Carlos Finnigan

Carlos Finnigan is currently in his final year of the Master of Social Work (MSW) advanced standing program at George Fox University, a rigorous 8-month program. His major coursework includes Advanced Clinical Practice, Evidence-Based Practice Research, Micro Practice with Individuals and Families, and Advanced General Practicum Seminar I. Before pursuing graduate studies, Carlos completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and previously served in the Army.

 

While this internship marks Carlos's first experience in a clinical setting, he brings a rich background of life experiences that inform his approach to social work. He is particularly interested in working with veterans, active-duty soldiers, and foster youth. Having navigated the foster care system as an adolescent and served in the military as a young adult, Carlos believes these experiences provide him with a unique perspective and the ability to build meaningful connections with these populations.

 

Carlos is drawn to the relational aspects of therapy, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance. He aims to integrate a relational approach with structured modalities, creating a balanced and impactful therapeutic experience for his clients. Carlos seeks to deepen his skills in relational therapy while grounding his practice in evidence-based methods.​

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During his internship with Connections First, Carlos practices under the clinical supervision of David Ryan, LCSW david@connectionsfirst.org, with additional supervision by Slavica Kojadinovic, LCSW slavica@connectionsfirst.org. He adheres to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, ensuring a commitment to professional standards and ethical practice.