Prior to joining Waypoint, I worked in a variety of settings, such as school, hospital, home and in the community providing crisis intervention, individual and group therapy. Each provided unique experiences that have helped me grow as a clinician.
It is my goal to work in collaboration with my clients, and parents if the client is a child to help them reach the goals we develop together. To do that effectively I feel it is important to use the client’s strengths and have a trusting and supportive relationship with my clients.
I pull from a variety of treatment modalities and techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing and Psychoeducation.
I have additional training with two evidence based trauma treatments, Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR.
Professional Experience
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Catholic University, in Washington D.C. and my Master’s in Social Work from Marywood University, in Scranton, PA.
Prior to starting with Waypoint, my career centered around interpersonal violence and trauma. I worked for YWCA as a co-facilitator for the Abuse Intervention Program Groups, working with men court-ordered to attend the program, with the goal of teaching healthy relationship skills. I also provided therapy in the shelter and office. Additionally, I worked for 17 years at AAMC as a part time Abuse/Domestic Violence specialist. The first 8 years I worked on call, to respond to the hospital to meet with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse, where I provided immediate crisis response, emotional support, and safety planning. The last 9 years I co-facilitated a weekly trauma group for the community.
I also worked as the Child and Adolescent Bereavement Coordinator for Calvert Hospice, where I provided anticipatory grief and grief counseling to children/teens of hospice patient’s families and members of the community. Just prior to coming to Waypoint I was with the Children’s Guild, where I provided individual therapy, in the school, for Elementary School age children struggling with emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges.
Life Outside the Office
I was raised in a Navy family, so we moved frequently, a pattern I continued until after I finished my master’s degree. The two places I enjoyed, most prior to settling down in Maryland over 25 years ago, were Iceland and New Mexico.
I am a solo parent. I adopted my teenage daughter as an infant. We live in an inter-generational house with my father and enjoy the benefits of his retirement. As a family, we enjoy Disney and Disney Cruises, and our annual summer trip to Rehoboth. Thanks to my daughter’s love of animals, we have a labradoodle, a calico cat, and guinea pigs.
Charlene practices in the Severna Park location and provides in person services. She participates with the following insurances: Tricare, USFH, and JH EHP.