Tina started her professional journey with Guardian Recovery Network as a Primary Therapist in February, 2020. “There were a lot of changes right around that time because of the pandemic,” she explains. “I felt like Guardian was home right away. They gave me the autonomy to be the therapist that I wanted to be, which has definitely helped me grow as a clinician.”

When asked how she got started with Guardian, Tina says, “I knew a lot of people in the industry that worked for Guardian. I was really excited to have the opportunity to be able to work with other professionals that were just as passionate about recovery as I am. Immersion Recovery Center is one of the South Florida treatment centers that has had a phenomenal reputation since they first opened their doors and I was thrilled to be part of that team.”

Her Journey with Guardian Recovery Network

After spending two years as a Primary Therapist, Tina transitioned to the role of Clinical Director. “My role as a primary therapist entailed managing a caseload, facilitating groups, providing family support, and ensuring each client receives individualized care to best meet their treatment goals,” she says. “I was promoted to Clinical Director in August 2022. One thing I love about the culture at Guardian is the fact that they love to promote from within.”

The Importance of Therapeutic Care

“Therapy is an integral piece of each client’s treatment during their time at Immersion, and the relationship between client and clinician is sacred,” Tina explains. “Many clients arrive at treatment lacking tools to develop and maintain healthy relationships. The therapeutic alliance can mirror healthy bonds and also create a safe place for clients to uncover and identify core issues. Through both individual and group therapy clients confront denial, develop coping skills, create healthier relationships, and learn how to emotionally regulate.”

The Importance of Family Involvement

Tina explained the importance of family involvement in the recovery process. “Addiction is a family disease,” she says. “Often we see family struggles arise throughout the client’s treatment process as the system is trying to regain homeostasis. Essentially, addiction disrupts the family system as a whole, and Immersion provides support to families as well as their loved one who is in treatment. It is not only important for the client to engage in therapy, but equally as important for the families to engage in their own form of healing through therapy and other support programs, such as Al-Anon”.

Filling the Role of Clinical Director

The Clinical Director role is different, but requires much of the same skillset. “My role as Clinical Director entails working closely with leadership, providing supervision, and oversight of clinical programming,” Tina explains. “I hope to bring enthusiasm, creativity, years of clinical experience, and passion for the treatment industry to my role as Clinical Director of Immersion Residential. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead and continue growing alongside the company.”

Fun in the Sun

When Tina isn’t working, she enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and growing her skill set through additional training. She also shared that she loves going to the gym and practicing yoga. Tina is originally from New Jersey and has been residing in Florida for the past 10 years. She now calls Florida home.