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THE PREEMINENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

The Elephant and the Rider – The Integration of the Divided Self

             I believe we are comprised of the interaction of opposing forces from within.  Often these forces are seemingly in juxtaposition to one another and we are left feeling like we have to choose one part over the other, or even worse, that we have no choice at all. There […]

Fear of the Unknown: Identifying Fears in Addiction Recovery

Fear of the Unknown By Katherine Ducharme, LMSW   YOU MUST DO The things you think You cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt   Recovery is not just about abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol – that’s only the beginning. The process can feel as though one is on an emotional rollercoaster. One day you could be feeling […]

Recovery Takes Time

“Always remember that the future comes one day at a time” (Dean Acheson) The concept of time in recovery is widely discussed when it comes to treatment of substance use disorders. It is reported that those who stay in treatment longer have higher rates of success for long-term sobriety. Turnbridge’s philosophy, which includes three Phases […]

Distress Tolerance Skill Development in DBT

One of the benefits of being a therapist at Turnbridge is that our treatment team is always striving to learn and improve our counseling practices. At the end of August, we started to formally introduce Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practices to our individual and group therapy sessions. DBT is an evidence-based treatment modality that has […]

Supporting Self Change Through Motivational Interviewing

Stephen Falconieri, CAC Primary Therapist Turnbridge “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”-Carl Rogers As the quote above (written by Carl Rogers, founder of Person Centered Therapy) describes, when a person can accept their condition it is then that they can begin the road to […]

Mindfulness Meditation in Addiction Treatment

By Audrey Bell, LMSW – Turnbridge Therapist Mindfulness meditation can be beneficial for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Utilizing a range of treatment modalities, therapists often integrate mindfulness-based practices as an additive measure to help individuals recognize the impermanence of unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness meditation can be an important component in the treatment of […]

Two Sided Isolation in Addicts

    One of the hallmarks of addiction that can help suffering individuals and their families come to a better understanding of the diagnosis is a clearer understanding of the addicted person’s experienced isolation.  The individual either entering treatment for the first time or early in recovery, may need some time to come to accept the […]

Co-Occurring Disorders: Our Integrated Approach

Formerly known as “dual diagnosis”, “co-occurring disorders” (COD) refers to an individual having one or more substance abuse disorders in addition to one or more psychiatric disorders.  In the past, mental health and substance abuse disorders were treated separately.  Evidence has shown that treating just one disorder will not cause the other to automatically improve. […]

The Art of Cognitive Reframing in Addiction

Viewing the world from 30,000 feet changes our worldview.  As a clinician, my ability to support change with my clients requires first that I fully understand my client’s worldview.  For many, their belief about their problem is critical in determining and supporting the change process. A powerful technique which allows me to make positive use […]

Acceptance: A Recovering Path of Least Resistance.

Prescribed often times as a routine meditation, the Serenity Prayer (familiar to recovery culture) asks a Higher Power to “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”  The concept of acceptance, which is highlighted by this prayer, is […]