Carol MacHendrie, LISW

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker living and practicing in Santa Fe for the past 35 years. I continue to work primarily with couples although I have worked extensively with individuals and groups throughout my career. My areas of specialization include: couples on the brink of divorce; couples experiencing infidelity (romantic relationships, emotional affairs, financial infidelity); couples in recovery; couples where one or both partners have ADHD; and couples experiencing illness or loss.

A passionate speaker and teacher I have taught and presented internationally to audiences of professionals, general public and in the workplace. I have been on the faculty of Syracuse University, College of Santa Fe, and St. Eustatius School of Medicine.

I am an attuned strength based neurobiologically informed therapist with over three decades of clinical experience. I draw upon multiple theoretical models for behavior change to provide a flexible, creative and compassionate approach to your concerns.

Education: MSW Syracuse University, NY State Fellowship in Alcoholism Studies; BA Hofstra University Cum Laude

License and Certifications: NM Licensed Independent Social Worker, Diplomat, American Board of Examiners in Clinical

Professional Organizations: National Association of Social Workers, Professional Member: ADDA, American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work

Married for 35 years I have first hand knowledge of the persistence, endurance, and satisfaction of a long-term relationship.

 

My Clinical Philosophy

I have often seen my work as akin to a trail guide.You choose the hike and together decide where we envision our journey. We navigate the steeper terrain to emerge stronger and our vision altered to see beyond what we have been able to see before. This does not mean that the journey will be easy. We rest and nourish ourselves along the way making certain that all the resources that we need are metaphorically in our backpacks. We take pride in the satisfaction of having embarked on the journey no matter where it takes us. The most important aspect is that you decide where we are to go and I will gently guide you having gone on many hikes with others. However, each couple or individual is unique as is the journey we embark on together. Each person and situation is met with “beginner’s mind” no two are alike.

During my graduate studies at Syracuse University I majored in Family Therapy with a concentration in addiction. Both in graduate school and in continuing professional education I have been fortunate to work with some of the “Greats” of family therapy including: Salvador Minuchin, Celia Delfano, Carl Whitaker, Tom Fogarty and Phil Guerin.” As part of my specialized training in addiction, we focused on the inclusion of spouses and family members as an integral aspect of treatment. My therapy practice is informed by interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness. I draw upon multiple theoretical models for behavior change and communication to provide a flexible and creative approach to your concerns.

The values, ethics, beliefs and resilience that you bring into our work together are key to finding solutions to the challenges you may face. I place the highest value on your self-determination and your capacity to create your own meaningful life.