How to Do an Intervention
Addiction to drugs and alcohol affect family members as well as the person afflicted with alcohol or drug addiction. It is usually best to have an outside party do the actual intervention but on rare occasions a family member approaches their loved one’s addiction and the ties of a family first intervention becomes a successful […]
Family Recovery from the Point of View of a Parent in Recovery
As a parent in recovery, you have taken the courageous step to stop using drugs or alcohol and to commit to long-term sobriety. You understand that addiction is a family disease and that your loved ones need support and guidance as they work to recover from the effects of addiction in the family. Why We […]
What are Personality Disorders?
The Mayo Clinic describes personality as “the combination of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that makes you unique. It’s the way you view, understand, and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself.” Although your personality evolves throughout your life, your core personality forms during childhood, influenced by the environment you grew […]
Invest in Yourself by Taking Care of Your Mental Health
From time to time, most of us face unusually stressful situations in our lives, whether because of illness, grief, unemployment, financial or legal problems, or another factor. Experts link prolonged or unmanaged stress to a variety of physical and mental illnesses, which can damage health, relationships, and quality of life. Chronic stress can be deadly. […]
How Does Sex and Love Addiction Impact Families?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine states that “people with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.” A person can have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, love, or another behavior that is compulsive and harmful. Any form of addictive behavior endangers the individual’s physical […]
What is a Sex and Love Addiction?
Both sex addiction and love addiction are mental disorders characterized by an impaired ability to engage in healthy emotional intimacy. Men or women suffering from either disorder typically have obsessive thoughts and compulsions leading to unhealthy behaviors. A sex or love addiction may negatively impact a person’s health, personal relationships, job, and ability to function […]
Dating in Early Recovery
We typically consider early recovery to be the first year of abstinence from addictive behavior. It is exciting as you work to rebuild your life with sobriety at its center. However, to achieve long-term success, your recovery must remain your highest priority. You are most vulnerable to relapse within the first year of abstinence. Because […]
Rise in Teen Suicide and National Bullying Awareness Month 2020
Statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) find suicide to be the second-leading cause of death for persons aged 10–24. The suicide rate among this age group increased by 56 percent between 2001 and 2017, with the greatest increase between 2013 and 2017. While suicide rates have been steadily increasing across […]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) created a Day of Unity, designed to increase awareness of domestic violence. The movement to expand awareness grew, and in 1987 became a month-long observance. In 1989, Congress formally declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Events during October seek to raise awareness of domestic violence, […]
How Does Anger Management Work?
Anger management involves learning to recognize the signs you are becoming overly frustrated or angry and how to avoid expressing that anger inappropriately. Counseling or anger management classes can help you learn specific behavioral skills, as well as how to change your thought patterns to constructively cope with anger. Signs You Need Help Controlling Anger […]
The Power of Gratitude
Regularly expressing gratitude for the good in our lives, including people, and situations enhance our physical and mental health. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we attract more positivity, experience less stress and other negative emotions, strengthen our relationships, and are better equipped to overcome challenging situations. An attitude of gratitude can […]
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a therapist helps a romantically involved couple improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship. The therapy is effective for couples regardless of their marital status or sexual orientation. A couples therapist is often a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is specially trained to […]
Managing Parental Stress During COVID-19
The negative consequences of COVID-19 echo far beyond a public health crisis. Staggering unemployment rates, widespread social isolation, school closures, activity cancellations, unavailability of support networks, and disruption of cherished routines continue to affect people globally, with stress as a common byproduct. A recent Co-SPACE (COVID-19 Supporting Parents, Adolescents, and Children in Epidemics) survey found […]
How COVID-19 is Affecting Our Country
COVID-19 continues to cause great loss around the globe, including the loss of loved ones, livelihood, financial and personal security, and more. Some of these losses may have long-lasting and possibly permanent effects. Loved Ones Dying Alone One of the most wrenching losses for many of us is the inability to be physically present with […]
Grief and Resiliency During COVID-19
The coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, continues to cause loss around the world. Whether it is a loss of life, a job, financial or emotional security, freedom, physical closeness to loved ones, or the comfort of our daily routines, losses like these cause feelings of grief. We may think that because […]
Strengthening Our Relationships with Others During Times of Crisis
Frightening situations like impending hurricanes, blizzards, and the current Covid-19 pandemic test us in many ways. Some of us panic shop, loading up our carts with excessive amounts of supplies, while others may ignore the situation entirely. Our actions can make the situation better or worse. Take this opportunity to be smart, respectful of the […]
Is Group Counseling Effective?
Many people wonder if group addiction counseling is as effective and efficient as a one-on-one with a professional. Here’s the breakdown: What is group counseling? Group counseling typically convenes up to ten people within the same session. A certified, professional leader—typically a therapist or counselor—will moderate the sessions. These sessions can range from delving into […]
