Maria Beatriz Giraldo MA, LMHC
P.O. Box 832, Tyrone, NM 88065
Phone (575) 6546307 nobleamiga@yahoo.com
QUALIFICATIONS
More than 40 years of experience as a mental health professional
Bi-directional oral and written Spanish/English language skills
Mental health program management experience
Strong intercultural counseling skills
Experienced group facilitator
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Counseling, Magna Cum Laude
Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM
B.S. Occupational Therapy
Universidad Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia
COUNSELING EXPERIENCE
Therapist/Counselor
Healthy Families, Port Angeles, WA
Provided individual and group therapy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
Mental Health Counselor
Peninsula College, Port Angeles, Washington
• Provide mental health counseling as needed
Behavioral Health Program Manager
Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Programs Sea Mar, Bellingham, WA
Administrated and daily management of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs.
Implemented clinical and program policies and procedures in order to meet WAC.
(in relation to patient care services, ethical standards, day to day operation and administrative matters), funding sources requirements and agency needs.
Provided clinical supervision of Mental Health staff.
Provided education and information in the community.
Provided direct services to clients, conducts groups, intakes and
assessments.
Supervised the support staff.
Behavioral Health Specialist, Sea Mar Bellingham, WA
Developed new position bridging physical and mental health services, working closely with community health clinic physicians. Provided therapy to clients (in both English and Spanish)
Counselor, Integral Therapy (Private practice), Port Angeles, WA
Performed individual and family counseling sessions emphasizing in Latino population referrals from local Schools
Facilitated stress management workshops for the community.
Counselor Graduate Assistant, Western New Mexico University, Multicultural/Special Needs Office Silver City, New Mexico
Provided support to underrepresented students and students with disabilities.
Delivered stress management and self-esteem workshops for peer leaders
Intern Counselor
Border Area Mental Health Services, Silver City, New Mexico
• Conducted assessments and treatment for mental health patients
New Mexico College of Natural Healing, Silver City, NM
• Provided counseling support for students of massage & herbal programs
Advocate
El Refugio [shelter for victims of domestic violence] Silver City, New Mexico
Developed and implemented community presentations
Managed an office for abused Hispanic and American women
Psychotherapist and Group Facilitator, Mente y Cuerpo, Cali, Colombia
Individual and group therapy
Personal growth workshops Dancing Toward Your Center
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST EXPERIENCE County Hospitals/Cali, Colombia
Acted as codirector in a professional team of the Day Treatment Program for mental health patients. Achieved the complete elimination of electroshocks and 50% of the use of medications with person-to-person therapy. Trained and supervise occupational therapy assistants
Developed therapeutic activities and life skills groups for mental health patients. Provided direct treatment and intensive therapeutic group work, with both patients and their families, emphasizing independent living.
Coordinate interdisciplinary team for substance abuse rehabilitation. Elaborated and implemented the day hospital program for a three month treatment process for substance abuse patients.
Rehabilitated physically disable and intensive care patients. Implemented breathing techniques for pain reduction and retraining of respiration in patients with cervical lesions. Treated scarred patients with pressure splints and acupressure resulting in an 80% improvement of scar formation.
Supervised and implemented the occupational therapy program for mentally retarded and cooperative groups to promote independence.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor
Peninsula College, Port Angeles, WA
Spanish Instructor
Instructor
Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM
Taught courses in Spanish conversation, personal development and
stress management
Assistant Professor, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
Taught courses "Group Dynamics" and "Mental Health in Occupational
Therapy"
Created a professional and proactive environment to facilitate the
learning process
Assistant Professor, Universidad San Buenaventura, Cali, Colombia
Taught "Methods of Research" and "Occupational Therapy Treatment for
Geriatric Population"
Spanish and Literature Teacher
High Schools, Bogota, Colombia
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Creator of "Dancing Toward Your Center" workshops that address stress management, relaxation and personal growth.
Sexual education and HIV AIDS prevention (bilingual schools)
Group Therapy (community work with women)
Self-esteem
Grief and Loss
Stop the Violence and Anger Management
Community Drum Circles
EXTENDED TRAININGS AND SEMINARS
Psychotherapeutic formation
Personal psychoanalysis and training seminars
Holistic Therapy Intensive training
Group and Family therapy
Body Expression and Bioenergetics Psychology
Chinese Traditional Medicine Seminars, Qigong and Sacred Dance
Reiki I and II
Pranic Healing
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Therapist Core Training
Resolution of Shock and Trauma
Complications in Bereavement from Violent Death
Professional Ethics and the Law
Non-Violent Communication
Dances of Universal Peace certify leader
Minister of Universal Life Church
Deeksha Giver