Jan Cheek, MSW, LCSW
Who Am I?
Janet A. Cheek, MSW, LCSW
My Education
I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. In 1999, I earned independent licensure gaining my License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW).
My Related Experience
I began my professional career as a therapist in 1993 as a counselor for a battered women’s shelter serving women and children who were severely impacted by domestic violence, rape, and family trauma issues. From 1997 to 2015, I practiced with the Center for Behavioral Healthcare, PA, as an outpatient therapist and clinician.
In 2015, I formed Behavioral Healthcare Associates, LLC with my esteemed colleagues to continue providing clinical services to patients from Sanford and surrounding areas in a comprehensive mental health private practice setting.
I have volunteer experience with PTA programs, Youth Fellowship Organizations, Geriatric Facilities, Food Banks, Pet Rescue Organizations, and Youth Athletic Organizations.
My Special Training
In 2007, I had the honor of joining outstanding professionals who have received the NC Clinical Social Worker of the Year Award. This award is peer-selected and reflects excellence in clinical practice, along with contributions to the promotion and development of the Clinical Social Work profession.
I use a variety of therapy modalities based on the specific treatment needs of individual patients. I have training and experience in many areas, but have special training and expertise in the following areas:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Reality Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Grief Therapy
Behavioral Modification
My Areas of Focus
Using biological, psychological, and social factors, accounting also for cultural and spiritual influences, I assess, diagnose and treat a broad range of emotional, behavioral and neuro-physiological disorders that include, but are not limited to:
Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorders)
Anxiety Disorders
ADHD
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning- Coping with, Understanding, and Managing ASD)
Tic Disorders (Coping with and Understanding Tic Disorders)
Childhood Behavior Concerns
Eating Disorders
Trauma Related Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders
Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Personality Disorders
Dual Diagnoses (both mental health and substance abuse diagnoses occurring simultaneously)
Stressor Related Disorders/Stress Management
Adjustment Disorder
Interpersonal Relationship Issues and Couples/Marital Counseling Concerns
Grief and Bereavement Concerns
Parental Guidance Needs
My Purpose for Choosing Counseling/Clinical Social Work
I believe my purpose in my profession is to help people recognize that they can eventually identify their own solutions. I believe that every person should have the opportunity to function at an optimal level. There are multiple reasons that any of us might experience barriers that make it seem that optimal levels of functioning are not possible. I want to use my knowledge and experience to help people discover their own optimal or most favorable levels of functioning.
All people have inherent strengths. I believe it is important to identify and build upon those strengths, while reducing the impact of vulnerabilities and negative symptoms. I try to encourage each person to become empowered and responsible in their life journey and for their own health and well-being.
My Life Outside the Office
I treasure my family and I am forever grateful for them. I love animals and nature. I enjoy cooking. I am completely dedicated to the work I do. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to practice clinical social work and use my knowledge, skills, and expertise to work with people.
Parenting a Child with Anxiety
Parenting a Child with Anxiety By Jan Cheek, MSW, LCSW Dba Behavioral Healthcare Associates, LLC Children can suffer from several types of anxiety during the developmental years. Specific phobias are when children have excessive, extreme, or irrational fears of specific things such as bugs or thunderstorms. Separation anxiety [...]
Anxiety and the Uncertainty of Coronavirus
One of the only things that has been certain during this time of uncertainty as we face the Coronavirus pandemic is that all people experience anxiety to some degree. Not all anxiety is bad and some anxiety is normal in times of uncertainty. The good thing about normal [...]
More Time Together, More Sibling Rivalry – Why Do They Fight? What Is A Parent To Do?
Secondary to COVID-19 “shelter at home” mandates and finishing the last couple months of school at home and online, and then the elimination of many organized summer activities such as summer camps and sports programs, family together time has been greater than usual. There are, of course, many [...]