​​​​Comprehensive Therapy​

Professional info​

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in the mental health field working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I earned my undergraduate Bachelor in Education, Family and Community Services, degree from the University of Oregon, and my graduate Master in Social Work degree from Portland State University. I am an activist in the disability and human rights movement and have lived my own journey of recovery after receiving multiple diagnoses including schizophrenia as a teenager and then later as woman with Asperger's when I was in my 20s. I love to learn and have received extensive training in autism spectrum and Asperger syndrome, psychosis, and employment assistance training. Additional training has included specialized work in the areas of trauma, grief, family counseling, emotional regulation/emotional wellness, depression and anxiety disorders, disordered eating/emotional eating, and LGBT issues. My clinical interests and experience include employment and education issues, psychosis, severe and persistent mental health challenges, child and adult trauma, and life transitions. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to partner with people as they make changes in their lives. My previous practice settings have included a SPMI residential treatment home, a hospital counseling center, convalescent and hospice care settings, an Alzheimer's treatment home, and community counseling settings.

My therapy style is supportive and interactive using a cognitive behavioral framework focusing on how thoughts impact both our emotions and behaviors. In therapy, I focus on assisting clients in developing coping and emotion regulation skills, improved boundaries in relationships, and effective communication skills to build and maintain personal and professional relationships. 

Interests

My family!

Hiking

Travel

Bicycling

Reading

Reuse and sustainability

Team Sports, all kinds!

Wellness

Continuing my education

Volunteering in my community

Additional Education

• NAMI Peer to Peer Recovery Support Training Instructor

• Healthy LifeStyles for Persons With Disabilities Trainer

• Mental Health First Aid USA Instructor

Community

• Member, NextStep Recycling Stewardship Council

• Commissioner, City of Eugene Human Rights Commission

• Commissioner, City of Eugene Sustainability Commission

• Board of Directors, Kindtree Productions – Autism Rocks

• Member, US EPA Computer Reuse Coalition Working Group

• MEMBER, Electronics Recycling Collaboration Network (ERCN)

• Member, Lane Community College Information Technology Advisory Board

• Founding member, Board of Directors GreenLane Sustainable Business Network

• Trauma Healing Project Learning Collaborative

• Committee Chair, Lane County Resource Recovery Advisory Committee

• Member, State of Oregon DEQ e-Waste Advisory Workgroup

Education​

Portland State University

Master in Social Work - 2012

Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work

Areas of Focus: Medical Social Work, Autism

University of Oregon

Bachelor in Education Family and Community Services - 1999

Graduated Magna Cum Laude  

Golden Key National Honor Society

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Lane Community College

Associate’s Degree, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 1996

Distinguished Alumni 2008 

Golden Key National Honor Society

Work experience

Telemental Health Distance Therapist​

I am an OpenPath Psychotherapy Collective member. I use the secure HIPAA compliant telehealth portal wecounsel to communicate with my clients. I am flexible in my scheduling and can adjust sessions for your time zone. All you need is a telephone, I can take care of the rest.

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Telehealth Health Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I presented telemental health supoort remotely, via video-conference and/or phone, to individuals who are who are challenged by behavioral issues associated with a medical or life transition. I help patients get back on their feet, reducing depression, anxiety and stress.

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Clinical Supervisor/Mental Health Therapist

I provided clinical supervision for nine mental health therapists and direct service staff, provided assessment, diagnosis, and individual therapy to ten residents who experience severe and persistent mental illness with the objective to safely transition residents back into the community. I also provided direct service including facilitation of group and individual sessions, client evaluations and case management with focus on supporting residents to develop skills to transition back into the community. Two highlights for me were developing a "mini-gym" for residents to use on site, and a computer lab - helping to address physical health and creating opportunities for housing and job searches.

Health Technology Case Manager​

The ICRC Program was is a national research project designed to learn if a new treatment program can help people diagnosed with "schizophrenia" or "schizoaffective disorder" stay well and reduce hospital and emergency room visits. The research program looked at new ways of delivering treatment to people by using cell phones and CBT computer websites. As the Health Technology Case Manager, I worked side by side with participants, supporting their use of the technology and the CBT software, providing counseling and social/job skills support.

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Vocational/Education Counselor

I assisted youth age 14 – 26 years diagnosed with multiple challenges, including homelessness, criminal histories and chronic recidivism into the justice system, mental health diagnoses, poverty, and chronic unemployment, to stay well and reduce hospital and emergency room visits. Conducted job and education development by actively recruiting, engaging, and offering ongoing support to employers and schools.

Assisted individuals who were experiencing psychosis to develop and practice coping strategies to use at home, school and work.

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Founder, Executive Director​

I founded NextStep in 1999 and was the Executive Director until August, 2012, when I decided to take my own "next step"! Turned a garage-based hobby into an internationally recognized nonprofit that focused on education, employment and the environment. My greatest community accomplishment. I could talk for hours about it, be prepared if you ask!

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Social Service Specialist II, Child Welfare​

I worked in a variety of positions in three field offices: screening, intake, adoptions, and ongoing. I provided counseling, consultation, therapy, and treatment planning to children and families, and conducted family sessions to prevent family breakdown and ensure the protection, physical safety, and emotional well-being of children in families experiencing difficulty. My goal was always family reunification.

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Licensed Massage Therapist

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For 20 years, I was primarily self-employed, running my own practice, but, started work on the east coast at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in the physical therapy department and the now closed iconic Philadelphia Camac Health Club. Over the years on the west coast, I worked at convalescent centers, health/gym clubs, chiropractic offices, and in private practice. I utilized my AA in Physical Education and training in sports massage, deep tissue massage, and Jin Shin Do Acupressure techniques to support clients of all ages and ability levels.

Videos

• Oprah Winfrey Standing O-Vation Award 

• Lorraine Kerwood McKenzie is Making A Difference

• CBS Early Show: The Best Possible Me

• Volvo National Environmental Award

• There are others, just Google "Lorraine Kerwood McKenzie'or "Lorraine Kerwood"