My name is Beverly Cavanaugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've been called an "old time" social worker, which I could take offense to, except it is true! I received a B.S. degree from Brigham Young University in 1963 and my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Utah in 1966. I began my professional career working with youth in crisis. I have assisted in setting up a private foster care program in Utah County as will as a temporary care/shelter program in Salt Lake County. I have placed and supervised many children in out-of-home placements, as well as having over forty foster children in my own home. (What a sad alternative to children being with their own biological families) But reality is that sometimes, through the fault of either/or the parent and the child, this is not possible. So, sad as it might be, the foster care system flourishes. In more recent years, I worked as a mental health therapist for Northeastern Counseling from 1992 through 2000. I then had an opportunity to work for Child Protective Services in Nevada, where my husband and I were considering moving. However, we are hopelessly attached to the Uintah Basin, so after fourteen months in Nevada, returned home.

My husband and I were married in 1964. He is a retired social worker who spent his professional career working with Native Americans. We have five grown children and seven grandchildren (so far). When you see my adult children today, you would probably consider Ray and I as "successful" parents. Except our children are people too, and they have had to learn from their mistakes. We had one "strong willed" child who gave us a run for our money. Even when she was a preschooler, if she heard the work "no", the challenge was on! This daughter recently said to me, "Mom, I do not look upon the choices I have made as mistakes or failures, but as building blocks and stepping stones".

To me the definition of maturity is when you begin to accept responsibility for your own actions. In other words, mom and dad are off the hook, and my children see me as getting smarter the older I get (even though I'm still the same old mom). The blaming game is an insidious, vicious trap that can only lead to self-defeating behaviors. In the development process, children are trying to get a foothold on their own "stepping stones", and learning that life (for all of us at any age) is a matter of choice and accountability. Our children are in the process of learning that there are always consequences, good or bad, for everything they do, or don't do, depending upon their choices. And I believe that all kids are basically good kids. Where they get into trouble is when they do not make the right choices.

I have spent many years as an advocate for youth in all types of situations. My desire is to help youth clarify their own values, recognize their potential, and to achieve the goals and dreams they have set for themselves. We all have a hard time setting limits, at any age. That is why places like Las Vegas are flourishing. As a mental health therapist, I have watched many youth "self destruct", and go too far, resulting in addictions, obsessions, compulsions, and all other behaviors they can no longer control. My desire is to intervene before this happens, if possible. Change can come at any time, but it isn't always easy, especially without drastic interventions. Our children are worth any efforts. I want any young person I come into contact with to truly understand that we are our own worst enemy - or our own best friend. Let me help!

Beverley Cavanaugh L.C.S.W.

Clinical Director

 

 

Ashley Valley Wilderness

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