 "Dont be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.
If you can dream it, you can Make it so." Belva Davis |
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BIOGRAPHY
Marianne Esolen has worked in a wide variety of environments with children and families for twenty years. She has served as a Camp Counselor, Crisis Counselor, Youth Volunteer Director, Career Coach, Youth Worker, Oncology Camp Director, Social Worker, Education Specialist, and Training Consultant working with large and small agencies, schools, and organizations including United Way, FEGS, CASA, American Cancer Society, Valerie Fund’s Camp Happy Times, Tuesday’s Children, U.S. Department of Probation, & Student Support Services of New York State Education Department. In every role and position, she has been steadfast in personal and professional commitment to excellence and growth in both people and programs.
Marianne has firsthand experience seeking and maintaining ACA accreditation for a children’s camp and overseeing all facets of risk management, program design, community outreach, donor relations, and volunteer staff recruitment, supervision, and training. As a former Board Member of The Children’s Oncology Camp Association, International (C.O.C.A.) she developed a resource kit for new special needs camps and directly assisted in the development of the organization’s first Guidelines for Oncology Camps. Marianne has served as a presenter for both the Children’s Oncology Camp Association and the American Camping Association National conferences. She believes in networking, identifying best practices in camp management, and in promoting physical and emotional safety in all camp venues.
In the education arena, she has provided technical assistance and customized trainings for dozens of school districts in a wide range of areas including: school tobacco and health policy, safe and drug-free program planning, grief and trauma response, resiliency, peer education, promising programs and curricula, prevention programming, and comprehensive school health education. She has successfully obtained and managed grant-funded projects, served as a regional and state reviewer of grant applications, and provided trainings on the Principles of Effectiveness in prevention project planning. She has provided a wealth of educational workshops and trainings to professional staff, parents, and students. Marianne believes in supporting schools as systems and partnering with school professionals to promote youth development and social, emotional, and academic success.
As a licensed clinical social worker she has worked with both children and adults in individual and group settings and specializes in the areas of coping with grief, chronic illness, and managing life transitions. She maintains a private practice in Huntington Village, New York and is also available by phone for consultation and life coaching. As a volunteer she has been a Group Leader for children’s grief camps in New York and New Jersey. She has also founded and facilitates Child Champions Network, a coalition of professionals, organizations, and agencies who provide services and resources to children and families coping with illness, loss, and crisis. Marianne believes first and foremost in fostering resiliency and promise in people. She utilizes traditional talk therapy and play therapy to support people in times of struggle. She believes that in each of us is a limitless opportunity for peace, happiness, and personal growth.
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“Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on your way down.” |
EDUCATION:
Masters in Social Work, Certification and License in Social Work (New York State)
State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY
Master’s Thesis: Helping Professionals Work with Grieving Children
Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude
Major: Sociology/ Specialty in Community Studies
Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
Honors Thesis: Ethnographic Research and Collection of Black Family Histories
Patterson Award for Excellence in Social Research and Policy
Independent Study Areas: Oral History, Domestic Violence, Christian Education
SIFI Certification, Seminar in Field Instruction, SUNY, Stony Brook, NY
Certified Supervisor of Social Work Graduate Students
Creative and Expository Writing
Kings College, Wilkes Barre, PA
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Specialty Membership In Area of Children and Adolescents
American Camp Association (ACA)
COMMITTEES/BOARD PARTICIPATION:
American Camp Association, New York Section, Special Needs Camp Committee (2007-present)
Child Champions Network, Founder and Facilitator (2002 – present)
Children’s Oncology Camping Association (C.O.C.A.) International,
Board Member (1997–2000, 2004-2006)
C.O.C.A. Committees for New Camp Support, Member Benefits,
and Operational Guidelines for Oncology Camps (1997-2006)
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island (1995-present)
Social and Emotional Literacy Forum of Long Island (2006-present)
Prevention Network of Long Island (1996-2002)
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu
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CONFERENCES, TRAININGS, AND CONTINUED EDUCATION
Advancing Youth Development Training of Facilitators, 2001 (Update Training 2005)
Trainer 2001 - present
American Camp Association Tri-State, Annually 1999 – 2008
Speaker 2008, 2009, 2010
American Camp Association National Conference, Annually 2003 – 2008
Speaker 2004, 2005, and 2008
Children’s Oncology Camping Association International, Annually 1993 – 2006
Speaker 1999, 2001, 2006, 2008
Health Education Leadership Institute, New York State Education Department, 2000-2002
Health Education Trainer, 2000 - present
Healthy Kids Ready to Learn State Conference, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000
Committee Member 1996-1999
Lakeside Health Institute, New York State Department of Education, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Speaker 1997, 1998, 1999 Committee Member 1998-1999
Project TNT (Towards No Tobacco) Trainer, 2000 - present
Resiliency Training of Trainers with Nan Henderson, 1999 Resiliency Trainer, 2000 - present
Social Emotional Literacy Forum of Long Island, 2007 and 2008
Speaker 2008
Tobacco Awareness Program and Tobacco Education Group, 1999
Teen Tobacco Cessation Trainer, 2000 - present
Diocese Bereavement Conference, 2008-present Speaker 2010, 2011, 2012
Comprehensive School Health, 1998, 2000, 2003
Youth Development Best Practices, 1999
Treating Tobacco Use and Dependency in Adults, 2008
Innovative Approaches to Violence Intervention and Prevention, 1999
Culture of Poverty Training, 2000
Power Tools for Producing Powerful Programs, 2000
How To Be a Highly Successful Team Leader Training, 2000
Adolescent Trauma & Crisis Intervention, 2000
School Mental Health Conferences, 2000, 2003, 2005
Goals 2000 Health Education Training of Trainers, 2001
Chemical Dependency Training, 2001
Barriers to Learning Training, 2001
SAVE Violence Prevention Training of Trainers, 2001
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, 2001 and 2002
National Alliance for Grieving Children, Speaker 2011, 2012
Effective Practices for Working with Children and Adolescents – Post Graduate Seminar, 2010
Art Therapy, 2008
Mindfulness Tools in Therapy, 2010
Play Therapy Techniques, 2011
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“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Joseph Campbell |
Testimonials . . . What People Have to Say To and About Marianne
“Marianne is one of the most compassionate, authentic, supportive, optimistic, intuitive, and committed individuals that I have had the opportunity and privilege to work for. As a Camp Director, she created a safe, supportive, and caring environment for over 200 staff and campers. Marianne is a natural leader who led her team with kindness and confidence and in turn was rewarded with her staff’s steadfast support. Marianne’s upbeat and positive attitude set a tone that resonated throughout camp, and her warm smile, thoughtful words, and affable nature put people immediately at ease. . . Marianne’s communication and interpersonal skills are top notch. She has the ability to connect with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. She understands that the human condition transcends all perceived boundaries and that each person has a story.
I believe Marianne Esolen will be an invaluable asset to any organization who hires her.”
Paul Rubin, Camp Counselor
American Cancer Society’s Camp Adventure
“How lucky we are to have had you as the Staff Team Leader for School Health Education. Undoubtedly, you were the single most critical member to keep the Team on track. Your writing skills are certainly evident, as well as your intelligence, and personal understanding of comprehensive school health education. The plan’s depth and detail show how much effort went into the endeavor. Your contribution is notable and we are so fortunate to have you on the American Cancer Society team for the future.”
Linda Jasper, Past Board President and Chair
American Cancer Society, Long Island Division
Marianne Esolen has been a terrific asset to our organization. As facilitator, she has played a vital role in one of our core initiatives, the CASA Coffees.
In small group sessions, Ms. Esolen helps parents understand what one national research center on substance abuse calls “parent power” “the most underutilized weapon in efforts to curb teen substance abuse.” Ms. Esolen works with CASA to educate parents & other caregivers about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, so they feel comfortable creating opportunities for family discussions about their abuse. She is also able to paint a realistic picture of underage use of alcohol and drugs, so they understand the pressures children face.. . . With her unique background in direct service with children, counseling, and substance abuse prevention, she easily guided parents through this difficult process. Her warm approach creates an open environment so parents feel comfortable networking with each other, to monitor and combat problems they identify.
Karin Schlereth, Community Coordinator
Manhasset Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse
Marianne,
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the support you have provided to the pediatric oncology bereavement program at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Your expertise has been sought out on numerous occasions. You have been a tremendous resource to our families, and have provided valuable programs. We have placed you on the list of community resources for our families, and have made referrals to you. I look forward to your continued support. I am privileged to have worked with you for many years and have gained much from our collaboration.
Rosemary A. Mahan, RN, MS, CPNP, CPON
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Stony Brook University Medical Center
Marianne Esolen is one of Comfort Zone Camp’s longtime volunteers and has been volunteering as a Healing Circle Leader (support group leader) since 2002. Comfort Zone Camp is a non-profit bereavement camp for children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caretaker. Marianne’s level of professionalism, coupled with her enthusiasm and energy, are contagious! She has a deep commitment for helping children and it is very apparent she truly cares about the kids. An added bonus - Marianne is fun!
Sue Oppici, Camps & Services Coordinator - Northeast
Comfort Zone Camp, Inc
Marianne Esolen has been the presenter for three of the conferences that I have attended; two for bereavement and one with my students to create peer leaders. On all occasions, Ms. Esolen engages her audience immediately whether they are adults or pupils. She shares information which enhances learning with all concerned. Her openness helps you feel like a part of the presentation. Marianne provides helpful references for her participants so that they may continue learning beyond the conference. Just to sum up, Ms. Marianne Esolen is the epitome of a professional.
Sherry L. McPherson, LCSW
Patchogue Medford School District
“Marianne has provide me with the inspiration, wisdom, knowledge of life and its importance. She sets an example that makes me want to be a better person, as I know her life is dedicated to children’s lives and helping out the lives of others. She breathes, eats, and sleeps companionship, love, and the true quality of life.”
American Cancer Society Volunteer
“Marianne Esolen is the consummate professional. With high standards and a great work ethic, she accomplishes what she sets out to do and always in a most auspicious way. She knows her "stuff" and is willing to share her expertise with others. Her varied interests have given her the advantage of having many different talents in many different areas. This versatility combined with a great mind truly make Marianne a very desirable commodity in today's work world.”
Felicia Schneberg
Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency
& Developmental Disabilities Services
Former New York State SADD Coordinator
“It has been a pleasure and a learning experience for me, working with Marianne. She is very knowledgeable in dealing with children and adults who have experienced loss in their lives due to death. I have found her to be compassionate and understanding. In the future I hope to be able to work with Marianne again.”
Sister Anthony Therese
Saint Matthew’s Church
“Marianne has an uncanny ability to combine dedicated leadership, unparalleled enthusiasm, and unfaltering creativity with compassion for both children and staff.”
Kristina Rudiger, Camp Adventure Volunteer
"It is my pleasure to note my extensive and positive professional relationship with Marianne and her many not-for-profit activities. Marianne exemplifies sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills and fast follow-through on projects that she has been involved with.”
Bert Jablon, President
New York State Public Health Association, Nassau-Suffolk Region
“Marianne, I am truly in awe of your abilities. You always seem to know just the right things to say, the right things to do, to make everyone seem like he or she were the only one who mattered. You made each and every child seem special. I guess that was because you saw each one as special. . . I firmly believe that it is not possible to learn to communicate so wonderfully and so freely with children no matter how many training courses or education classes you take. It is a gift to be able to do that and you, Marianne, have that gift to be able to convey your concern so sincerely and so easily. . . Thank you for making so many children feel special. You are one amazing person and I am glad I got to know you and work with you.”
Joann Ulrich, Camp Adventure Volunteer
“I recently had the opportunity to participate in a TAP/TEG (Tobacco Awareness Program/ Tobacco Education Group) training program led by Marianne Esolen. This workshop was the most excellent and informative educational experience that I have attended during the last eight years of working as a student assistance counselor. What made this workshop so exceptional was Ms. Esolen, her marvelous teaching style and her enthusiasm brought not only to the topic, but to her students as well. As a doctoral candidate who has completed four years of coursework, I recognized Ms. Esolen as one of the finest teachers I have ever had the privilege of working with. . . I hope I have the opportunity to be in her classroom again.”
Laurel Hoffman, CSW
Student Assistance Counselor, Eastern Suffolk BOCES
“I am writing to sing the praises of Marianne Esolen who has been a consistent source of information and help for our school outreach program . . . Marianne has helped guide us through curriculum revisions and helped us recognize how our material would best fit into today’s health classrooms. . . She has given us her undivided attention and always came through with pearls of wisdom and advice. She helped our program blossom and grow.”
Amy Maximov, School Outreach Director
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
“On behalf of Children’s FIRST’S Scholars, thank you for your Keynote presentation at our conference ‘Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Loss’. From the evaluations, it is apparent that important and useful information was provided and your keynote presentation was VERY WELL received. Thank You!”
Lisa Katz, CSW, Program Director
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Work
“We cannot thank you enough for your WONDERFUL presentation to the staff of the Primary Mental Health Project. The Child Associates work intimately with our children on a daily basis. In many instances, they are the first people to learn about the stresses and traumas our children are encountering. Your ability to relate the material to their specific needs was OUTSTANDING. You have helped them to enhance their skills in ways immeasurable. All of us are blessed to have been touched by your specialness. We are better professionals because of you.”
Teresa Jordan Tuzil, ACSW, CASAC
Social Work Specialist, Deer Park School District
“Thank you for presenting to our support service team. The issues surrounding stress management are so timely . . .Your knowledge, friendly accessibility, and hands-on approach made for a comfortable, relaxed learning environment. I was not only professionally motivated by your presentation, but personally as well. Since hearing you speak, I have gone back to ballet and I have also been parking farther in the lot, and eating healthier. I hope my district’s helping professionals will remember and use the important information you presented. I know I will continue to challenge them to do so. Thank you again for an inspirational morning.”
Marianne Masopost, CSW,CPP
Social Worker, Locust Valley School District
“Marianne has a strong commitment to the health of children and to high quality comprehensive health education programs. She has a solid understanding of school health issues . . . She is a skilled and sensitive trainer and an excellent collaborator. Marianne is optimistic, resourceful, persistent, open-minded, and committed to providing high quality programs and services.”
Lisa Sullivan Werner, Family Nutrition Program Leader
University of Massachusetts, Nutrition Department
Evaluation Feedback from assorted workshops
“Marianne Esolen is the best health educator I have had the pleasure of observing. THANK YOU.”
Administrator, Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau
“I expected AND received comprehensive information about tobacco use and strategies for dealing with this issue in schools PLUS an excellent primer on how to develop effective policy on tobacco use in my school district.”
School Nurse
“This was the BEST workshop I’ve attended in twenty years.”
School Nurse
“I received a lot of great resource material and good strategies for my toolbox of skills and introspective activities that encouraged teasing out of my own feelings. I will use the activities and materials presented. I’ll utilize my increased knowledge and skills to more effectively deal with my students struggling with loss.”
Elementary School Social Worker
“It was excellent – a very interactive, lively, and relevant program. I’ll use many of the refresher skills I learned, the wonderful resources, and I LOVED For Your Inspiration handouts.”
School Guidance Counselor
“I received so much more than I expected!!! I received insight and information and ideas on grief and loss. I would definitely come back for Good Grief 2 and I would love to take part in future meetings for professionals to discuss cases.”
School Guidance Counselor
“EXCELLENT! I really enjoyed this workshop. It was so informative and the speaker was so enthusiastic and kept our attention focused. I received tons of information on how to help grieving children, what is normal, how to get at their issues, and my own related to death and loss. I’ll use ALL the resources offered.”
School Psychologist
“Excellent job by Marianne. Thank you for your insight, energy, and spirit.”
Health Educator
“I’ve attended past trainings so I expected to receive a great presentation and my expectations were exceeded! Thank You! I received a tremendous amount of information, great new information, and updates. This is extremely helpful and relevant.”
Middle School Social Worker
“I expected the best and I received EXCELLENCE! A great job! The training was superior and met all my needs and expectations. I received a tremendous amount of information that was helpful for program clarification and implementation. Thank You!
High School Social Worker
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Aesop |
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Counseling & Life Coaching
As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years experience working with children and adults in agency, school, camp, and community settings, I am deeply committed to being a source of support, guidance, and encouragement to all the clients I serve. I believe in fostering resiliency and hope, always helping to uncover and build upon the strengths and wisdom that is already within you. If you are looking for an outside expert who will figure everything out for you, or someone who believes people should be in therapy forever. I AM NOT THAT THERAPIST. I am a partner and guide, who will work closely with you to help make the challenges we face easier to manage and help to increase both your hope and confidence. It's a challenging and sometimes scary thing to decide to reach out for support, and NOTHING is more important than the quality of the relationship you have with the counselor you choose. Above all else, be sure to take time to talk to different counselors and choose someone you are at ease and comfortable with.
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The quality of the relationship is really the X FACTOR for success in therapy. Take the time to research possible counselors, ask for a telephone consultation, and follow your gut in making your choice. You are not alone and you don't have to manage everything on your own. Whether it is with me or another caring professional, know that this first step is really truly often the toughest. The bravest step is the first step to seek information and support. Wherever you decide to go my wish is for you to find peace and to remember to “dwell in possibility.” To discuss what challenges you’re facing and see if we are a good match to work together, please email me at Marianne.esolen@yahoo.com so that we can schedule a free phone consultation.
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“Always know in your heart that you are far bigger than anything that can happen to you.”
Dan Zadra |
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Overview of Counseling and Life Coaching Services
"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for as long as you can." This quote by John Wesley sums up my professional and personal code. I believe in fostering resiliency and promise in people of all backgrounds and all ages. Always focusing on individual strengths and resources, I know that anything that is wrong will never be more powerful than all that is right. I believe that in each of us is a limitless opportunity for peace, happiness, and personal growth. Together we can "dwell in possibility."
For twenty years, I've worked with children teens, and adults on a great many issues, including coping with illness, divorce, grief, and dealing with major life transition. As a Camp Director, group leader, and educator, I know how challenging and isolating the life journey can be. As a therapist I am a coach, companion, and gentle guide.
As an intuitive and experienced counselor, I draw from varied theories to support and challenge clients to grow. I utilize traditional talk therapy, art/play therapy, and exercises to promote self-discovery and self-confidence. I also anticipate offering pet therapy in the future. I'm committed to continued education and maintain clinical supervision.
Do you want to discover and create your BEST life? Do you need support and guidance with family issues? Relationship issues? Work or school issues? Grief and loss issues? Illness in the family? Trouble with children and teens? You are not alone and you don't have to manage everything on your own. Together we can partner and "dwell in possibility" while creating the life you deserve. The bravest step is the first step to seek information and support – congratulations – you’ve already begun! I am happy to join you on this exciting and rewarding journey.
Adult Services
For more than twenty years, I've worked with young people and adults on a great many issues, including coping with chronic illness, divorce, grief, anxiety, depression, and dealing with major life changes from dealing with an empty nest to family and partner challenges. Life can be difficult to say the least, and therapy can be a quiet space where you can take the time to breathe and sort things out. As a therapist I see myself as a coach, companion, and gentle and patient guide. I am not the outside expert that fixes because I don’t see people as broken. Instead, I am a PARTNER in support who helps you find the strength and wisdom already within you.
Drawing from varied theories to support and challenge clients to grow, I offer traditional talk therapy, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools, visualization and relaxation techniques, and a range of activities and exercises to promote self-discovery and self-confidence. I deliberately maintain a smaller practice to best serve my clients and am committed to always sharpening my own skills. To that end I maintain my own clinical advisor, and actively attend workshops, conferences, and additional courses to continue to widen my own resources.
It's a challenging and sometimes scary thing to decide to reach out for support, and NOTHING is more important than the quality of the relationship you have with the counselor you choose. Above all else, be sure to take time to talk to different counselors and choose someone you are at ease and comfortable with. You are not alone and you don't have to manage everything on your own. Together we can partner and "dwell in possibility" while creating the life you deserve. The bravest step is the first step to seek information and support. To discuss what challenges you’re facing and see if we are a good match to work together, please email me at Marianne.esolen@yahoo.com so that we can schedule a FREE phone consultation.
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Please email me at Marianne.esolen@yahoo.com so that we can schedule a FREE phone consultation.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
St. Francis |
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Overview of Counseling for Children & Teens
"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for as long as you can." This quote by John Wesley sums up my professional and personal code. I believe in fostering resiliency and promise in people of all backgrounds and all ages. Always focusing on individual strengths and resources, I know that anything that is wrong will never be more powerful than all that is right. I believe that in each of us is a limitless opportunity for peace, happiness, and personal growth. Together we can "dwell in possibility."
For twenty years, I've worked with children, teens, and adults on a great many issues, including coping with illness, divorce, grief, and dealing with major life transition. As a retired and beloved Camp Director, mentor, youth volunteer organizer, and support group leader for children and teens, I truly enjoy the challenge and magic of working with young people, ages 6 to 26! I know how anonymous and how confusing the world can be to young children and how overwhelming and isolating the world can be to teens and young adults. Between school challenges, social pressures, family changes, media messages, confidence issues, and just run of the mill “life stuff” it’s TOUGH to grow up healthy and comfortable in your skin in our world today.
As the years go on, I am seeing higher levels of stress and anxiety in both young children and teens, as well as adults. We live in a particularly challenging time for everyone, and we all need better tools to handle the stress and learn how to handle the unexpected bumps as well as the serious life changes or losses. Through self-directed and cooperative play, children can learn strong skills to calm themselves down, problem-solve, and bounce back from disappointment.
Therapy is about creating a safe and supportive space where children and young people can BE and discover their own voice along the way. Using interactive games, activities, play, art, story-writing, and traditional talk therapy, I focus on providing caring and compassionate support, while steadfastly building positive coping strategies and critical life skills. I am a coach, companion, and gentle guide. For younger children, I partner closely with parents to share resources and guidance in addressing issues and supporting the safe haven of the family. For teens, while protecting their privacy, I continue to promote positive communication within the family and share additional resources to better support parents in understanding the issues their child is facing. When helpful, we may schedule a joint session with parent(s) and children together. Above all else, know that support and therapy from anyone should be a POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING experience. It takes great insight and confidence for a parent to seek support for their child, regardless of their age. CONGRATULATIONS on taking the first step to gather information and begin the journey.
Please email me at Marianne.esolen@yahoo.com so that we can schedule a FREE phone consultation.
Services
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Please email me at Marianne.esolen@yahoo.com so that we can schedule a FREE phone consultation.
Usually it is most productive to meet clients once weekly to maintain continuity and focus on the issues at hand. A lot can happen in your life in the span of just one short week, especially during periods of crisis, change, or challenge. Depending on the person and their goals, it may be possible to meet every other week over time. As a therapist I’ll make recommendations to clients, but ultimately the decision is in your hands as a client.
It is of course a challenge to work with ANYONE who is reluctant to see a counselor, but a good therapist addresses the ambivalence and engages the person in the process. Children are not likely to request counseling, though it may be a needed and useful source of guidance and support for any number of challenges. The first work with all clients is in establishing a relationship and in creating a safe space where one can grow. For children, games, art projects, and play therapy can go a long way in making therapy enjoyable and meaningful. It’s most important to ride through any initial period of fear, doubt, or indifference. Children especially are keenly aware of whether or not someone is GENUINE and a good therapist will be able to make the connection and break through the shell.
Every person of every age is on their own life journey and each path is as different as every snowflake. Therapy is a dynamic process and there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. For some people it is a short-term source of guidance or support during a particularly rough patch in life. For others, the process may be a longer term investment in personal growth , wellness, and continual self-discovery. As a therapist, I may make recommendations, but again the decision to continue in therapy is always directed by you. This isn’t a course or an exam that you pass or fail, it is a journey with any number of paths to choose.
Overall my goals as a therapist are to support and encourage clients to discover their strengths, assets, and resources as they navigate the hectic and at times overwhelming world we live in. For each client, the personal goals are unique and essential. It is YOU who determines what your goals, hopes, and challenges are and WE who devise a plan, explore positive coping strategies and tools, and address barriers met along the way. Often in therapy, the issue we start with may be a piece of a bigger puzzle. Goals and plans are revisited as often as needed, and again YOU are involved every step of the way.
As a social worker with a deep background in Sociology, I believe in the power of traditional talk therapy and the need for people to claim and share their life history. I believe we are all everyday heroes in our own life story and there is great learning and healing in sharing those stories. From a humanistic perspective, I believe in the inherent strength and resiliency of each individual. Unlike common medical models for treatment, I believe that as a therapist I do not cure, fix, or change you. Instead, with a caring heart, an open mind, and many tools, I serve as a companion on your journey of self-growth. Depending on YOU and the goals, we may use activities, assessment tools, writing or drawing assignments, breathing exercises, or visualization techniques as we address your challenges. I’ll draw tools and techniques from specific schools of psychology as needed, including Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral strategies.
Traditional therapy typically focuses on challenges and problems that clients are struggling to address. By exploring a client’s past and understanding personal beliefs, values, and life experiences, therapy focuses on increased self-awareness and the development of positive coping mechanisms, skills, and tools to navigate life’s rocky waters. While Life Coaching also focuses on the development of positive skills and tools, the focus is decidedly on the FUTURE and the development of a destination plan, whether related to career, relationships, or self-actualization. In life coaching, we develop concrete goals, objectives, and the road map to get there. Life Coaching tends to be much more specific and targeted in both the strategies and the goals, it may also be more short term depending on the person and their needs.
A Life Coach can provide additional motivation, encouragement, support, technical assistance, and guidance to anyone on a path towards self-improvement. It’s a tremendous source of positive energy and expertise for anyone who is trying to make major life changes, choices, and improvements. With the focus on future hopes and wishes, your Life Coach helps to clarify your vision, mission, and the skills and tools needed to be successful. Life Coaches help to map out the path, document the successes and barriers met along the way, and identify the steps and strategies best suited for your individual style. High level executives and stay at home moms transitioning back into the workplace, can both benefit greatly from Life Coach guidance and support.
For many years, I’ve worked closely with children, teens, and adults coping with chronic illness in the family, grief, or major life transition. That said, I’ve also worked closely with children, teens, and adults struggling with issues of crisis in identity, confidence, mood stability, and troublesome behaviors, such as substance abuse or other risky behaviors. In addition, I have worked with adults of all ages struggling with career challenges, parenting issues, relationship issues, depression or chronic anxiety. For me, there is no typical client. No two clients are alike and even when issues are the same, each client will have his or her own strengths and resources to draw from.
We determine together if we are a good match. It is essential that you feel comfortable, at ease, and connected to me as a counselor. The initial consultation by phone and in person visits provide an opportunity for you to meet me, discuss your goals for counseling, ask questions about my background and perspective, and determine if you are comfortable with me. If for any reason I assess that we may not be a good match, or if I think your needs could be better met by another health care professional, I will be direct in sharing my feedback and in providing relevant referral information.
It’s unfortunate that the health care industry has made it so cumbersome and difficult for providers to offer care and be fairly reimbursed. Although I do not directly accept health insurance, you should contact your provider to investigate whether or not you are eligible for reimbursement for out of network care. My standard fee is based upon a 45-50 minute session and is reasonable for our New York Metro Area. For clients in a financial crisis, we can always discuss a possible sliding scale fee. Initial phone consultation is always offered FREE OF CHARGE.
Prevention Researcher www.tpronline.org
Partnership for Drug Free America www.drugfreeamerica.org
Students Against Destructive Decisions www.saddonline.com
Media Awareness Network www.media-awareness.ca
Nicotine Free Kids www.nicotinefreekids.com
Kids Health www.kidshealth.org/kid
Health for Teens www.teenshealth.org
Join Together www.jointogether.com
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence www.ncadd.org
Mental Health Info Online www.mentalhealth.com
Focus Adolescent Services www.focusas.com
National Mental Health Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse www.mhselfhelp.org
Center for Children with Special Needs www.cshcn.org
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.org
National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org
Get Your Angries Out www.angriesout.com
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children www.dougy.org
Children’s Grief Education Association www.childgrief.org
Comfort Zone Camp for Grieving Children www.comfortzonecamp.org
Youth Suicide Prevention Program www.yspp.org
American Association of Suicidology www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org
American Camp Association Knowledge Center www.ACAcamps.org/knowledge
Camp E-News for Parents www.CampParents.org/newsletter
Publications/DVDS/Guides www.ACABookstore.org
Research on Camps/Youth Development www.ACAcamps.org/research
Teamwork & Teamplay (Dr. Jim Cain Master Team Builder) www.teamworkandteamplay.com
Teambuilding Inc. www.teambuildinginc.com
Faith Evans (Master Teacher of Play & Team-building) www.playfullyinc.com
Handouts from recent workshops will be periodically updated so be sure to check back in the future for more resources!
Click on the handout name in order to download
The Power of Play. Using Games and Activities to Help Grieving Children
Finding Your Umbrella: Stress Management Strategies for The Bereaved
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As a counselor and a consultant I believe in the potential of people and programs. I believe in fostering hope, resiliency, and growth. Always working from a strengths perspective, I strive to build on all that is already working as a means to further expand personal and professional success. There’s great power and efficacy in discovering untapped potential as an individual, an agency, a school, or a camp.
For a free consultation I can be contacted at marianne.esolen@yahoo.com or at (631) 219 -3400.
Or fill out the following form.
Huntington
NY 11743
(631) 219-3400
Thank you for visiting my website today. I always welcome comments, questions, shared inspiration, and requests for more information.
Choosing a consultant or a personal counselor and life coach can be a complex and confusing process. It’s about so much more than credentials and experience, it’s also about confidence and connection. It is my pledge to help make the process both enjoyable and easy, whether you’re seeking personal support or consulting expertise for a project or staff training. Please take some time exploring the pages of my site to learn more about who I am, what I believe, and what I can do for you and your camp, school, business, or agency.
In your world.”