Michele T. Summers, LCSW PLLC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
516-981-3735
In-person and tele-health sessions provided for all NY state residents
Specialty Services
01.
Sometimes talking about what happened isn't enough. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidenced-based trauma therapy that can help the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect you in the present. When difficult experiences become "stuck," they can continue to influence how we feel, think, behave, and respond to situations in the present-even when we know intellectually that we are safe.
EMDR can be helpful for people who feel stuck in painful memories, emotional reactions, negative beliefs about themselves, anxiety, or patterns that seem connected to experiences from the past.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help you reprocess painful memories to help reduce the emotional intensity they have in your body.
I am EMDR- trained and incorporate EMDR into a broader trauma-informed approach, always considering your individual needs, readiness and goals.
02.
When a parent and child become disconnected, rebuilding that relationship can be complicated and deeply emotional
Family reunification therapy and Therapeutic Visitation is a specialized process designed to help repair and strengthen parent-child relationships when there has been significant conflict, estrangement, separation or disruption in the relationship.
Reunification therapy is not about forcing a child or parent into a relationship. It is about creating a therapeutic environment where the experiences, emotions, concerns, and needs of each family member can be understood and addressed while working towards a healthier relationship.
Reunification therapy may include individual sessions, parent guidance, and joint sessions, depending on clinical need and court parameters. When appropriate and with specific consents signed, I collaborate with attorneys, law guardians (ACA), forensic evaluators, guardians at litem, and child welfare agencies to support a coordinated and clinically appropriate reunification process.
Services may be provided pursuant to court order or by private referral.
03.
Navigating family court proceedings, the child welfare systems or special education process can be extremely overwhelming for parents who are trying to do what is best for their child(ren). Understanding your rights, communicating with professionals, and advocating effectively can be challenging when emotions are high and the systems involved feel complicated.
With over 20 years of experience in child welfare, family services and clinical practice. I offer parent support and guidance to help families better understand these systems, prepare for challenging conversations, and navigate complex situations with greater confidence.
Areas of Support:
* Child Welfare and Family Court: Guidance for parents navigating child welfare involvement, family court-related challenged, and complex family dynamics.
* Special Education and CSE Advocacy: Support navigating the Committee on Special Education (CSE) process, understanding school-based services, preparing meetings, and communicating concerns about your child's educational needs.
*Professional Consultation: Relevant consultation informed by my experience in child welfare administration, family services and clinical practice.
Family Reunification, Therapeutic Supervision and Parent Support/ Educational Advocacy services are specialized, private pay services and are not billable under health insurance. Fees and service arrangements are discussed during an initial consult.