Vicki Lipinski, LCSW, LCADC

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I am a compassionate and caring therapist sensitive to the needs of my clients.  I have been treating clients with mental health and addiction problems full time for the past 28 years.  I specialize in individualizing treatment for each client, drawing from my knowledge of many different types of therapeutic interventions.  I often include a spiritual component in the therapy and interventions including breath work, meditation, visual imagery, sound/music therapy, and art therapy. 

I specialize in goal oriented cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, as well as insight and solution focused therapy.  I have training in Illness Management Recovery wherein the client is taught how to manage his or her own symptoms, prevent further symptoms and engage in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  I have also been trained in Positive Psychology, including using personal strong suits to strengthen treatment and improve quality of life.  I work to help people overcome fear and anxiety so that they can attain life goals, build confidence, and try new things.

I offer therapy for low self-esteem and stress management.  I offer individual, group, and family counseling.  I also offer a weekly women’s anxiety and mood disorders group.  I am available on week nights, some mornings/afternoons, and Saturdays.

During your initial visit, I will find out the reasons you are seeking treatment and discuss your goals of what you hope to accomplish in therapy.  You will answer a few questions on what you think therapy should be like and discuss other experiences you have had with past treatment providers.

I will take a detailed history of presenting problems/symptoms, frequency and duration of symptoms, childhood and family history.    I will ask about any learning disabilities that have been diagnosed or undiagnosed.   We will talk about social support systems, relationships, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual functioning.  I will also ask about medical problems, chronic pain or physical complaints, allergies, medications, eating habits/nutrition, exercise and how you manage stress.

If you have a specific disorder such as depression, mood disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder etc. you may complete a screening instrument.  The screening instrument will provide information about diagnostic criteria, level of severity of symptoms and impact on functioning.

At the end of the appointment we will discuss what type of therapy may be helpful and develop treatment goals with time frames for achieving those goals.  We will also discuss frequency of appointments or if you need to be referred to another provider or higher level of care.