ABOUT ME
Hello, and welcome to a new beginning
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leo W Lavender. I am a 61-year-old married, ordained minister, father of two adult children. I received my bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from Governors State University in Illinois. Presently, I am finishing my last semester in the Doctor of Psychology program at Walden University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois (Indiana pending). I have ten years’ experience working as a Dual Diagnosis Specialist to a population chronically addicted to a variety of substances and lifestyles. For the past six years I have worked as the Behavior Health Manager for an organization that exclusively treats a population diagnosed with HIV or at high risk of contracting HIV. I also oversee four nursing homes providing mental health services to residents with severe mental challenges and those facing their winter years. Under the various modalities of care that I practice are spiritual principles and Christian values.
I deliver cultural considerate care with compassion, competent knowledge, and training.
My belief is that all of us deserve and can live a fruitful life. I look forward to being a part of your journey.
SPECIALTIES
• Addictions
• Sexual identity
• Christian marriage
• Mood / Anxiety disorders
• Psychotic disorders
Also experienced in:
LGBT, Grief, couples counseling, ambivalent sexual identity, Adjustment disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, and building healthy Self-esteem.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149017079