Qualifications

1.  PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCES

My personal experience with the devastation of alcohol abuse started as a very young child.  I grew up in a severely dysfunctional household with parents who were two of the most hard-core alcoholics I’ve ever seen.  They are both deceased due to their alcoholism. 

At the age of 27 I was engaged to be married to a wonderful man who chose to drink and drive.  He ended up driving in the wrong direction on the freeway and was killed in a head-on collision, causing damage and injury to people in four other vehicles.  At the time, I was on a pre-law track in college, but after losing him I decided that I had to help stop the pain and devastation caused by alcoholism as well as other addictions. 

 

2.  PERSONAL RECOVERY

Having grown up in such a dysfunctional environment with two hard-core alcoholic parents, I knew I was negatively affected in many ways.  I learned that existing in the same environment with severe alcoholics altered my self-esteem and how I viewed other people and the world.  I found my way into Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and learned the term ‘codependent’ and what that meant.  I have found a place where others understand what it is like to have been in that type of environment and I can’t stress enough the importance of having that support.  If you are currently in or have been in an environment with an alcoholic/addict, I strongly recommend attending this type of support group. 

I am also in recovery for nicotine dependence.  I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day, every day, for more years than I care to think about.  I tried to quit on my own, using the ‘nicotine patch’, but always went back to smoking.  Before I found Nicotine Anonymous, I suffered through three years of a horrible cycle of quitting, relapsing, quitting again, starting up again…you get the picture.  I was not comfortable smoking and I was not comfortable not smoking!  AAHH!!  Talk about being in a bad place!  Needless to say, I was not happy.  I found a small, local Nicotine Anonymous group and that made all the difference!  Using ‘the patch’ as well as the support, understanding and motivation I received from my Nicotine Anonymous group, I have been ‘smo-ber’ since July 18, 2001, and I feel great!  I do not feel deprived and am much more comfortable not smoking, than smoking!  Whew!   

 

3.  EDUCATION

My academic experience in alcohol and drug addiction began at the University of California at San Diego where I changed my undergraduate major from pre-law to sociology, while acting as an alcohol and substance abuse peer counselor through the university’s psychological and counseling services, helping peers with alcohol and drug abuse issues.  I then went on to earn my Masters degree in Social Work from San Diego State University, focusing on addiction and mental health.  My first year’s master of social work internship was at a day treatment center for the dually diagnosed population that suffered from mental health issues as well as alcohol and drug addiction.  After applying for my second year internship at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in San Diego, I was offered a position as a psychiatric social worker for the outpatient mental health clinic at the VA, keeping that position until the second year of the masters program began at which time I began my internship as a clinical social work intern providing substance abuse and mental health counseling to our veterans. 

 

4.  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

My professional experience in the alcohol, drug abuse and mental health field began after earning my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, at the same VA hospital.  I was hired after graduation as a Research Health Science Specialist providing therapy to alcohol and drug addicted veterans, and was then offered a position as a Clinical Social Worker for the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program.  During this time I completed the necessary clinical hours and supervision and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Once I discovered the vocation of intervention, I resigned from the VA to pursue my career as an Intervention Specialist, my absolute true calling.  I can’t think of another vocation that would better prepare a person for the position of Intervention Specialist than my work at the VA.  I worked closely with addicted veterans and their families, helping them through their troubles.  It was an honor to have helped those individuals who have sacrificed in serving our country.     

 

5.  INTERVENTION TRAINING

There are no requirements in place to act as an Intervention Specialist.  Basically, anyone who wishes to do so can legally conduct interventions.  However, acting in a capacity that one is not trained for, or has knowledge of, is incredibly irresponsible and unethical.  I would not consider acting in such a capacity.     

In order to become as knowledgeable and effective as possible about the intervention process, I have completed intervention training in the Family Meeting Approach to Intervening on Addiction and Other Disorders, the Systemic Method of Intervention, the 21st Century Johnson Model of Intervention and the Storti Method of Motivational Intervention.

Additionally, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS), I take ongoing courses to further my professional knowledge of addiction/mental health and interventions.

I hope that it is apparent that my combined personal, academic, professional and specialized experience and training allows you the confidence to know that, basically, my entire life has allowed me to become extremely knowledgeable about addiction, mental illness and recovery and has led me to this calling.  It is very important to find the best help for your family.  I am confident in saying that I possess the tools, as well as the skills and expertise in utilizing them, so my families get the very best care, guidance and support possible.  I am able to relate to you, your family and your alcohol and/or addicted loved one from a place of knowledge, compassion, experience and understanding. 

As a concerned family member, knowing what to do to help yourself, your family and your addicted loved one can be scary and confusing.  I know I can help you.  It is estimated that families dealing with these issues wait an average of seven years before seeking outside help.  Please don’t suffer any longer than you have to.  Contact me as soon as possible so that I may help you end the devastation and destruction caused by alcohol and/or drug addiction, and then guide you, your family and your addicted loved one toward a happy, healthy, functional future!                  

I am passionate and excited about my profession.  I love my work because it allows me to help people whose lives have been torn apart by alcohol and drug addiction.  I love that my personal, academic, professional and specialized training have perfectly prepared me to make a positive and immediate change in the lives of so many that are hurting!

Summary of Background:

  • Life Experiences – Mother and father died from severe alcoholism and fiancé died from drinking and driving;
  • Personal recovery from Nicotine Addiction;
  • Personal recovery in Al-Anon, program for family members of alcoholics;
  • University of California at San Diego, graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology;
  • San Diego State University, graduated with Masters Degree in Social Work;
  • Experience with addiction/mental health since 1995;
  • Training in various intervention methods and in addiction/mental health issues;
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW);
  • Affiliation with Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS); and,
  • Affiliation with National Association of Social Workers (NASW).


Call or e-mail now for your FREE consultation!

Linda@SYFInterventions.com or 1-858-922-1271

 

 

 
Linda

Linda Reedy, MSW, LCSW
Intervention Specialist
Owner of
Save Your Family Interventions


Linda@SYFInterventions.com
(858) 922-1271

 

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