Onward Transitions, a community-based, immersive, intensive outpatient program, continues to engage in ongoing professional development to better serve its emerging adult clients.
In October, the staff began participating in executive function workshops with Meghann Ridley, MS, CCC/SLP, founder of Learning Beyond Limits. Ms. Ridley’s work with the Onward team included philosophical and practical approaches to helping emerging adults better start, manage, and complete adulting tasks. The staff will participate in quarterly case reviews with Ms. Ridley to further personalize the team's care. Additionally, Dr. Kevin Polk, co-founder of the ACT Matrix Academy and creator of the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Matrix, returns to Onward for a series of training sessions and case presentations for the staff this winter.
Onward’s five therapists are also participating in more individualized ongoing professional development:
Megan Kemna, LCSW, has recently focused on strengthening her use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as she continues to help members (the term used at Onward for clients) take the lead in creating change and living more fulfilled lives. Megan trained under Maine’s Steven Andrew, LCSW, LADC, and continues participating in his weekly MI learning community for case consultation.
Clinical Assistant and Community Outreach Coordinator Katie Valicenti (MSW candidate in 12/24) is completing her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training to better support members living with traumatic experiences. Katie completed her MSW from Boston University and sits for her provisional licensing exam in December after completing her second-year clinical internship with Onward.
Clinician and Art Therapist Tosh Chabot Alsagoff, LCPC-C, ATR-P, has focused his most recent training on Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and integrating trauma work and art therapy. Tosh works with members to help decipher the “big brain thoughts” connected to their generational, communal, and personal traumas.
Program Director Caitlin Forcier’s LMSW-cc current professional development focus has been on supporting members and colleagues on ethics-related topics. Caitlin has paid particular attention to the issues of professional boundaries, informed consent, and privacy and confidentiality.
Finally, Co-Founder and Lead Clinician Darrell Fraize, LCPC, LADC, recently completed the two-day Clinical Supervision Insititute at Plymouth State University to better support the entire staff team. Darrell provides group and weekly individual clinical supervision for all staff members.
About Outward Transitions:
Onward Transitions in S. Portland, Maine, just two hours north of Boston, is a small, independent, owner-operated program for up to 18 bright, motivated, emerging adults learning to live independently. OT supports actual, sustainable independent living, helping emerging adults become more autonomous. Participants (members) ages 18-30 never live with us; they live in their apartments throughout the city, selected according to personal preferences and resources. Our clinical and coaching teams (staff to student ratio is 1:2) support them with structure and accountability while working towards the goals members have established using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Unlike living in program housing or living with a roommate, members experience real-life accountability.