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Rikki Ford
Licensed Professional Counselor & Family Therapist
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The relationship you or your child develop with your therapist is vital. It is best to find someone who is a good fit for you or your family. I operate from a systemic framework, considering the environment in which difficulties occur. Everyone has the abilities, strengths and resources necessary for success, it is often just a matter of bringing them to light. I incorporate proven methods of therapy with a flexible and dynamic focus in order to meet you where you're at and provide you with individualized treatment. Please read below to learn more about my qualifications and background and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Education
University of Baltimore
Post- Graduate Coursework in Applied Psychology
University of Oregon
Master of Education in Marriage and Family Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Certifications & Trainings
Licensed Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania PC#006542
Licensed Professional Counselor, Washington D.C. (Inactive)
Certified ScreamFree Parent Trainer
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfulness, Attachment Theory, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Multisystemic Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Strategic Family Therapy
Meet Dash!
Being vulnerable is easiest with a therapeutic animal who, by nature, can help you regulate during difficult sessions. Ask us about Dash.
Professional Experience
Associates of Springfield Psychological
Assisted families and individuals in an outpatient setting. Treat such disorders as anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiant, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, self-harm and eating disorders.
Spectrum Behavioral Services
Provided outpatient therapy to individuals, children (ages 4-17), adults and families.
Vive
Worked as a therapeutic mentor helping adolescents and young adults transition back from therapeutic wilderness programs or boarding schools.
Army Community Services
Organized and developed parenting groups, classes and trainings targeted at military families.
Multisystemic Therapist
Assisted families and Department of Juvenile Services in preventing out of home placements and re-offenses of adjudicated youth.
The Child Center
Serviced children and families frequently involved in foster care, adoption and reunification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long are sessions?
A "therapy hour" is usually 45 minutes in length. Your first session may be longer.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
It depends. Typically, clients see improvements within 3-4 months however others may need more time to establish change. I believe in a collaborative approach in which we establish goals and continually assess your progress in order to have therapy be as brief as possible.
How often do I need to come?
Usually attending weekly appointments is most beneficial. In more mild cases, or once goals begin to be reached, frequency of appointments is usually decreased to biweekly or less.
My child is the one with the issue. Why do I need to be here too?
Many reasons. You are the expert on your kid and have a lot of information that will inform their treatment. New ideas and skills will be introduced in the session that it will be helpful for you to reinforce at home. You are a significant resource in helping change the dynamics that may be contributing to the problems at hand.
What can I expect during a typical session?
Each client and family will be approached uniquely based on their presenting concerns. In general, your initial session will focus on information and history gathering as well as establishing goals and direction of treatment. Family sessions typically involve check in's with parents and kids together as well as individual time with family members. Although I will guide treatment based on my perception of what will be most helpful to you or your family, you are welcome to give feedback to shift your experience if needed.
