Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri Truax.
Hi Sheri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became fascinated with mental health when I worked in direct care at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA while earning my Psychology degree at Boston College. I witnessed so many things in this inpatient psychiatric setting that I had never seen before. I observed a young man in the prodromal stages of schizophrenia, as his mind was becoming not his own and delusional about the TV talking to him specifically. There was a teenage girl who was admitted for being stuck in her state from dropping acid. I saw a 6-year-old girl who had been found after years of severe neglect, who had no language, physical deformities from being left in her high chair, and who acted more like an animal than a human. I was hooked. It was then that I decided that I wanted to help others afflicted with mental health issues, especially kids and their families.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path to becoming a licensed mental health provider (LCSW) and now a private practice owner has had its challenges, yet it has been a profoundly rewarding career path that continues to enrich my life. Having worked in psychiatric hospitals, social service agencies, managed care corporations, schools, and private practice, I continue to see needs for changes and improvements in the systems that are meant to help people. However, I have come to realize that what is in my power is to offer the most ethical, respectful, and empowering support to those in front of me. This authentic effort is what helps me build strong relationships with the people I am fortunate enough to work with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Child and Family Therapist, I am passionate about supporting young people and their parents in this quickly evolving social context that we live in. My experience in working with military families has only made me have more respect and awe for them, through the hardships that they face, in order to keep our country safe. Working with children of divorce or blended families reminds me of the courage that children possess and their ability to adapt. Supporting young people and their parents through the vices of screens and social media reminds me of how much harder it is to be a good parent in these times. I utlize cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along wtih mindfulness and meditation strategies to help kids think and feel in ways that support their well being and development. I like to give kids positive feedback and laugh with them so that they know they are cared for and not alone. I think that my work style is practical, balanced, and supportive of moving forward in life with more skills and abilities to manage their own mental health. Parents leave with more ways to communicate and guide their kids as they grow.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In general, I am not a risk taker. When I do react in strong ways and take steps that might seem risky is when I see oppression of others or social injustices that I want to act to advocate for others.
Pricing:
- Accepts most insurances
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birchtreecounselingva.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=birch%20tree%20counseling%20of%20chesapeake
