Lianne Lindner

Education

BA, Messiah University, Therapeutic Recreation, 2000

 MSW, Spring Arbor University, Clinical Social Work, 2020

 

Professional experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with adults, teens, and young adults in mental health and education settings.  Having a degree in recreational therapy, I believe art, music, movement, and recreation activities can be a positive tool for healing and growth.  Having had experience in various diverse settings, listening to others with empathy and without judgment is most important in building the client/counselor rapport. While working toward my MSW, I had the opportunity to receive various trainings in suicide prevention, suicide assessment, crisis intervention, workforce development, and human trafficking. 

 

My hope is to create a safe space for sharing, where healing and growth can occur.  My approach is eclectic, drawing from various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, Solution-focused, and Motivational Interviewing.

 

 

Biography

From a young age, people and their stories have always intrigued me, and I often felt empathy for those that were hurting or going through a difficult time.  Helping people and journeying alongside them through various life circumstances is an honor and privilege.  In college, I studied recreational therapy, which led me to an internship in Chicago and working in residential and in-patient psychiatry settings.  Later, having moved to Grand Rapids, I worked in the public schools as a special education paraprofessional and behavior interventionist.  Having always wanted to study social work, I eventually decided that it is never too late, and listened to that nudge that God had been giving me. 

 

It is humbling and an honor to walk with college students who are experiencing transitions, autonomy, relationships, personal faith, and taking the initiative for their personal mental health. Working with teenagers and young adults in various settings and with diverse populations, is where I enjoy using my skills.  Experience working in the schools teaching suicide prevention curriculum, gave me a desire to continue to learn about suicidality and provide suicide education and prevention.  I believe providing hope and joy can be powerful in the healing process. 

 

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family, especially going to Lake Michigan.  I love to exercise, by practicing yoga, hiking, cross-country skiing, or anything outdoors!  Good coffee and listening to music are also a daily part of my life, whether it is new worship music, gospel lo-fi, folk, or Christian rap, they all have a place! My favorite food is Mediterranean, especially lentils.

Academic interests

• Anxiety
• Suicide Prevention and Intervention
• Grief and Loss
• Movement and Mental Health
• Nutrition and Mental Health
• Gratitude
• Adverse Childhood Experiences/Trauma
• CBT
• Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health
• Family Relationships/Divorce
• Prayer/Contemplation