Molly Weinberg, MA
RANDOLPH, Vt.—Mental Health Counselor Molly Weinberg has joined the Behavioral Health team at Gifford.
Weinberg, whose clients range in age from 4 to the elderly, brings a rich background in the arts that she draws from to provide expressive arts therapy. She uses drama, music, art, poetry, and movement to help clients process emotions, express themselves, and increase confidence and self-esteem.
“I really bring a sense of play and humor, love to make people laugh, and engage beyond the usual talk therapy,” said Weinberg, who was drawn to a career in counseling after experiencing firsthand how the arts benefitted her during challenging times. “For some people, sometimes it’s difficult to express with words. Through storytelling, role-play, improvisation, and using the voice and body, they can come to a deeper understanding of themselves and their goals and dreams.”
Weinberg’s other clinical interests include mindfulness-based stress reduction, chronic illness and mental health, body image, and family therapy.
From Boston, Mass., Weinberg was attracted to Gifford’s community focus and Vermont’s slower pace.
“I knew I wanted to move to Vermont—for the community focus, people helping each other—and I wanted to go where I was needed and help grow the counseling program here,” she said. “I really got a good feeling from the people here, and appreciate the freedom and flexibility. It is a unique place, and I love the pace.”
Weinberg’s experience includes positions at the Community Therapeutic Day School in Lexington, Mass.; Jewish Community Center in Newton, Mass.; Cambridge Women’s Center in Cambridge, Mass.; Cambridge Arts Council in Boston, Mass.; and Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She also previously worked at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, Mass.; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn.; and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a longtime volunteer with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America and a former board member with the National Drama Therapy Association of New England. Her published research and conference presentations cover a range of topics, from gender-based violence to drama therapy for adults with Crohn’s Disease. She earned master’s degrees from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., and Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio; a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Penn.; and a drama certificate from the Summer Acting Conservatory at the Yale University School of Drama in New Haven, Conn.
Before the pandemic, during her downtime Weinberg could be found participating in theater and open-mic nights. She also enjoys spending time with her partner, swimming, hiking, and eating out, and hopes to get a dog one day soon.
For more information about the Behavioral Health team at Gifford, visit giffordhealthcare.org/service/behavioral-health.
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Reminder during COVID-19: All Gifford clinics are open. We encourage patients to schedule and keep their medical appointments. It is vital that we continue to provide care and treat members of our community so that medical conditions do not escalate. If a patient does not have a mask upon arrival for an appointment, Gifford will provide one. For more information about COVID-19 and answers to frequently asked questions, visit giffordhealthcare.org/coronavirus-covid-19, cdc.gov or healthvermont.gov.
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, Rochester, and White River Junction; and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; a day care; two adult day programs; and 30-bed Menig Nursing Home, which was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best 39 nursing homes in the country in 2012. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries, and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. The hospital’s mission is to improve individuals’ and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
