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About

Brianna Sterling, LCSW
She/Her/Hers

Brianna has over 8 years of experience working with trauma survivors and their loved ones. She is well-versed in complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress, anxiety, depression, grief, attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, abuse (physical, emotional, & sexual), neglect, intimate partner violence, commercial sexual exploitation, compassion fatigue, resiliency, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches to treatment.

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Experience

Psychotherapist & Clinical Social Worker

During her undergraduate study, Brianna worked with child and adult survivors of complex trauma through domestic violence shelters, group homes, and advocate programs. She assisted with organizations serving children/family by strengthening their community outreach programs and increasing resiliency factors. She was president of her alma mater’s psychology club, member of Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology), and founded the Prevent Child Abuse at University of North Georgia chapter. Her efforts in promoting community preventative measures for abuse/neglect were interviewed by and featured in The Dahlonega Nugget newspaper. Brianna was also selected out of her undergraduate program to be awarded the Jim G. Coone Ph.D. Community Service Departmental Award, an award presented annually to the Psychology or Sociology major making significant contributions to community service.

 

While attending her Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Georgia(UGA), Brianna worked as a behavioral therapist for an inpatient psychiatric hospital. She served as a family advocate, grant coordinator, & therapeutic camp counselor for multiple child advocacy centers. Brianna was also a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society (the American honor society for Social Work students). She attended trainings on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), mindfulness, theraplay, attachment, and animal-assisted therapy. Brianna also participated in the Project F.R.E.E Elevate & Together We Can curriculum and was trained as a co-facilitator. 

 

Brianna has more than 4 years post graduate work experience as an individual, child, and family therapist. She has experience as an Intensive Family Intervention (IFI) therapist providing thorough services to children experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and/or homicidal thoughts and their families. She served as a clinical supervisor where she supervised and trained clinicians at a private, community based mental health agency. Brianna also has experience as a group facilitator, intake assessor, and agency liaison to multiple agencies serving children/families.

Currently, Brianna teaches part-time as an adjunct professor for the University of Georgia's Social of Social Work. She also serves as the coordinator for the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program Athens Area Trauma Recovery Network. The Athens Area TRN provides free, time limited EMDR services to individuals, families and communities affected by sexual violence and child abuse. This initiative also uses EMDR trained clinicians to respond to community traumas, such as mass shootings, natural disasters, etc.  

Qualifications

Education

University of Georgia                                                                        Athens, GA

Masters of Social Work (MSW)                                                             May 2017

University of North Georgia                                                       Dahlonega, GA

Bachelor of Science, Psychology Major                                              May 2014
Minor in Leadership with emphasis in Criminal Forensic

Specialized Training

Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through the National TF-CBT Therapists Certification Program. She has received specialized training in implementing TF-CBT with child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Part 1 & Part 2 training through the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP). She has received specialized training in implementing EMDR with children and clients with dissociative tendencies. She also received additional training in the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) & Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP), two EMDR Early Interventions (EIs). Currently, Brianna is working towards EMDR certification with an EMDRIA approved consultant.

 

Brainspotting (BSP) Phase 1 & Phase 2 training through Cynthasis. Currently, Brianna is working towards BSP certification with a BSP approved consultant.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques: Step-by-Step Procedures for Healing Traumatic Wounds and Alleviating Anxiety & Depression, Trauma, Addiction and More; The Presence of the Therapists, Polarizations, Extreme Protectors, and the Cycle of Addiction.

Healing Trauma: Yoga and Beyond.

Play Therapy Techniques: Assessment of Children Using Play, Responding to the Language of Children, Treating Trauma in Play Therapy - Interpersonal Neurobiology Approach for Dissociation & Hypoarousal, & Theraplay, 

Ethical Principles in Working with Complex Trauma.

Dr. J. Eric Gentry's Forward Facing Trauma Therapy techniques.

The Four Styles of Attachment.

Mindfulness Practice and Interventions with Kids and Families.

Changing Models of Grief Support.

Family Systems.

Legal Issues 101: Legal & Ethical Obligations when working with children who are victims of abuse.

Mental Health Ethics and the Provision of Telemental Services.

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License

Georgia State License CSW007341

Membership

National Association of Social Workers / 886831283

EMDR International Association

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