Maria Perdunn

MSW,LCADC,LSW

Education

Masters Degree in Social Work, minor in Psychology, and Speciality in Addictions from Rutgers University 

Experience

I started my journey in the helping profession beginning with teaching children and adults Martial Arts and life skills with developmental and intellectual disabilities in 2009. During this path I ventured into the social work field as a volunteer and intern with Catholic Charities serving women and children who were victims of domestic violence. While there I also helped individuals who were homeless with assistance on finding housing and distributed food to clients through our community food pantry.  Following my volunteer and intern opportunities I began working in the field of mental health and substance abuse counseling in 2017 serving children,adolescents, and adults. Which is where I started conducting groups, individual,family, and couples counseling in various treatment settings to include residential, intensive-in-community, outpatient, and homeless prevention. 

Expertise

Depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Trauma and PTSD, gambling disorders, eating disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, grief and loss

Treatment Philosophy

Working together to empower clients using an individual and team approach to rise above stigma and gain control over their lives. Using evidenced-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, MIndfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, 12-step approach for substance abuse, Person-centered therapy, and Solution-focused therapy, 

Guiding Principles

My guiding principle is to provide a safe, supportive, and open therapeutic environment where my clients and I can communicate freely without judgement. My aim is to help guide and motivate my client’s in finding meaning and purpose in life.