Sonny Blake, MS, CAP graduated from Springfield College in 2006 with a Master Degree in Human Services specializing in mental health counseling.  He has worked in the field of substance abuse since 1992 after graduating with an Associates Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Howard College in Big Spring Texas.  Since that time, he has counseled adults in addiction, working in a residential setting, worked with adolescents in an outpatient setting, and worked in substance abuse prevention.  In 2003, he graduated from University of Texas Permian Basin with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology.  In 2004, he moved to Florida to pursue his goals in Mental Health Counseling.  The past two years he has worked as program director in a short-term residential program for substance abuse and mental health in the Tampa Bay Area.

 

Sonny has expertise working with individuals who have diagnosis of Depression and Anxiety as well as Bipolar Disorder.  In the past year, he has worked with individuals addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Plans are currently being developed to begin a PTSD group that will meet 1x weekly. 

 

Sonny has expertise working with families of substance abusers specifically addressing co-dependency issues and educating family members about the disease of addiction while helping them learn coping skills to deal with the addiction in their family. 

 

Sonny has also worked with individuals addressing inner child issues.  He has been successful in helping individuals work through their past trauma issues through the process of nurturing their inner child. 

 

Sonny has expertise in working with Gay, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered individuals.  His Masters Project focused on Mental Health Disorders among GLBT individuals.  Oppression and disempowerment due to fear of rejection from family and peers, and retaliation experienced by those who may suffer homophobia, over a life span is many times responsible for creating Anxiety and Depression which often leaves an individual feeling powerless ultimately creating ongoing problems within the persons relationships.  The 5 stages of coming out may be utilized to help the GLBT individual  work toward personal growth and change, empowering the individual to live a productive and health life through their individuality and in their relationships.

Sonny was actively involved in the addictions field while in Texas, serving on the Midland-Odessa Chapter as Chapter President of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.  He is currently a member of the Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association. 

 

• Graduated 2006: Springfield College, Tampa Campus
• Licensed 1992:  Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - Texas
• Certified 2004:  Certified Addictions Counselor # 2906 - Florida
• Registered 2007:  Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern # IMH6171 - Florida Department of Health
• Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 1994