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Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACSHi, I'm Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS, creator of Rising Beyond Power and Control. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has specialized in working with victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse and domestic violence for the last decade, including the child victims in these families. Trained as a child and family therapist, I did not initially have any idea that I would be working with this population and wanted to focus on working with kids. Just kids. In every work environment I found myself working, a hospital setting, an agency contracted with child protective services, and then in private practice, I ran into families affected by domestic violence and narcissistic abuse over and over again. While working with children and families involved in custody battles, I could not understand many of the outcomes and started to dig further into the issue. This led to much frustration and anger about the injustices for these children and increased my passion for working with this population.
In trying to close the gaps in support for victims and survivors, I have created a training website and in-person training opportunities for other mental health professionals and created online courses for continuing education for social workers on Continued.com. I have written an e-book on the subject, And Then We Do Harm: Rethinking Clinical Interventions for Survivors of Domestic Violence. I have run therapeutic support groups for victims of domestic violence since 2014. And still, the gaps are there. There is not enough support. And thus, The Rising Beyond Community began. When I am not being a squeaky wheel, sharing my passion for supporting this population, you can find me trying to wrangle up my two boys, beating up a bag in kickboxing, watching Harry Potter, or meeting up with family and friends. |
Sybil is Featured On:
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Sabrina Merz, MA, LPCCHi, I'm Sabrina Merz, MS, LPC. I'm a counselor who provides therapy to women who are survivors of domestic violence and families affected by trauma. I lead therapeutic groups for women affected by domestic violence, but often have to disappoint people when they become full or are at times that don't work for someone's schedule. I also know that the need for support extends beyond an hour in group. Sometimes it comes in the middle of the night. Oftentimes women who have experienced abuse have also been isolated from their support systems or have too much shame to utilize them. I'm really excited to be a part of providing you with this always accessible platform of support and information.
I'm also a huge geek about neuroscience (the science of the brain) and the science behind regulation and our fight/flight/freeze responses. I grew up around horses and learned to calm my nervous system, otherwise I was going to get thrown off. I later became curious about how my whole nervous state changed when I got on a horse, and my fascination with polyvagal theory (relating to the vagus nerve) was born. Equally fascinating to me is that fact that our brains have "neuroplasticity" which very unscientifically means we can rewire them. This means patterns can be changed and you can feel better! You can count on me to be jumping in with information on the science of regulation, the science of happiness, and of course on other topics as well. |
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Christiana Kordic, MA, LPCCHi, I’m Christiana Kordic MA, LPCC.
As I talk with clinicians and clients, I continue to be taken aback by how little training clinicians receive about working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. It is equally concerning that there is such difficulty in finding resources and support that help manage all of the issues that arise post separation. I feel lucky to have been trained by Sybil and to have been a co-leader for her therapeutic groups for victims of domestic violence so that I can help fill the gap of professionals who understand all that this population goes through. I am passionate about peoples’ stories. I’m excited about the welcoming and supportive community Rising Beyond Power and Control creates for victims and survivors to share their stories. I am excited to be a part of this movement. I am honored you are here and am hopeful you will find space to share your story and that you will feel believed and heard. |
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Summer Rippe, MA, LPCCAs someone who is compassionate and empathic to those who struggle in life, I hope to give my clients a safe space to disclose their experiences without fear of judgment. I believe people can grow in skills and resiliency from the strength within themselves and lead productive and happy lives. I look forward to working collaboratively with my clients to help them meet their goals, empowering them toward growth and change, and providing a supportive and caring therapeutic relationship.
I began my college education at Texas A&M University, where I studied Biomedical Science. After college, I spent a few years working in research laboratories and then took a break from working while raising my four children, who inspired and encouraged me to return to school to become a therapist. In 2019, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from CU Denver. I graduated in 2022 with my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. I am a trauma informed therapist. I am trained in EMDR and certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol. I implement Person Centered Therapy, Attachment Focused modalities, Mindfulness Based approaches, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my work. |
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Alec Rozmiarek, BA, LPCCAs a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, I am honored to have the privilege of witnessing others tell their own story and empower themselves to make changes. I am passionate about collaborating with people to recognize their strengths and utilize them in ways that are specifically tailored to the individual. I emphasize the power of the therapeutic relationship in addressing everyday problems, as well as how they tie into the big picture of our attitudes toward ourselves, those close to us, and our lives as a whole.
My experience working with children, teens, and adults has demonstrated for me that every individual has their own story, needs, complexities, and perspectives, and has instilled within me a drive to approach my work with positivity, empathy, fun, and understanding. |
