Clinician Profiles

Meet our clinicians

Bonny Dodson, LCSW

Director of Clinical services

We all face challenges whether they be inherited, life experiences, or what we believe about ourselves and our futures. One sure thing is change and all the possibilities that can come with change. Are we ready and open to new ways of thinking, and taking action? If you are exploring getting assistance in creating change in your life it is vital that you find a therapist that is a good fit for you. So, read profiles, talk with a few counselors and get some references before making your decision about who you will invite into your journey.

I received a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Smith College in 1990. My work and training has focused on family therapy, attachment and trauma including such models as Child Parent Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I have also worked extensively with kinship families, reunification, permanency preparation for foster children and post adoption support. Whatever issues have brought you or your child to therapy or what specific treatment modality we choose, the most important focus is that you direct the process. We will routinely review the results. The primary considerations are your goals/hopes/expectations, strengths, ideas, and if you find our work is helping.

       

Andrea Richards, LCPC, BCBA

clinician, Director of Early childhood services

Andrea has worked with children in a variety of settings, including at school, in families’ homes, and on an inpatient unit at a psychiatric hospital. She specializes in utilizing play therapy with children who have experienced trauma and helping to build social and play skills with children on the autism spectrum. In addition to play therapy, Andrea utilizes ABA (applied behavior analysis) and CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), both of which are evidence-based treatment models shown to have success with helping individuals engaged in counseling meet their goals. As a certified professional teacher for children birth to five years old, she is also very aware of the various ways that children learn. Andrea has had experience working with children in foster care and adoptive families, including supporting reunification of a child with his or her biological parents when that is a safe option for the child and family. She has worked with children who have witnessed domestic violence, including past volunteer work with Spruce Run. Andrea’s office is a safe space for children to play games, read books, and talk about their challenges and successes; parents regularly play an important role in the counseling process, whether through regular check-ins, participation in processing, or playing along with their child.

Sadel Davis, LCPC

Clinician, Director of Behavioral health homes

I’m in my ninth year at UCP, and have been an LCPC for almost 4 years. I truly enjoy working with families and looking at the relationships that exist between family, friends and natural supports. I find my energy lies with family therapy, and am always amazed at the advances families can make when they decide to work to change together. I’m very interested in integrated care, and working with other area providers to understand an individuals medical, mental health, and socioeconomic needs. Individuals are made up of so much, I love the team approach of being able to all collaborate to best treat an a person. I use humor everyday! I love to laugh, and find that it always helps to connect with people, lighten the mood, and remember that its ok to just laugh it off sometimes!

clinician

Hi! I am UCP of Maine’s Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Home  and Case Management Services, the Clinical Lead for our Behavioral Health Home (BHH) program, and continue to see clients as a clinical counselor. As a counselor, I’ve received specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and have a strong interest in Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic theories, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

I’ve been intrigued by the mind-body connection for years, and through the BHH program I’m proud to be a part of the transformation occurring in healthcare that is bringing physical health and emotional health together. This is because I believe our understanding of health is incomplete without discussions of how we find joy and strength in our efforts to cope with stress, fear, shame, and change.

I graduated from the University of Maine in 2010 with a master’s degree in Counselor Education, after earning bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology, also from UMaine. In all, I’ve been working and learning in social services for about 15 years, offering help to children, adults, and families in a variety of roles and settings.

photo coming soon UCP

Amanda Conners, LMSW-cc

Clinician

I have over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health, starting out providing direct care services for children with varying mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs, and supporting caregivers with managing day-to-day challenges. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services in 2005, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maine in 2010. I am currently a Licensed Master Social Worker (conditional clinical) and have been working as a clinician for almost 2 years, with children of all ages, as well as their families, providing in-home therapeutic services. I have experience using Applied Behavioral Analysis, Cognitive Behavioral, and Family Therapy techniques, and incorporate these into my work with children and families. I believe in the importance of creating strong working relationships with the children and families I serve, to be most effective at helping them to achieve their desired goals.