentalization, Arietta Slade, Ph.D., UVM Department of Psychiatry, 3/22/2013
· Annual Conference, Addictive Disorders, Valley Visa, Fairlee, VT 10/27-28/11
· Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Howard Addiction Academy 11/4/11
· Exposure Response Prevention Therapy, Howard Addiction Academy 10/14/11
· Twelve Step Groups and Steps, Netsmart University 9/8/11
· Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Gayle LaSalle MS, 9/3/2011
· Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Netsmart University 9/1/11
· Making Change: Dealing With Addiction, Robert Bryant 8/17/2011
· Seeking Safety Therapy, Spectrum Youth & Family Services 4/2010-7/2010
· Professional Ethics: Howard Center Training 12/4/2009
· Addictions Internship: Maple Leaf Farm 2/10/2009-4/7/2009
· All the Rage: Helping Adolescent Girls in Crisis; Dr. Martha Straus 12/4/2008
· Integrative Healthcare Symposium; New York, NY 1/17/08-1/19/08
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
12/5/2011-Current, Cedar Brook Associates, Williston, VT; Providing individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults including: Intake, Assessment, Treatment Recommendations, Treatment Plans/Goals, Case Management, Referrals, Aftercare Planning; Part time practice, Weekly peer supervision and consultation
9/2009-8/26/2011, Spectrum Youth and Family Services, Burlington VT, Provided individual, group and family psychotherapy to adolescents, young adults and their families, including: Intake, Assessment, Treatment Recommendations, Treatment Plans, Case Management, Referrals, Aftercare Planning, Full time practice, Weekly supervision and consultation
Through Cedar Brook Associates and Spectrum Youth and Family Services, I have worked with teens and adults in crisis and with those who want to improve their functioning and well- being. I have worked with people struggling with the effects of trauma, addictions of all kinds, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, problems with violence, grief/loss and personality disorders. I have enjoyed assisting parents become more effective.
Psychotherapy Treatment/Scope of practice
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of both therapist and the client, and the particular issues which the client brings. There are a number of different approaches which can be utilized to address the problems you hope to address. It is not like visiting a medical doctor, in that psychotherapy requires an active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home.
Therapeutic Orientation/ Treatment Methods:
A client centered therapeutic orientation guides my work. I place emphasis on the client's current perception and how we live in the here-and-now. I believe that we have a remarkable capacity for self-healing and personal growth.
My approach is holistic, strength-based and I use a variety of methods includes mindfulness practices, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego State Therapy/Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) methods, Hypnotic techniques and skill building in the following areas:
- Relaxation Techniques: Mind and Body
- Interpersonal Effectiveness/ Assertiveness training to address social struggles/ relationship issues
- Mindfulness for increasing awareness & exploring thinking, emotions & habits
- Self Compassion/ Self Care
- Rethinking: challenging and changing beliefs that are unhealthy
- Emotional regulation/Anger management
- Setting boundaries: with self and in relationships
- Conflict resolution
- Decision making
Treatment can include the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, IFS, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Seeking Safety Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis and EMDR.
Neuroscience research also guides my work. Research shows that negative life events can cause stress responses in the brain which can result in individuals becoming paralyzed, or controlled by threatening & uncomfortable emotions & beliefs. Many symptoms are unconscious ways the mind has devised of avoiding unwanted or feared emotions & thoughts.
The Result may include:
· Social struggles/Relationship issues
· Impulsive behaviors
· Depression & anxiety
· Sleep disturbances
· Decreased academic/work performance
· Problems with attention
Current brain research and the concept of “neuroplasticity” offer encouragement that, as we change our habitual patterns, we develop new pathways in the brain which support our new behaviors. The exciting implication of this research is that our experiences, and where we put our attention, continue to shape our brains as we age. By learning and practicing mindful attention, we affect the structure and function of our brains, making it easier to stay present and less reactive, which improves our physical and mental health. Using a variety of approaches, I provide clients with an opportunity to address unwanted symptoms (behaviors, emotions and beliefs) and to cultivate more ease, connection & well-being.
Possible results include:
· Skillful responses to difficult emotions
· Improved communication & relationships
· Improved focus & concentration
· Increased self-awareness
· Improved conflict resolution skills
· Increased empathy & understanding of others
I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment and I offer acceptance and my caring presence as you grow, heal and transform. I see therapy as a collaborative process. I work with you to discover your unique path towards healing and well-being..
Our first few sessions will involve an assessment of your needs. After a few sessions, I will be able to offer you some initial impressions, and I will discuss my impressions with you. During the assessment period, we can both decide whether I am the person to provide the services which you need, in order to meet your treatment goals. If you decide you feel comfortable working with me, then together we will develop treatment goals. You may negotiate changes in these goals at any time. If you have questions about my techniques, then please feel free to discuss them, whenever they arise. At any time, if you feel that I am not the right therapist for you, then at your request, I will assist you in initiating a consultation with another mental health professional.
There are possible advantages and disadvantages of participating in psychotherapy and a positive outcome is not guaranteed. During the process of therapy you could face and work through difficult emotions, fears, or experiences. Therapy might also have unanticipated relationship consequences. For instance, some persons undergoing individual therapy may find their growth through the therapeutic process, sometimes to the point of yielding a relationship break-up.
Therapy may occur in an outdoor setting as appropriate. A dog may be on the premises. In the unlikely event that the animal may cause damage or personal harm, your clinician and Cedar Brook will not be held liable.
Rules for Professional Conduct
My Practice is also governed by the Rules of the Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners. It is unprofessional conduct to violate these rules. A copy of the rules may be obtained from the Board or online at http://vtprofessionals.org
Inquiries or Complaints
Please discuss any concern you might have regarding your counseling or related issues directly with me at any time. I will make every reasonable effort to resolve disputes or conflicts in a satisfactory manner. You have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners in the following manner: by calling (802) 828-1505 or/and by writing: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation, Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402.
The Vermont Statutes of Unprofessional Conduct
Title 3: Executive, Chapter 5: SECRETARY OF STATE, 3 V.S.A. § 129a. Unprofessional conduct
(a) In addition to any other provision of law, the following conduct by a licensee constitutes unprofessional conduct. When that conduct is by an applicant or person who later becomes an applicant, it may constitute grounds for denial of a license or other disciplinary action. Any one of the following items, or any combination of items, whether or not the conduct at issue was committed within or outside the state, shall constitute unprofessional conduct:
(1) Fraudulent or deceptive procurement or use of a license.
(2) Advertising that is intended or has a tendency to deceive.
(3) Failing to comply with provisions of federal or state statutes or rules governing the practice of the profession.
(4) Failing to comply with an order of the board or violating any term or condition of a license restricted by the board.
(5) Practicing the profession when medically or psychologically unfit to do so.
(6) Delegating professional responsibilities to a person whom the licensed professional knows, or has reason to know, is not qualified by training, experience, education, or licensing credentials to perform them, or knowingly providing professional supervision or serving as a preceptor to a person who has not been licensed or registered as required by the laws of that person's profession.
(7) Willfully making or filing false reports or records in the practice of the profession; willfully impeding or obstructing the proper making or filing of reports or records or willfully failing to file the proper reports or records.
(8) Failing to make available promptly to a person using professional health care services, that person's representative, succeeding health care professionals or institutions, upon written request and direction of the person using professional health care services, copies of that person's records in the possession or under the control of the licensed practitioner.
(9) Failing to retain client records for a period of seven years, unless laws specific to the profession allow for a shorter retention period. When other laws or agency rules require retention for a longer period of time, the longer retention period shall apply.
(10) Conviction of a crime related to the practice of the profession or conviction of a felony, whether or not related to the practice of the profession.
(11) Failing to report to the office a conviction of any felony or any offense related to the practice of the profession in a Vermont district court, a Vermont superior court, a federal court, or a court outside Vermont within 30 days.
(12) Exercising undue influence on or taking improper advantage of a person using professional services, or promoting the sale of services or goods in a manner which exploits a person for the financial gain of the practitioner or a third party.
(13) Performing treatments or providing services which the licensee is not qualified to perform or which are beyond the scope of the licensee's education, training, capabilities, experience, or scope of practice.
(14) Failing to report to the office within 30 days a change of name or address.
(15) Failing to exercise independent professional judgment in the performance of licensed activities when that judgment is necessary to avoid action repugnant to the obligations of the profession.
(b) Failure to practice competently by reason of any cause on a single occasion or on multiple occasions may constitute unprofessional conduct, whether actual injury to a client, patient, or customer has occurred. Failure to practice competently includes:
(1) Performance of unsafe or unacceptable patient or client care; or
(2) Failure to conform to the essential standards of acceptable and prevailing practice.
(c) The burden of proof in a disciplinary action shall be on the state to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has engaged in unprofessional conduct.
(d) After hearing, and upon a finding of unprofessional conduct, a board or an administrative law officer may take disciplinary action against a licensee or applicant, including imposing an administrative penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 for each unprofessional conduct violation. Any money received under this subsection shall be deposited in the professional regulatory fee fund established in section 124 of this title for the purpose of providing education and training for board members and advisor appointees. The director shall detail in the annual report receipts and expenses from money received under this subsection.
(e) In the case where a standard of unprofessional conduct as set forth in this section conflicts with a standard set forth in a specific board's statute or rule, the standard that is most protective of the public shall govern. (Added 1997, No. 40, § 5; amended 2001, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 27, 2002; 2003, No. 60, § 2; 2005, No. 27, § 5; 2005, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2009, No. 35, § 2; 2011, No. 66, § 3, eff. June 1, 2011.)
§ 4093. Unprofessional conduct
(a) Unprofessional conduct means the following conduct and conduct set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a:
(1) Providing fraudulent or deceptive information in an application for entry on the roster.
(2) Conviction of a crime that evinces an unfitness to practice psychotherapy.
(3) Unauthorized use of a protected title in professional activity.
(4) Conduct which evidences moral unfitness to practice psychotherapy.
(5) Engaging in any sexual conduct with a client, or with the immediate family member of a client, with whom the psychotherapist has had a professional relationship within the previous two years.
(6) Harassing, intimidating, or abusing a client.
(7) Entering into an additional relationship with a client, supervisee, research participant, or student that might impair the psychotherapist's objectivity or otherwise interfere with his or her professional obligations.
(8) Practicing outside or beyond a psychotherapist's area of training, experience, or competence without appropriate supervision.
(b) After hearing, and upon a finding of unprofessional conduct, the board may take disciplinary action against a rostered psychotherapist or an applicant. (Added 1993, No. 222 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; amended 1997, No. 40, § 71; 1997, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 61; 1999, No. 52, § 37.)
After Hours Availability
Please direct all non-emergency calls to my office voice mail at (802) 651-7739 during the week and after hours. Leave messages about cancellations, requests for services, etc.
During work or after hours, if you have a clinical emergency (i.e., extreme behavioral situations, risk of suicide or bodily harm to you or another person), call (802) 651-7739 and let the operator know you have an emergency. If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911. If I am not immediately available to respond to an emergency, call the community services in your area.
Chittenden County: First Call for Children and Families…… (802) 488-7777
Adult Crisis……………………………(802) 488-6400
Alcohol Crisis Team………………….(802) 488-6425
Domestic Abuse Hotline………………(802) 658-1996
Dept. of Children and Families………(802) 863 7370
Franklin County Crisis …………………………………………(802) 524-6554
Addison County Crisis …………………………………………1-(800) 489 7273 or
(802) 388-7641
People living outside Chittenden, Franklin, and Addison counties should consult their local listings for emergency service numbers.
Minors
If you are under 18 years of age, please be aware that the law may provide your parents with the right to examine your treatment records. It is my policy to request agreement from your parents that they consent to give up access to your record. If they agree, I will provide them on the with general information about our work together unless I feel there is a high risk that you will seriously harm yourself or another, in which case I will notify them of my concern. I will also provide them with a summary of your treatment when it is complete. If possible, before giving your parents any information, I will discuss the matter with you, and will do the best I can to resolve any objections you may have about what I am prepared to discuss.
Agreements of Financial Responsibility for Clients
I, client/guardian, agree to contact my insurance carrier to review available coverage and to be fully responsible for all charges that are not covered by my insurance. I understand such charges would include deductibles, co-payments, as well as fees for telephone consultation, report preparation, school meetings/consultations, late cancellations or missed sessions, and/or sessions contracted for beyond those certified by my managed care system. I understand that my managed care company or insurance company may require a review of clinical information, or other information to verify benefits and assist in claims in order to pay for services, and I give permission to Monika Turner, M.A., L.C.M.H.C., to provide such information. I hereby authorize my insurance to be billed and acknowledge that I am financially responsible for any unpaid balance. I understand that a full 24 hours notice is required for cancellation of appointments. I understand that a fee of $50.00 will be charged directly to me for missed appointments for which I have not given a full 24-hour notification. I understand that this fee must be paid by me and that my insurance will not cover it. Clients with primary or secondary Medicaid insurance cannot be billed this fee. If you are ill, there is a natural disaster, or weather would not permit safe transportation to the appointment, this fee will be waived.
Client Disclosure and Informed Consent Confirmation
Confidentiality
State laws and codes of ethics for psychotherapists protect clients’ rights of privacy, privileged communication, and confidentiality regarding services that are psychological in nature. Monika Turner will not release a client’s record without his/her or his/her guardian’s written permission, except under the rare circumstances outlined below. Complete records are maintained for at least seven years, in accordance with laws and ethical principles.
Despite my strict respect for clients’ confidentiality rights, the following are situations that may impose limits on a client’s rights to confidentiality based on state laws and ethical principles for mental health professionals:
1) Abuse or Neglect: If I have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected, then I am required to report such information to the Vermont Department for Child and Families. Similarly, if I have reasonable cause to believe that an elderly or disabled adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited, then I am required to report such information to the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living.
2) Serious Threat to Health or Safety: If I have reasonable cause to believe that there is a substantial risk of imminent serious harm being inflicted by the client on himself/herself or on another identifiable victim, then I am required to exercise reasonable care to protect that victim, which may include disclosing confidential information to those people necessary to address the problem.
3) Court Proceedings: In certain court proceedings, I may be required to disclose specific information regarding a client when ordered to do so by a judge and/or by state law.
4) Health Oversight: If I receive a subpoena for records from the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners in relation to a disciplinary action, then I must submit such records to the Board.
5) Third Party Coverage: If a client with third party coverage for services consigns insurance benefits to me or otherwise authorizes information disclosure, I may be required to disclose information regarding the client’s contact with me to the insurance company/agency providing payment for services.
I may find it helpful to consult with other professionals about a case. During a consultation, I make every effort to avoid revealing the identity of my client. The consultant is also legally bound to keep the information confidential.