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Clementine Briarcliff Manor Primary Therapist Dana Sedlak, LCSW gives an inside look at her daily work at Clementine’s newest location. Dana shares how her and her team work together to support the adolescents on the path to full recovery. Read on to learn more about Dana and the Briarcliff Manor team…

What is your name and what are your credentials?

My name is Dana Sedlak and I am a LCSW with a master’s degree in clinical social work.

Please give us a brief description of your background.

I’m experienced in individual, group and family psychotherapy with those who have co-occurring disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse issues. I also have a background with using art as a therapeutic tool.

What does a typical day look like for you at Clementine?

Part of the day involves individual sessions with each adolescent that I’m working with where things like therapeutic assignments are explored. I could then be running a psycho-education group on topics from dialectical behavioral therapy to my creative arts therapy group. Behind the scenes, there are always case management tasks to complete such as creating treatment plans and calling insurance companies to request additional treatment days. Contact with family members and outpatient providers are also occurring. At the end of the day I get to sit down for a mindful dinner with the adolescents and possibly support them with an exposure to a challenge food. If I’m really lucky, the day may even involve singing a karaoke song or playing a round of Jenga with the girls!

In your own words, please describe the philosophy of Clementine.

Through the support of Clementine, full recovery is possible for each adolescent and her family by both fostering new relationships and repairing past ones. This happens first with one’s self and then with others.

How does your team work together? How do your roles overlap and differ?

We wouldn’t be successful if we were not a team at Clementine. We all rely on each other to provide a warm and comforting atmosphere for the girls. While there are responsibilities outside of our own disciplines that we may not be specifically trained in, no job is too big or too small for any of us. We all shine within our specific roles and are also very eager to learn from one another to better suit the needs within the program.

What is your favorite thing about Clementine?

I’m humbled by the resiliency that each and every adolescent girl brings through the front door. I’ve never witnessed such bravery anywhere else and it’s a privilege when they are willing to share that with me.

What are three facts about you that people do not know?

  1. I took piano and sewing lessons when I was a child but can’t play or sew for the life of me now!
  2. If you asked me where my happy place was, I would always say at a concert.
  3. I collect copious amounts of nail polish and change my nails weekly depending on my mood.

 

For more information about Clementine adolescent treatment programs, please call 855.900.2221, visit our websitesubscribe to our blog, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To learn more about our newest location, Clementine Briarcliff Manor, please reach out to a Clementine Admissions Specialist at 855.900.2221.