INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING:

“I was reluctant to go into therapy for a very long time. I experienced a very tragic loss in my family about 5 years ago and knew that it was beginning to interfere with my life. When I decided that I was ready to go into therapy it was important for me to find a therapist who was compassionate more than anything else. When I first walked into the BCWS office I instantly felt at ease. The decor, the feel, the vibe. It was very welcoming and the energy calmed me immediately. Then I met Dawn, and with the first handshake I knew I was in the right place. I even look forward to each of our sessions and find myself counting the days until I can share more of my growth with her. In a relatively short period of time I’ve been able to delve into my feelings about what happened to me and my family and, for the first time in many years, I fee happy and inspired. Thank you Dawn! D.N.

I’ve been to many other therapists before now, and I have to say that Michelle is the most seasoned and effective therapist I’ve encountered to date. I have a long history of depression and I’ve finally been able to address many of my issues and make notable progress. Michelle is a great listener and offers lots of valuable feedback. She has a great sense of humor and a very creative way of approaching difficult issues. I never feel judged and even feel comfortable sharing things with her that I was always hesitant to share with other therapists. I had been depressed for so long that I had begun to think that I was destined to be that way forever. After working with Michelle I now know that to be false, and know that I have the ability to heal and deserve to be happy. L.R.

COUPLES COUNSELING

My husband and I have been to many therapists before and have found a gem with Michelle. We saw little results and received minimal feedback with prior therapists. She has a way of listening to both of us and helping us negotiate. Neither of us ever feels defensive or misunderstood during or following our sessions. We have seen improvement in our communication skills and our ability to resolve conflicts in a short amount of time. Thanks Michelle-you really are a gem! W.C & M.C.

GROUP COUNSELING

Group is really beneficial when you join it with individual therapy. You have the opportunity to see how other women have different experiences and see into other women’s lives. I use what I discuss in group and bring it back to my individual therapy session. It’s great to have all those opinions and feedback. Group enables you to see the commonalities we have and offers the opportunity to discuss personal issues in a safe environment. Michelle is a dynamic group facilitator. She has an ability to foster an ease when talking about the most embarrassing issues I never thought I would discuss ” K.N. Participant in the Ladies Forum

What I love most about the group is that no matter what I’m going through, I always leave a group session knowing that I’m not alone. Receiving that validation decreases my anxiety about some of the things that I am dealing with and lessens the isolation. Dawn is a great facilitator, and gives us all ample time to discuss our issues and provide feedback. I have been strengthened by my experience in this group and look forward to giving and receiving even more support. A participant in the bi-weekly “Women Who Love Women” Group

AROMATHERAPY/YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS

Thank you for introducing me to the Peace & Calming essential oil. I use it daily to help foster a sense of peace and ward off my panic attacks, and it smells great. Dawn first suggested it to help with my panic attacks and I didn’t think it would help at first. I tried it when I felt one coming on and I instantly felt calm and was able to relax and catch my breath. I recommend it to anyone who wants to be able to relax. M.J.

GOOD CLEAN LOVE PRODUCTS

My husband and I enjoy the Almost Naked Lubricant because it’s unscented and it’s not sticky like other brands. I feel that I am putting something into my body that is safe and not harmful. It makes my intimate moments feel completely natural. M.J.

Many people tried to steer me away from therapy telling my partner and I that it doesn’t work. After working with Michelle first individually and now with my partner, I disagree. Not only has Michelle been helpful in helping us sort out our individual issues, she has helped us have a better understanding and respect for one another. We were surprised at how resourceful she was with suggesting things that can benefit our intimate life.

SUPERVISION, TRAINING, CONSULTING

Dawn, I would like to take a moment to thank you for delivering outstanding consultation and training services to National EAP’s business associates this past year. As you know, organizations frequently turn to National EAP for qualified referrals to behavioral health experts and I was and continue to remain confident that your level of expertise, professionalism and warm demeanor is a winning combination for the organizational needs.

It is with great satisfaction that I listened to my associates rave about your presentation skills and how much they learned from you. Thank you for delivering each and every time! I look forward to our continued work together. Aoifa O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of National EAP

I have had the privilege of being a colleague of Michelle’s since our work together in a fast paced mental health clinic. Michelle is a phenomenal person to work with. She has the natural gift of insight to compliment the clinical skills she has developed in her professional career and education. Michelle is the first person I go to when needing assistance with a difficult case. She is motivated, smart, warm and someone I would recommend to my loved ones for therapy. Michelle is also invested in the success of her colleagues and is a great person to use for professional supervision. Alyson Ryan, LCSW,CLC; Director of Community Education and SANE at VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center; Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University and Owner of Healthy Moms Happy Babies

Dawn, your lecture “The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community” presented to the Adelphi University undergraduate course “Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services” was an extremely meaningful and engaging workshop. Delivered with sensitivity and respect, your lecture gave students the opportunity to meaningfully reflect on cultures different from their own. I would love to see this presentation developed into a full course and taught as part of the Social Work curriculum. Thank you again for your contribution to the diversity knowledge and awareness of future social workers. Carol Phelan, MSW, LCSW, Director of the Student Counseling Center at Adelphi University

In early 2009 we were approached by a large EAP firm to consider expanding our addiction treatment program to include specialized treatment for the LGBT community. They told us that their members had to travel all the way to NYC to find treatment available because, “No one on Long Island provided specialized addiction treatment services that they need.”

We wanted to do something, but we didn’t even know where to begin. So thankfully, we turned for help to the one person who had provided staff training for us in the past. Dawn was a life saver-in more ways than we ever expected! With enthusiastic support, she jumped right in and developed a program designed to meet our needs. She provided specialized training for all staff, even support staff who receive the first phone call from someone in need; help with the selection of trained staff to case manage the program; outreach to the LGBT community; and ongoing supervision, support and advice. She didn’t leave us alone, and she has continued to hold our hands as we go through growing pains. Nancy Beckett-Lawless, Director of Provider Relations at Seafield Center

MASSAGE THERAPY

“Magic Hands!”  All tension gone – Sciatica quieted – Knots disappeared – relaxed and revitalized all at once.  Cathy S.

Louise gave me one of the most relaxing hours I’ve had in a long time.  I felt all the tension melt away with each massage technique she applied.  She is a “must have” in your life.  Camie S.

Louise is wonderful!  I came here with a very bad neck and shoulder pain.  After the massage, I felt much more relaxed and I’m planning to come several more times.  I really enjoyed it!  Sonia C.

I was reluctant to try a massage for the first time because of some emotional issues I’ve been working on for a long time.  After making some significant advances in my individual therapy, Dawn suggested that I try massage to complemet my therapy and as a stress reliever.  I met with Louise for a consultation before booking my first massage.  She is so knowledgable about emotional and physical issues and the benefits of massage.  She also has an intuitive quality that is very endearing.  After my first massage I felt as though I had a breakthrough.  I felt a boost in my energy but at the same time felt a sense of peace.  I am proud to now say that I treat myself to a massage with Louise as often as I can.  Madison T.

ACUPUNCTURE

“I have been treated 3 times so far.  I feel better every time I leave her sessions.  She is always willing to answer any questions I may have.  She is worth every cent you pay for treatments.” Stephanie

“I have been treated twice so far by Renee Verspohl and I am still fascinated at how wonderful I feel after her treatments. I first had a session to reduce stress and gain some energy. After that first session, I felt great. She just recently did a treatment for a sore muscle in my back. It has felt great since. I highly recommend Angel Touch Acupuncture if you ever need treatment for anything.” Topher

” I have tried many different and probably every kind of treatment available for different types of ailments I experience, both with traditional and alternative therapies. I have never in all my discoveries with each doctor, had as much success than that which I have experienced with Renee. Her passion along with her expertise is immeasurable. I have had difficulty upon difficulty, but with Renee, those difficulties have diminished significantly and I have finally been healed and know that in any issue that I may have, be it emotional, mental, physical or a combination she will go to great lengths to help my recovery!” Mary

“Angel Touch Acupuncture and Renee are one key element in my overall well-being. After a long week of work and being a mother of 2, I tend to get drained, irritable and just out of balance…but after an acupuncture treatment with Renee I’m back to my old self again!” Louise

“Renee is extremely supportive and caring during and after her treatments. I am so grateful to have her as part of my healthy lifestyle!” Vanessa