Specializations
Addictions, Adolescents, Adults, Anxiety, Caregiver Stress, Couples, Depression, Disabilities, Domestic Violence, Families, Grief Recovery, Infertiity, LGBTQ Issues, OCD, PTSD, Personality Disorders, Psychiatric - DSM, Stress Management
Broadly, my approach can be described as integrative and holistic. This means that I rely upon various psycho-therapeutic methods and research-based / evidence-based models that are combined to create a personalized approach to our work together. I am specifically trained and / or certified in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Currently, my clinical care is focused in two areas: working with individuals and with couples. While Somatic Experiencing ® (SE) informs all of my work, I mainly use this modality while working with individuals interested in restoring balance following a broad base experience of trauma that may include chronic / toxic stress, childhood abuse / neglect, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, medical illness / surgery, motor vehicle accidents, falls, natural disasters, among many others. SE is a gentle approach that incorporates building awareness of the “felt-sense” of the body and uses that wisdom to develop a more cohesive, integrated experience which leads to a greater sense of peace, well-being and safety.
When working with couples, I utilize an approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is an attachment-based method that honors our primal and evolutionary need for connection with others. Often, when we have experienced hurt in the context of relationships – through a lack of availability, betrayal or conflict – we struggle to maintain a connection that feels safe and fulfilling. EFT offers a gentle way of restoring a safe connection which leads to a greater experience of shared well-being. I am trained at the highest level of EFT.
Other influences in my work include:
Humanistic Psychology – a strengths-based approach that focuses on each person’s potential while stressing the importance of growth and self-actualization
Buddhist Psychology – exploring the role that happiness and equanimity play in psychological health, the cultivation of powerfully beneficial states of mind and body and effective meditative practices and mindfulness techniques
Mindfulness training – paying attention moment-by-moment with an attitude of openness, acceptance and non-judgment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – paying attention to the relationship between our thoughts and how those thoughts make us feel and behave
Describe your current practice:
My journey as a Clinical Social Worker has encompassed over 30 years of clinical practice. I have had the privilege of working with children and families as well as with adults in a variety of different settings. I have a strong clinical background and expertise working with survivors of trauma. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting people struggling with anxiety, depression, substance misuse and with adolescents and families in crisis. My background includes working in non-profit and corporate environments including street outreach, residential treatment programs, foster care, in-home / community-based settings and in private practice.
Some of the areas of care that I offer include trauma (inter-personal violence, accidents, medical, natural disaster, etc.), vicarious traumatization, relationship distress, life transitions, stress management, anxiety and depression, and many more.
I am currently an adjunct professor at Fordham University in the Graduate School of Social Service - MSW program. I am a faculty member for Social Work Examination Services - supporting emerging professionals prepare for both LMSW and LCSW exams. Through my private practice, I offer trainings focused on trauma and systemic organizational change toward trauma-informed care and work as part of the teaching team as an Assistant supporting all levels of Somatic Experiencing® training across the United States. I am a Faculty Trainer through the Traumatic Stress Institute teaching Risking Connection® nationally and internationally.
I am a former Board member and President of the National Association of Social Worker’s CT Chapter, as an Assistant supporting SE trainings, and am part of the Give An Hour community. Additionally, I work with several organizations offering disaster relief as a Mental Health Responder.
Where did you get your MSW?
Fordham University
What was your area of concentration?
Clinical practice with individuals, groups and families
What continuing education activities have you been involved in during the past year?
Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Ethics - self disclosure
Telehealth Legal and Ethical issues
Supervision Fees:
150
Address where the supervision will take place:
Essex
Email:
mkenefick@soundcounselingcenter.com
Website (if available):
https://www.michellekeneficklcsw.com
