Mike Lane

In April 2018, I was recovering from the flu. While resting, I asked myself where I thought I would be in five years. I did not like any of the answers.

As a result, I applied to grad school and was accepted to Stony Brook University. I decided to pursue social work to be part of a profession that helps to bring about change with compassion.

Due to the COVID pandemic, I began my social work career in public health for the New York State Contact Tracing Initiative. In my role as Community Support Specialist Lead, I co-supervised teams of up to 80 Community Support Specialists in providing resources for those in isolation and quarantine.

When the New York State Contact Tracing Initiative came to an end, I was hired as a Primary Therapist in an eating disorder residential facility providing individual, group, family and couples therapy, as well as meal support. It was at this high level of care that I developed my skills in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also utilize emotional exploration, validating (they’re all valid, all the time) and holding space for emotions that clients tend to avoid. Once avoidance decreases, recovery can begin. I am now proud to provide this expertise to The Rising Lotus Group.

During my professional career, I have seen and experienced powerful moments throughout the emotional spectrum. The work, while challenging, has been very rewarding. My clients motivate me to not only be a better social worker but to look forward to helping them with their recovery. Finally, the compassion, friendliness and welcoming work environments that I have experienced, helps me realize that my decision during the flu recovery was one of the best I have ever made.