Christine Gerhard Dicks, LCSW, CEAP

For more than 16 years, I have been practicing as a social worker in a variety of settings, including child welfare, mental health, and employee assistance counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's Degree in social work from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and a Bachelor's Degree in social work from Michigan State University.  I am also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) and am skilled at assessing and treating a wide range of emotional issues. 

Marissa Morris-Jones, LCSW

Throughout my career, I have specialized in evidence-based treatment approaches and received advanced training in cutting-edge, third-wave therapies. After studying at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration, which was ranked as the top school of social work in the United States, I worked on inpatient psychiatry units for children and adolescents, in a community mental health center, as a clinician at a top-ranked research university, and in mental health research.

My experience has enabled me to work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults facing a myriad of life difficulties including depression, anxiety, addiction, perfectionism, and life-transition.   I work from a model called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people connect with their values as a reason for working through difficult circumstances and emotions. Through ACT, my clients learn to focus on balancing acceptance and change. I have a strong commitment to authenticity and honesty and hope that I can join you in moving toward the things that matter most in your life.

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For 16 years, I have worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) treating adults, children, and families.  I hold a Master’s Degree in social work from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and I am originally from Raleigh. 

After receiving my Master’s Degree, I became a post-graduate fellow at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, D.C., where I did intensive training in family systems theory.  In addition, I have worked for years with individuals residing in nursing homes, developing a specialty in geriatric issues and health issues.  Throughout my career, I have helped individuals and families cope with life stressors including grief, loss, depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship issues, conflict, aging, medical illnesses, and symptoms of mental illness.

As a therapist and as a life coach, I can help you examine ways to improve your coping skills and remain calm and focused to achieve your life goals. 

Throughout my career, I have specialized in solution-focused work, mindfulness and stress-reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After receiving my Master’s Degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I worked at a substance abuse and mental health outpatient treatment center facilitating groups for adolescents and adults. Along with being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am also a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS). With an undergraduate degree in fine arts, as well as years of experience as a high school visual arts teacher, I incorporate expressive arts with my work with clients.

My experience includes working with adolescents, adults, and families on issues related to anxiety, depression, addictions, compulsive behavior, self-esteem, and life transitions.  I help clients not only learn or develop skills, but also understand the heart of their behavior and choices.  My overall belief is that one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process is the relationship between the client and the therapist.  In providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, I encourage your own personal empowerment and growth through a relationship built on trust, respect, and compassion.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years experience in the areas of mental health and small and large group training. I graduated from The Johns Hopkins University (B.A.) in Baltimore and received my Masters of Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. 

Locally, I enjoyed nine years as a senior clinician and wellness trainer for Frank Horton Associates Workplace Counseling and Consulting.  My career has also included leadership positions at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the City of New York Department of Health, and The National Down Syndrome Society.  Currently, my primary area of focus is working with couples who are negotiating the challenges of long-term, committed relationships.

My style is to provide a compassionate, focused environment where there is both the safety for, and expectation of, direct and meaningful communication and problem solving.  I work to help individuals and couples find and express what they need, what they want, and to create achievable road maps toward a better life together.