Maureen Tamillow

I have been working directly as a clinical counselor, a school counselor, a counselor mentor and a school administrator (assistant principal, lead guidance, principal) for thirty plus years. And I have done both of these areas full time. I genuinely like people and I like my work and the opportunities it has provided for me to grow as a professional.

I have masters degrees in human service and administration, I have a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Curriculum and Supervision. I have constantly supplemented my degrees with training in areas of various types of therapies (ACT, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Structures, Mediation, Health and Wellness.

I am a very positive and optimistic person who believes change is a possibility if one wants it. I also believe that growth is possible even for older adults and that happiness is the result of a life well lived, self-understanding, self-acceptance and accepting others. I have extensive background work from working in a rehab where people suffered from chronic health conditions, brain injuries, and developmental physical issues. I learned a great deal while in this environment. I also worked with felons and pedophiles which gave me a great deal of insight. I have also worked with special needs children and adults and people on the spectrum. I am especially gifted to have worked with this last population since I still see and hear from some of them; they have developed, become independent and have secured good and satisfying jobs. I have met many of my special needs families where we have collaborated on moving their child onto a positive path and it has left me with the belief that I am a collaborative partner with my client and the significant people in that clients life.

My main approach is two fold. In my thinking I am developmentally directed. I frequently say to myself "how old was my client when they got stuck? what features make me think that?" My work with the client is varied. I try to match the clients needs when doing the therapeutic process. It could be CBT, RET, ACT, DBT, Internal Family Structures, Psychodynamic, Object Relations, Trauma Informed, etc. After decades of this type of work, I have found people grow the best by working in a structure that matches their pace and their best way of learning.

I strongly believe that even one session can provide learning. So, a short term client, if I'm successful in collaborating with them, him or her, will have something to reflect on and will have felt like they made a connection. If they can connect with me, they may decide to make another appointment. But if they make any connection, then it could lead a client to believe in the process and find another therapist if I wasn't the best fit. I also try to make certain that the client has at least one take away to think about who they are and what they want.