The Park Bench Story
Park Bench was formed as a dedication to the long journey of those we love. The story of the park bench is a memory of a transition from illness to recovery, from co dependence and enabling, to tough love and the saving of ourselves- from a place of despair, to a place of reflection.
On a snowy winter night, after years of relapse,
rehabs, hospitals and downward spirals, once
again I received the call, “Come and get me. I’m going to die out here, I’m sleeping on a park bench.” In that instant, I realized that I could no longer be a co-dependent. Tough love was never tougher for me as I said to him, “I will always love you, but until you decide to live I cannot help anymore.” With that I hung up the phone. Six months later he called me from a long term rehab which he had checked himself into. That was 15 years ago and today he is still living the happy, healthy life that we had all prayed for!
This experience so impacted our lives that we named our practice Park Bench Counseling Group. Although recovery is just for today, tomorrow is looking pretty bright too!! So, welcome to your Park Bench- where changes take place in all of us, and our tomorrow becomes a possibility.
Randi and Robin, the Park Bench Counselors
Randi Massey, LCSW, LCADC
Randi Massey is COO and Director of Clinical Services for Park Bench Group Counseling. Randi received her Masters’ Degree in Social Work from Temple University in 1987. Working in the addiction field since 1983, her research helped in developing the current diagnostic criterion for addictions. Randi’s studies on genetics and addictions have been published in the Alcoholism Quarterly Journal. Her work in this field was instrumental in developing the Atlantic County Task Force for substance abuse in schools. Randi became a Certified Addictions and Dependency Counselor in 1984. Since 1987 Randi has been in private practice treating adolescent and adult substance abuse. Her special focus is on family treatment, marital and women’s issues surrounding substance abuse. Her experiences include extensive work as a detox social worker as well as inpatient and outpatient therapy. Randi also is an Expert Substance Abuse Evaluation Specialist and also runs a DUI program. Randi Massey and Dr. Robin Barnett are currently writing a book to help guide families in helping their loved ones through addiction. We look forward to its publication in mid 2009..
Robin Barnett, EDD, LCSW, LCADC
Dr. Robin Barnett is the CEO and Administrator of Park Bench Group Counseling. She received her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 1993. Robin continued her education and earned her Doctorate in Human Service Administration from the University of Sarasota in 2001. Dr. Barnett has been in private practice since 1993 and treats adolescents and adults. She is also an Addictions Specialist for several nationally syndicated talk shows and she was listed as one of America's Best Therapists in 2004 by Psychology Today Magazine. Dr. Barnett specializes in family/marital counseling, anxiety, self mutilation disorders, and addictions counseling. She is an LCSW, has earned her LCADC, is certified in clinical hypnosis and is also an Expert Addictions Evaluator. Further, Dr. Barnett has experience in adoption issues. Dr. Robin Barnett and Randi Massey are currently writing a book to help guide families in helping their loved ones through addiction. We look forward to its publication in mid 2009.
The Park Bench Housing Facility
The outside of our housing facility. Our apartments provide a sober yet independent environment for our guests to begin their journey to permanent sobriety.
Accommodating facilities offer your own kitchen and bathroom areas, you make your own food and live in your own area. This allows you to enjoy a freedom not found at other facilities, while still having access to all of the services that we provide to help you begin a sober life!
The Park Bench Outpatient Facility
The outside of our outpatient facility. You will feel welcome when you see that we are not a sterile "treatment environment". Our facility welcomes you with a warm feeling and interesting look!
The interior of our facility is warm and inviting. We designed our facility to be welcoming. You will feel at ease in our home like atmosphere. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself!
Another view of the inside of the facility. You will be comfortable and relaxed in our care while receiving top notch outpatient treatment and counseling to help you on the road to your recovery!
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