DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
 ADowis@familyservicerochester.org

Education
Masters of Science in Education, Emphasis is Community Counseling, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Post-Graduate Certificate: Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems, Capella University

Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Wisconsin; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy

Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS); Diagnosing Children ages 5 and under (DC 0-5) MN DHS; Couple and Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Clinical Supervision

Competencies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems

Specialized Interests/Skills
Individual Psychotherapy; Multi-Systemic Therapy; Parent/Child Relationships; Blended Family Issues; Solution-Focused Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

msanchez@familyservicerochester.org

I strive to cultivate a safe space and walk alongside my clients during their therapy experience. Through my trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach, I validate, challenge, empower, and encourage my clients to make the changes necessary to create a positive life experience.

I am passionate about helping clients tell their story, unlock their inner strengths, heal from painful experiences, and grow into the best version of themselves.

Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent and young adult mental health, trauma work, life transitions, blended families, family systems, domestic violence.

Self-determination is important for me. People choosing their own way and their own path is key. It’s important that individuals have time to talk about what brought them here for services and their hopes. I particularly like to focus in on hopes – what is it that you want to see.

Trusting is important to the relationship. I want to walk alongside people creating a safe space where they feel they can share their story freely. I strongly believe that individuals need to follow their own pace in building a therapeutic relationship, thus ensuring their readiness to do the work.

Humor is important and being able to find those moments with humor is useful in relationships and can be validating.

Being an older adult myself, I understand the challenges that come with the aging process. I am honored to offer mental health services to this population.

Special Interests/Skills: Older adults, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, PEARLS, domestic violence

My work in mental health has always been specific to underserved communities. Persons of color are additionally marginalized in society. My life’s work over the last ten years or so has been very much focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I like to believe that it feels different sitting with someone with that lens, that there is a different level of respect.

I start with clients with us assessing fit - are they comfortable with me. Because I do a lot of trauma work, I like to be very transparent and offer options to people so they feel they have some agency. The client is the expert on who they are and I have the skills to help them live their best life.

I see a variety of ages, sexual orientation, sexual and gender identity. I enjoy working with youth who are struggling in their educational systems.

Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQ+, QTBIPOC, Latino/Latina, Native American populations; complex trauma, intersectionality, severe and persistent mental illness, ex-offender community reentry.

My work focuses on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as well as consultation, including debriefing critical incidents.  

EAP expands education on the importance of mental hygiene and wellness as a multigenerational personal and professional value that supports work health and  adjustment.

When working with families, it is important to consciously create a family culture that supports each family member in reaching their fullest potential.

Special Interests/Skills: Employee Assistance Programs. Outreach to rural and geographically challenged areas. Military members and their families. Expanding the concept of mental hygiene and removing stigma through community education for individual and families. 

I enjoy meeting people where they are at, building a relationship before we dive into their goals. I enjoy working with teens transitioning into early adulthood helping them grow their communication skills and use their voice in a positive manner.

I find a lot with teens are trying to come into themselves. When you compound this with trauma or attachment issues it is important to help them identify and talk about what feelings are happening.

Additionally, it is important to help guide them in creating healthy relationships, especially when they may have not had great relationships in the past. I typically find fun and engaging ways to work with clients, particularly through therapeutic activities. I encourage clients to create a unique space for themselves to learn and grow, as this is their time and I am stepping into their space with them.

Special interests/Skills Area: BIPOC population; parent/child relationships; LGBTQ+ issues; relational issues, cognitive behavioral therapy; solution-focused therapy.

I try to make sure therapy is as unique as the client themselves, meaning we can work together to create the structure and unique modality which works for you.

My priority in every session is to provide an inclusive and safe space to process successes and challenges in your life. I am willing to give as much feedback, whether skills, validation, compassion, or simply space, as you need. It is your right to bring whatever you have, and it is my job to make sure we work towards your overarching therapeutic goals.

It is very important to me that therapy is at a pace with which you are comfortable. A major part of that is being open to explore your identity with you. While I may have several interests, my greatest passion is working with the LGBTQIA+ community and helping one find their safe spaces.

Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQIA and gender identities, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC: 0-5). 

Rapport building is very important. A good therapeutic relationship with congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard can really help clients grow because they are being validated when they usually are not at home, school, and work.

It is very important as a therapist for me to validate clients, help them reframe their automatic negative thoughts, normalize some of their difficulties, and most importantly to show them a non-judgmental stance.

Most people are afraid of being judged, put in a box and labeled. I’m very easy to talk with. I try to make my clients feel welcome and provide a judgment free zone in my office.

Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent and adult mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma. Managing and Adaptive Practices (MAP) trained. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

While I may be providing mental health services, I consider the client the expert in their life and their experience. I see my role as providing a safe, inclusive space to explore how environmental barriers and one’s mental health are impacting the life one wants to be living. My priorities in our work together is your safety and comfort, transparency of services, lack of judgment, and providing services which will address your mental health goals.

I approach therapy by first considering your strengths and prioritizing whether you perceive me as a good fit for your needs. Together, we can create an individualized course of treatment to address the changes you are hoping for in your life. My practice is guided by Strengths-Based, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed, and Person-Centered interventions.

Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent, young adult, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ identities, disordered eating, relationship anxiety, divorce recovery, and religious trauma.

bvega@familyservicerochester.org

I strive to treat people as unique individuals who regardless of their struggles and circumstances deserve to be heard, accepted and find healing. I am honored to accompany and empower others in their unique healing journey.

I use an integrative approach within mindfulness, person-centered care, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused and play therapy methods. I encourage those I work with to pursue holistic approaches to focus on health, exercise, proper sleep and nutrition, nurturing relationship, and positive hobbies.

I work with young children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant mothers focusing on individual and family mental health limitations and crisis risk intervention strategies.

In the midst of this serious work, I seek to find hope, joy, and humor.

Special interest / Skills: Complex trauma, parent – child relational therapy / attachment, young children, family systems, and parenting.