Jude’s Career Bio

I have over 30 clinical social work experience at three different organizations in Holland, Michigan and provided outpatient psychotherapy services to individuals and in group settings.

Early in my career I provided therapy to children and worked with teens too. As time went on I focused on treating adults.

Sitting alongside someone as they entrust me with their hurts, hearing with compassion and care and watching as they add to their life coping tools and heal is what I do. It is a heartwarming experience for me.

My treatment specialties include alcohol and drug abuse disorders, co-occurring disorders, family member(s) with alcohol or drug use problems, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, women’s issues, compassion fatigue, everyday life coping.

I’ve found treating people in group settings to be very rewarding experiences. I started an Intensive Outpatient Program for people with alcohol and drug addictions in one of my positions. Led groups for people with co-dependency, sexual abuse survivors, domestic abuse and women’s support. Provided psycho-educational groups including for family members to help their loved ones get sober, a coping tools practice group, a group to help become clean and sober for the holidays.

I have also provided a number of educational presentations to various community groups over the years: Loving the Addict: Family Pain, Women and Marriage Relationships, Substance Use Problems in the Workplace, Addictions and Seniors, Dealing with Difficult Consumers.

I put my heart into working with people in groups as well as individually…my calling! I do enjoy creating new programs, learning new ideas and sharing what I’ve come to learn with others. And, that includes writing blog posts!

In 2004 I was instrumental in starting Recovery Fest on the Lakeshore which is a celebration for National Recovery Month. And I am pleased to say the event has become a yearly staple here in Holland for the recovery community!

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Art.

I am a Licensed/Certified Social Worker in Michigan, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and an Academy of Certified Social Worker.

And for now, that’s a wrap…there’s always more to come!
Jude/Judith Vereyken, LMSW, CAADC, ACSW