I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in working with adults, couples and families in Jacksonville, FL. I have 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, using a contemporary psychodynamically-oriented approach. I work with individuals struggling with relationship and family issues, parenting difficulties, divorce, trauma, unresolved grief, loss, anxiety and depression, among other issues.
My therapeutic style is interactive and relational; my approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Below you will find more information about my education and experience.
Education
Smith College School for Social Work; Northampton, MA
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Social Work. Dissertation topic - Parenting Coordination: an Intervention for High-Conflict Families
University of Maryland; Baltimore, MD
Masters in Social Work
Post Graduate Training
Yale Child Study Center; New Haven, CT
Psychoanalytic Research Internship
Zeynip Biringen, Ph.D.; Colorado State University, Boulder, CO
Emotional Availability Scales Research Protocol
The Cooperative Parenting Institute; Hartford, CT
Parent Coordination Training
Baltimore Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis; Laurel, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program
University of Virginia; Child & Family Psychiatry; Charlottesville, VA
Under Fives Study Center; Attachment Theory Reading Seminar
Teaching Experience
University of North Florida; Jacksonville, FL
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Social Work
Smith College School for Social Work; Northampton, MA
Adjunct Assistant Professor
National Catholic School for Social Service; Washington, D.C.
Adjunct Faculty, Field Educator and Supervisor
University of Maryland School for Social Work; Baltimore, MD
Field Educator and Supervisor
George Washington University School for Professional Psychology; Washington, D.C.
Clinical Supervising Faculty
Professional Presentations & Activities
Polson, T.A. Child & Adolescent Mental Health. Frontline Mental Health Conference for Clergy and Congregations, Bethesda, MD
Ziv, Y. & Polson, T.A. Back to the Future: The Lourie Center's Return to Research, Rockville, MD
Perry, D.F. & Polson, T.A. Attachment and Temperament: Implications for Juvenile Court Judges, D.C. Superior Court Judges, Washington, D.C.
Polson, T.A. Craft, P. The Therapeutic Nursery Program, The Cosmos Club Membership, Washington, D.C.
Polson, T.A. Clinical Presentation on Early Childhood Mental Health, The Case of Ronald, The Women's National Democratic Club, Washington, D.C.
Polson, T.A. What is Early Childhood Mental Health? Presentation to the Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee and House Appropriations Committee, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, Maryland State Legislature, Annapolis, MD.
License, Certifications & Awards
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - State of Florida #SW10245
2012 Outstaning Service Award from the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants & Young Children, Rockville, MD
2013 Roger Miller Dissertation Grant Recipient, Smith College for Social Work
Doctor of Philosophy 2014 Class Speaker, Smith College School for Social Work
2018 NE Florida NASW Social Worker of the Year.
Professional Memberships
American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work
Florida Association of Social Workers
National Association of Social Workers
Community/Volunteer
Board of Directors, Agape Family Health Centers (Term 2020-2023)
Board of Directors, Hubbard House (Term 2019-2022)
Leadership Jacksonville (Class of 2021)
Victory Council, Ruth's List Florida