Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Weaver.
Joshua, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Early on as a childhood cancer survivor, who experienced numerous relapses from the time I was three to twelve years old, I quickly became aware of what it meant to be a survivor. It wasn’t until I became older that I realized the difference between surviving and thriving. While participating in long-term follow studies for childhood cancer survivors, I noticed that the same disease that I survived had impacted other survivors emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually. This population, in addition to the other populations of trauma survivors, oftentimes goes under treated and need specific treatments to support their recovery. These are just a few of the reasons why I decided to get into this particular field of behavioral sciences. I graduated in 2010 with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and then began to work for a non-profit substance abuse facility. I then moved into working for private treatment facilities and completed training to become a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma specialist. I recently made the decision to see clients privately in my own practice.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Like other professionals, I had to pay my dues and allow myself to be teachable. Working in the mental health and substance abuse fields alone require any therapist to have strong professional boundaries and a balanced life otherwise they will experience burnout. When working with individuals that have mental health or substance abuse issues in addition to a history of surviving trauma, it makes treating the client even more challenging.
The Trauma Treatment Specialists LLC – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I focus on working with clients suffering from chronic relapse from substance abuse, behavioral issues, PTSD, medical trauma, and severe traumatic histories such as grief and loss, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, natural disasters, physical abuse, combat and acts of terrorism.
I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) to support clients in coping with the disturbances they experience because of the traumatic events they have survived.
I also facilitate group therapy for trauma survivors.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is being able to wake up every morning and having the opportunity to do what you have always wanted to do in life. I have always wanted to be a therapist and help people, so I can say I am experiencing success on a daily basis.
Contact Info:
- Address: 101 Plaza Real South Suite 226
Boca Raton, FL - Website: www.traumaspecialists.net
- Phone: (754) 999-0288
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: traumaspecialists
- Facebook: The Trauma Treatment Specialists LLC @thetraumaspecialists
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