Ali Swoish, EdM, MA, LMHC

Experience

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  SoulEscape Contemporary Dance Company

  Jun 2016 - Jan 2021

  Company Member and Mind/Body Instructor

  - Rehearse and perform evening length shows under the creative direction of Justin Giles, masterfully combining contemporary movement with the art of emotional storytelling- Direct and lead national weekend, week, and month-long workshops consisting of movement, yoga, mindfulness, daily journaling and self-reflection, and mind/body connection exploration for dancers ages 12-35 years old- Instruct intensive classes exploring the bidirectional communication between body and mind, including concepts such as Embodying Values-Based Living, Finding Freedom in Fear, Mindful Self-Compassion, Intentional Movement, and Mind Talk/Body Talk- Facilitate journaling activities and group discussions surrounding identity and vocational development, gratitude and goal setting, as well as mindfulness and grounding exercises Show less

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  Nordoff Robbins

  Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

  Music Therapy Clinical Intern

  - Filmed and observed 200+ hours of individual and group Creative Music Therapy sessions for children and adults ranging in age from 6-40 years old- Worked directly with Creative Music Therapists to conceptualize clients' presenting concerns, plan interventions, and learn therapeutic techniques in the music therapy process- Presented observations and gained insight into music therapy interventions during weekly supervision and staff meetings, as well as indexed process notes under supervision of music therapists- Collected data for individualized research in preparation for applying and presenting at Undergraduate research conferences Show less

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  The Quad Manhattan

  Aug 2017 - Jun 2019

  Psychosocial Teacher

  - Create talent-based curriculum and co-teach after-school classes for Twice Exceptional children, ages 7-17- Support the development of students' social-cognitive skills, behavioral regulation, and executive functioning through skill development in creative and engaging activities under guidance of Supervising Psychologist and Managing Director- Attend yearly training programs on The Quad's Social & Emotional Learning Paradigms, including Collaborative Problem Solving, Executive Functioning, Social cognition, Occupational Therapy, TCIT sessions- Maintain relationships with parents by writing monthly newsletters, as well as mid-semester and end-of-semester psychosocial reports to outline goals, strategies, and social growth- Consultation with Program Coordinator and Quad Prep Clinical Team for continuation of psychosocial goals and strategies for all children in the class Show less

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  Iona College

  Aug 2019 - May 2020

  Clinical Extern

  - Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within a short-term treatment model for undergraduate and graduate students with a wide range of presenting concerns and clinical diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, relationship problems, identity and interpersonal difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders- Participate in weekly individual and group supervision with senior staff clinicians in a variety of theoretical orientations, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal psychology, and trauma theory- Perform clinical interviewing, suicide assessment, crisis management, mental status examinations, and assessment for alcohol and other drug abuse- Attend weekly didactic seminars with professional speakers on topics of clinical interest, including CBT for Anxiety, Motivational Interviewing, Sports Psychology, Emerging Adult Clinical Psychology, Working with LGBTQ Individuals, Neurodiversity, and more- Participate in semesterly case conferences as presenter and provider of feedback, gaining experience in case formulation and accurate appraisal of client needs in the context of therapeutic relationships- Develop and facilitate college-wide community outreach programs and psychoeducational workshops, including activities and programming for Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Wellbeing, Sexual Assault, as well as Neurodiversity and LGBTQIA populations Show less

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  Iona University Counseling Center

  May 2023 - now

  Assistant Director
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  Iona College

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  - Serve as primary therapist to a caseload of neurodivergent undergraduate and graduate students, providing evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention to address mental health symptoms and psychosocial stressors- Engage in crisis intervention with students who present to the counseling center in severe distress. In collaboration with a supervisor, conduct emergency psychiatric evaluation and determine the appropriateness of a referral to hospital-based services- Provide consultation to faculty, administrators, residential staff, and Learning Specialists in the Iona programs supporting students with ASDs- Formulate curriculum for and facilitate Gael Chat: Social Communication, a one-credit, small-group experiential course providing students with tools to navigate daily social interactions which are part of their transition to college life through discussion of topics such as how to start, enter, and exit conversations, how to use humor and assess humor feedback, how to manage rejection, teasing, or bullying, and how to make and maintain friendships and other interpersonal relationships- Create and facilitate curated social activities on campus, providing accessible and inclusive programming regarding important topics within neurodiversity Show less

  • Dolce Postgraduate Fellow

    Aug 2020 - now

  • Dolce Postgraduate Fellow

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