Richard Flynn

About Richard Flynn

I have provided effective therapeutic support with a wide range of children and young adults diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers, depression/suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, identity crisis, Manic-Depressive, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Aggression, sexual and physical abuse/domestic violence survivors, chronic illness and life-ending illnesses in therapeutic schools, Lurie Children’s Hospital, La Rabida, out-patient Private Practices, Domestic violence agencies, and in-home settings. I attempt to form a strong positive therapeutic relationship that is unique to each person, meaning; I listen and learn and make decisions based on the person/parent’s goals. I frequently use CBT, DBT, Humanistic and Relational approaches. Depending on the person and their situation, I use talk therapy, Art Therapy, play therapy or an eclectic approach. The licenses and certifications that I have are Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Board Certified Art Therapist ATR-BC), Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), Grief Counseling, and Domestic Violence certification. My strengths lie in creating a positive and safe environment, promote the strengthening of a person\'s ability to recognize their strengths, qualities, and provide guidance to help them reach their personal goals. I’ve also engaged in mentoring young adults, helping them create and strengthen coping tools, and apply them to their unique situations so they can be better prepared for life now and as they face new challenges in the future. I run several groups, including a Young Men\'s Social Skills Group, an Art Therapy Group for teens/tweens, and a Co-Ed Self-Actualizing group based on Mindfulness, Breathing, Focused Planning, Visualization, and other Self-Mastery skills.

Experience

1. Military & Family Life Counselor

   Leidos

   Jan 2022 — Present · Gotenba, JP

   Coordinate with Command and LCPOs for behavioral/emotional/coping needs in the work environment during active Boot Camp training • Provide direct non-medical behavioral counseling in-school and after-school environments • Lead structured groups; Action, Art and Play Therapy experientials; and assist teachers in classroom educational activities • Provide individual consultations with parents, as well as, family consultations when needed • Informal observations and guidance for teachers and trainers when children display unexpected behaviors for their age/culture and model expected behaviors • Provide Social Emotional Skills Training, Motivational and Resilience mentoring, Relationship issues, Deployment cycle stressors, Anger management, Grief, loss, and Anxiety • Offer parents training techniques for children struggling with life in the Military, help parent/child communication challenges, improve problem solving skills, social skills, and conflict resolution • Provide training to staff and parents by facilitating psycho-educational groups for anger management, social skills, bullying, self esteem, communication and additional psychosocial challenges. • Provide Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) non-medical counseling services to Service Members and their families through telephonic and video conferencing (Zoom) methods on a temporary basis during the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic.

Education

• Academy of Art University

  Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Character Design

  2007 — 2009

• Northeastern Illinois University

  BA, Psychology

  1986 — 1993

• University of New Mexico

  n.a., Philosophy/Aesthetics

  1999 — 2000

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  MAAT, Art Therapy, Counseling, Autism/Asperger's, Alzheimer's, Medical Art Therapy, Brain Injury

  2008 — 2010

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  Master of Arts - MA

• American Academy of Art

  BFA, Fine Art

  1990 — 1997

• Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network

  Domestic Violence 40-Hour Training, Domestic Violence

  2014 — 2014