Judy Powell has a master’s degree in Human Behavior, a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the State of Minnesota (300611).
Throughout her career, Judy has had a variety of professional roles from Counselor/therapist to Program Director, providing services to people with addictions and dual disorders in various treatment settings, from a nationally recognized treatment center to a private opioid specific center for women. Her passion has been developing programs that are creative and innovative, addressing the complex needs of individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues. Specifically, including culturally responsive, grief and trauma informed services.
Moving on from significant loss is a myth; rather. in my lived experience, we move forward, always carrying that loss with us, which is perfectly normal in grief. However, the problem comes when the grief is covered over, repressed through addictions and other coping behaviors. Addiction is a way that many individuals coped or survived difficult circumstances in life.
Throughout my life, I have come face to face with grief/loss . Moreover, I have worked as a counselor for 32 years and have been in the trenches with clients as they worked through their losses. It is abundantly clear, on personal and professional level, that there are many losses that accompany living with addiction.
It was early in my own personal recovery that I became aware of the critical role the grief plays in the development and continuation in addiction. This led to my mission throughout my career to include and embrace grief in the treatment process.
I do what is called “Mesearch”. That is, bring my “lived experience” to the clinical relationship. Additionally, I have a special interest in providing a safe, supportive environment where people with addiction and trauma histories can begin their healing journeys.
“My passion has always been working with people who have substance use disorders, those individuals that have been marginalized in our society”.
All of this led to my mission statement: to provide a “holding space” where individuals can heal body, mind and spirit in a trauma, gender and culturally responsive environment.
To offer refuge, with awareness of how inter-generational trauma, neuroscience, culture and spirituality intersect.
It is at this intersection of human suffering that I intercede to provide a menu of services that are strength based, trauma and grief informed, immersed in mindfulness and spirituality.
I attempt to be ever mindful and sensitive to diverse cultural richness, knowing that all individual possess resilience and resources to aid in their own healing.
I attempt to provide space, walking with individuals as they heal, however, that looks for them. Using person centered approach, along with movement, art, narrative, writing, sound, talk, meditation, and compassionate grief. Sharing their stories, reading poetry, listening to music, etc. Whatever it takes for the client to express their emotions, to heal and be heard.
