The S.O.A.P. Program (Strategies for Overcoming Aquatic Phobias) is a unique program that combines group and individual counseling/coaching (both in and out of the water), cognitive awareness, behavior modification and relaxation techniques, aqua phobic-specific water adjustment skills and traditional learn-to-swim methods to help people of all ages identify, manage, and overcome varying degrees of fears surrounding water. With the 95% success rate the S.O.A.P. program has achieved, it has earned many national awards. In 2007, USA Swimming awarded the S.O.A.P. program with the “Water Hero Award”. In 2006, it received both a client based and SOAP Instructor Certification Program from the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition, it received the AAPAR National Honor Award for recognition of the outstanding/innovative contributions to the field of aquatics at national, regional, or state level through research, safety, education and programming. The program has received media coverage on NY Daily News, ABC Eyewitness News, The Journal News, St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Bay News, The Jewish Press, as well as many other local and national cable programs, trade magazines and newspapers. Jeff Krieger has a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from the College of New Rochelle in New York. He has a B.A. in Psychology from American University in Washington D.C. He Founded the S.O.A.P. Program (Strategies for Overcoming Aquatic Phobias) in 2001 and is currently the director of that program. In addition to directing the S.O.A.P. Program, Mr. Krieger is the Camp, Athletic & Aquatic Director of the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center in Clearwater, FL, and has a private practice for individual and group counseling. His past experience includes Special Needs Swim Instructor & Head Lifeguard at SUNY Purchase in NY, Guidance Counselor for the Yonkers Board of Education in NY, Swim Director at Camp Hillard in NY, Swim Team Coach a the YMCA in Tarrytown, NY and a Crisis Intervention Counselor & Hotline Director for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare at American University in Washington D.C. He has been certified by the American Red Cross in Water Safety, Lifeguard and CPR; the National YMCA and the NY State Board of Health Certified Pool Operator; and as a NY State Swim and Diving Official.
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