Oliver-Pyatt Centers Primary Therapist Carmen Bolivar, MSW, LCSW gives a glimpse into the work she does at Casa Rosada Comprehensive Adult Program in this week’s Meet Our Team. She shares about her journey to joining the OPC team and the passion she puts into every day spent supporting women on the journey to full recovery. Learn more about Carmen and OPC by reading her blog post…
What is your name and what are your credentials?
Carmen Bolívar, MSW, LCSW. I am a Primary Therapist at Casa Rosada Comprehensive Adult Program.
Please give us a brief description of your background.
I’m originally from New Jersey and relocated to Miami, FL a little over a year ago. I received my BA in Sociology from Rutgers the State University and my Masters in Social Work with a concentration on International and Community Development from Monmouth University. I am also Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behaviorally Trained and have over five years of experience in residential settings. In addition to adult residential, acute in-patient and out-patient experience, I have also worked within different aspects of the Children’s System of Care of NJ. I have worked to provide wrap around services to children and adolescents with complex behavioral and/or emotional needs and their families. In the summer of 2015, I moved to the Sunshine State to pursue never ending summers and say good-bye to blizzards for good. I found OPC on my pursuit of happiness and am grateful to be part of such an amazing and dedicated group of professionals.
What does a typical day look like for you at OPC?
One day never looks like the next! In my role of Primary Therapist at Casa Rosada, I wear many different hats. I facilitate Body Image and Shame and Resilience groups, share meals with the milieu and collaborate with my colleagues. A few times a week, I put on my war paint (lipstick) and enter the battlefield (my office) and wage war (humbly request) for insurance coverage for my caseload. In the afternoons, I see clients individually, conduct family sessions and complete documentation.
In your own words, please describe the philosophy of OPC.
OPC has many strengths and the one that speaks to me the most is the ability to deliver quality individualized care to clients with unique needs. I believe the multidisciplinary approach provides the most comprehensive and effective care to our clients, giving them the opportunity to achieve sustainable recovery from their eating disorders. No two eating disorders are alike and therefore OPC treatment thrives because we approach each client’s treatment uniquely.
How does your team work together? How do your roles overlap and differ?
I feel truly blessed to part of the team at Rosada. We collaborate and work together to support each other when we are facing challenges, needing encouragement and especially, problem-solving. Our roles overlap in that we consistently collaborate and share our expertise to provide comprehensive and individualized care for our clients.
What is your favorite thing about OPC?
My favorite thing about OPC being able to work alongside my colleagues who share the same passion I do about the work we do. We are able to connect, learn and grow from each other. I am inspired by my colleagues and they motivate daily.
What are three facts about you that people do not know?
That I once completed a Tough Mudder and will probably never do that again.
I have performed with a Salsa team in NJ at Salsa Congresses.
I used to be very afraid of clowns…now I’m only moderately uncomfortable.
For more information about Oliver-Pyatt Centers, please call 866.511.HEAL (4325), visit our website, subscribe to our blog, and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.