Type Of Business:
Private therapy practice for marriage and family;
public speaking on personal growth issues, aging family communications, retirement issues as a single person, retirement issues as a married person/couple; women's spiritual growth, other;
writing: articles, books, website anecdotal material, webinars
Expertise:
communications expertise; counseling expertise (35 years) with recovering alcoholics; couples in crisis; divorced/remarried/remain single people; aging seniors and their families;
Major Product/SVS:
Book on aging family communications to strengthen relationships in the 21st century;
webinars for baby boomers
live seminars for baby boomers
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling; Dancing; Rock and roll music; live theater; Kayaking; Boating; Cooking; hosting dinner parties
Education Degrees:
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Florida Atlantic University (1994); Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Syracuse University (1976); theology studies in major Catholic Seminary.
Affiliations Awards:
Clinical Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Charity:
St. Jude Catholic Church, Mineral, Virginia
Number Of Years In Profession:
35
Number Of Years In Current Position:
10
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her hard work, passion, a belief in the goodness of people, loving what she does, always believing problems can be overcome; feels honored that clients allow her to enter into their personal lives;
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
I became a marriage and family therapist in the 70s because personal family situations puzzled and concerned me. I entered grad school and knew immediately I was 'home'. I have expanded my career focus many times over the years as I myself matured and understood deeper issues. Recently, my awareness of cancer and other issues with my aging parents and then with many similar issues with clients. When my mother died instantly in a car crash that also prevented my father from ever returning to his home again, my career passions shifted to aging families. The topic is awesome and has as many facets as people. It will guide the programs I design or involve myself in for the rest of my career. Communication around living arrangements, needs, nursing home possibilities, assisted living and estate planning are challenging. I have felt compelled to document all I have learned in my book "Aging Is A Family Affair." I developed a website as a companion piece to the book but it grew on its own.Now, much of my energies are focused on listening to people's stories and documenting their choices, fears, decisions, and goals.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Work clinically three days a week with a full caseload; clinical supervision; Work 'from home' two days a week building, enhancing content of my websites, writing articles and next book; develop webinars and seminars
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Massey Ptasznik wants to have written her next book, be known for the Aging is a Family Affair book, conduct more national seminars on aging family communications, choices, et al, and enhance national exposure to this topic.. Oh, and I want to enjoy my lake house with my husband in the off times.