All Kinds of News for January 11, 2017

New Vision Wilderness establishes Assistant Clinical Director positions; Enhances Clinical Services 

(Bend, Oregon) Long time lead therapist Ricky Becker LMSW, CSWA was promoted to Assistant Clinical Director responsible for day-to-day clinical operations and supervision of clinical interventions.  An exceptional therapist for adolescents experiencing the effects of early trauma, he has over six years of combined experience working with youth in a wilderness therapy setting as both a field instructor, field supervisor, field therapist and lead therapist. "Ricky’s progression to ACD is natural.  He is highly organized and embodies our clinical model in everything he does. He remains one of our most sought after therapists", said Andrew Scott, Executive Director, NVW Bend.

Ricky is a firm believer in the transformative power of nature and the outdoors as a medium for therapy, growth and positive life change. He utilizes a focus of family system, interpersonal process and attachment/relationship-based therapies within a trauma-informed model to strive for the most impactful healing process possible. 

Ricky received his BA from The Evergreen State College in Washington State and his Master of Social Work in Oregon State at Portland State University. During his graduate education, Ricky focused on working with at-risk youth, their families and communities as an addictions counselor, case manager and a school social worker. He has been trained in Brainspotting (BSP) and continues to focus his professional development and career in the trauma informed arena, specializing in the treatment of adolescents. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and is currently certified as a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) and licensed in the state of Oregon as a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW). Ricky can be contacted at rbecker@nvwild.com.

(Medford, Wisconsin) Jacob Thomason, MS was also promoted to Assistant Clinical Director and will take on the day-to-day clinical operations and overall clinical staff supervision of this nationally recognized, trauma-informed wilderness program. Jacob has worked tirelessly since arriving at NVW two years ago and has acquired more than 7 years as a therapist in the wilderness in Utah, Wisconsin, and at an extended care sober living program in Maine.  "His strength as a leader was evident immediately upon arrival to NVW Wisconsin and his positive impact on his clients using NVW's clinical tools has proven his ability to lead our Wisconsin clinical team, said Heidi Strand, Executive Director, NVW Wisconsin.

As an adventure therapist, Jacob also has experience leading clients on international outdoor treks. He is a big believer in utilizing the challenges of the outdoors to build confidence in those who are struggling to identify personal strengths and growth areas.

Jacob earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. A native of Georgia, Jacob and his wife Kelsey reside in Medford, WI where they are raising their daughter to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Jacob can be contacted at jthomason@nvwild.com.

Steve Sawyer, NVW's Clinical Director and co-founder reflected, "I am extremely excited to work with these two emerging leaders. Working alongside this new ACD team ensures the quality of our advanced clinical work and ensures our mission is fulfilled". Both Ricky and Jacob will perform occasional Clinical Specialist work, run group sessions, operate a caseload, and provide other clinical support as needed.