Gail Durant
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Dedicated and trauma-informed Social Work Professional with over 4 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in navigating behavioral, emotional, and systemic challenges. Expertise in EMDR-informed care, TF-CBT, and identity-focused interventions across clinical, school-based, and community settings enhances the ability to deliver effective support. Recognized for building authentic relationships and facilitating growth in high-risk populations while collaborating across systems to provide holistic care. Committed to empowering clients of all ages to cultivate emotional resilience, self-worth, and prosocial decision-making through culturally competent and strengths-based approaches.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
Renew Counseling and Services
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver outpatient therapy to adults presenting with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational distress.
- Utilize EMDR-informed strategies, cognitive-behavioral tools, and identity-based exploration to support emotional regulation and insight.
- Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Prepared reports to summarize clients' mental health status and treatment progress.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Mental Health Therapist
The Bair Foundation
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Provide trauma-informed therapy to youth and families involved in foster care and the child welfare system.
- Develop individualized treatment plans, complete clinical documentation, and facilitate family and individual sessions.
- Utilize modalities such as TF-CBT, EMDR-informed care, and behavioral therapy.
- Maintain communication with foster parents, caseworkers, and community supports to ensure coordinated care.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
PATH Advocate/Social Service Worker
The Bair Foundation
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Mentored adolescents and at-risk youth in foster care and alternative placements, promoting self-esteem and prosocial decision-making.
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and led collaborative service planning with families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Delivered crisis intervention and linked families with essential resources to stabilize home environments.
- Advocated for clients navigating trauma, substance abuse, and systemic barriers to success.
Community Based Mental Health Counselor
Hampton Roads Family Services, LLC
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Supported youth and families through in-home, community-based counseling focused on trauma recovery, behavior management, and life skills.
- Applied strength-based approaches and de-escalation techniques to build rapport with emotionally dysregulated youth.
- Facilitated small group sessions and partnered with schools and caregivers to reinforce progress across settings.
- Documented treatment progress and adjusted interventions to meet evolving needs.
Mental Health Professional
Family Insight, PC.
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Delivered trauma-informed care to children and adolescents experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges.
- Conducted initial assessments and created treatment plans with culturally responsive practices.
- Supported caregiver education and family dynamics work to strengthen home stability.
Community Services Coordinator
Calvary Towers
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Organized workshops related to finances, health, and wellness.
- Collaborated with local agencies to meet resident needs.
- Collaborated with activities department to boost morale and resident engagement.
- Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
- Advocated for residents to coordinate care and navigate resources within the community.
- Facilitated ongoing case management services to support successful outcomes and meet stabilization goals.
Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children
Norfolk CASA
08.2019 - 03.2021
- Represented neglected and abused children in the courtroom in front of judges, answering questions.
- Identified signs of abuse and neglect after carefully assessing clients and documented information for the judge.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials, and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Participated in meetings to help clients prioritize actions and establish short- and long-term goals.
- Supported individuals with legal, physical, or mental health concerns in dealing with routine needs and complex problems.
- Validated and substantiated admissibility of evidence, perpetuating integrity during court hearings.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2023
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12.2021
Skills
- Evidence-based therapy
- Safety and risk assessments
- Court case documentation
- Progress reporting
- Tracking client progress
- Psychosocial assessment
- Service planning
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Client needs assessment
- Intervention planning
- Treatment Planning
Certification
- CPR Certification, 2028-06-01
- AED Certification, 2028-06-01
- First Aid Certification, 2028-06-01
- Supervisee in Social Work, 2028-06-01
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Renew Counseling and Services
01.2024 - Current
Mental Health Therapist
The Bair Foundation
05.2023 - 01.2024
PATH Advocate/Social Service Worker
The Bair Foundation
09.2022 - 01.2024
Community Based Mental Health Counselor
Hampton Roads Family Services, LLC
05.2022 - 09.2022
Mental Health Professional
Family Insight, PC.
12.2021 - 05.2022
Community Services Coordinator
Calvary Towers
08.2021 - 12.2021
Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children
Norfolk CASA
08.2019 - 03.2021
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Norfolk State University