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A line graph with three different faces on it.
06May2017
Blog

Weathering the Ups and Downs of Life Sober

Emotional ups and downs are a normal part of being human.  One of the most moving things for me as an addictions therapist is to be with our clients as they move through the ups and downs of life without the chemical filter of drugs or alcohol.  Clients are not used to tolerating, or “being with†their hard feelings.  In addiction, substances are used to medicate the “downs,&...
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A man and boy shaking hands over a table.
17Apr2017
Blog, Workplace

Communication Styles and Recovery

At Welwynn we work to support our clients to communicate “clearly and directly in a kind and loving way.â€Â Â The cost of not doing so can be stress and unhealthy relationships – both major triggers for addictive behaviors. “Clearly and directly†means that we commit to speaking up for ourselves so that we can get out needs met and prevent or de-escalate conflict.  â...
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A woman laying on her stomach in the middle of a massage.
09Apr2017
Blog

The Deeper Meaning of “Luxury” Treatment

substance abuse disorders. We have a beautiful facility with comfortable couches, natural light, and a warm and competent staff. Client’s also receive weekly massage and biofeedback relaxation. Anyone with insurance can receive all these wonderful services for a small co-pay. The longer I work here, the more I see that these “luxuries†have a much deeper impact than you might expect. I have the unique pleasure of being able to offer both mental h...
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A hand with the text are you ready or enable ?
01Apr2017
Blog

The Enabler

Have you ever watched the long running, A&E reality show ‘Intervention’? It’s always been one of my favorite TV shows because of its approach to the reality of the drug and alcohol epidemic in this country, and the hope that is spawned as the ‘addicted one’ enters treatment at the end of the show. Not all segments, however, end the same, but there is one component of each show that has stayed consi...
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A plant growing out of the ground.
25Mar2017
Blog

A Growing Day

I’ve been working in behavioral health for about 30 years.  I’ve worked in all kinds of settings—inpatient, outpatient, prisons, university counseling centers, and as a professor of counseling and psychology.  I’ve seen thousands of people over the years but there are always those that I remember. She came into my office hesitantly.  She held on to the door frame, then shuffled towards...
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A group of four signs in the middle of nowhere.
18Mar2017
Alcoholism, Blog

Alcoholism: The Debate Between Medical Condition and Choice

Did you know that the question of chronic excessive drinking being a choice or disease is hotly debated? Both sides of the debate make valid points, but ultimately each person will need to decide his or her stance on the subject. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) states that alcoholism is a disease that effects 17.6 million Americans. Each year, 88,000 deaths are related to excessive alcohol use making alcoholism the third most common cause of death from...
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A group of people standing in front of colorful speech bubbles.
11Mar2017
Blog

Why networking is important

As healthcare providers we all want what is best for our clients. They come to us sometimes at their worst of times looking for support and answers. Many times we can help that person ourselves, sometimes it isn’t a good fit. However when it comes to addiction, help is needed not only for the addicted individual but also for the family. As busy as we are as clinicians or treatment centers, we need to devote time to good networking. When someone comes through that door and we a...
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A cartoon of an old man with a cane and a heart.
25Feb2017
Blog

Technology to Support Mood and Emotional Regulation

As a clinician at Welwynn Outpatient Center, I am known as a “Jane of all Trades†because of my background in multiple modalities of healing: I am a mental health clinician, massage therapist, and yoga teacher.  In the group therapy sessions I lead on Saturday, we meditate and practice simple yoga and relaxation techniques in addition to traditional talk-based activities.  Clients are typically quick to em...
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A cartoon of a bear with red nose laughing.
18Feb2017
Blog

Laughing all the Way

In our therapeutic groups at Welwynn Outpatient Center, emotional expression covers the range of human possibility. Clients are finally facing family issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma with a sober mind… and it is not easy. There are tears for regret, loss, and hopelessness. There are silences to “be with†the hard feelings present in the room. There are heartfelt expressions of empathy and support… And to top it off, there’s lot...
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A woman with long black hair standing in front of the ocean.
14Feb2017
Blog

Getting Stuck on What Should Be

I recently saw a post on Facebook with a caption that read “What screws you up in life is the picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be.†I ended up sharing it on Facebook, thinking yes I can relate to that. And, I think many of us can. How things are supposed to be, what things should look like, how our life is supposed to turn out or how our lives should look to others, etc. I work with families every day that try to maintain that picture...
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