Every month, we'll interview one of the people who makes AVP so special. This time, we sent our questions to Gabrielle Lipkin, a therapist and our longest serving staffer:
What is your job title and how would you describe what you do here?
I'm a therapist, I work with adult victims of crime. I provide grief and traumatic loss therapy for Co-Victims of homicide. I also work with adults that are victims or witnesses of other crimes.
Why did you decide to get into victim services?
I felt so lucky to have a good education and be able to get my Masters of Social Work, I was moved to use my education to help others, not just benefit myself. I also had been interested in becoming a therapist. I found this job and thought it would be a great fit.
What part of your job means the most to you?
I'm so inspired by our clients, they amaze me. Our clients maintain faith despite all the hurt, pain, and loss they've endured. I feel so lucky to be able to witness their journey from their darkest and lowest days to a time they are feeling stronger and more whole.
Is there anything you'd like to focus more of your effort toward as further define your role here?
I want to continue to focus on my clients, putting them and their trauma recovery first in my work here at AVP.