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Many of you have asked me to record an autogenic training script for you and after much procrastination, it is done. 
if you want to do some more indepth reading about autogenic training, here is a link.
https://bebrainfit.com/autogenic-training/
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 Image via Pexels Addiction is a treatable disease, no matter what anyone tells you. However, it’s not uncommon for people to relapse. In fact, about 40 to 60 percent end up relapsing at some point. Those rates are comparable to other diseases such as type 1 diabetes (30 to 50 percent), hypertension (50 to 70 percent), and asthma (50 to 70 percent). Just like with other diseases, treatment often takes various approaches. Those who approach recovery in only one way-- as well as those who lapse on their lifestyle changes-- are more likely to deal with relapse and the work that goes into coming back from it.
About Addiction Treatments Recovering from addiction is a long-term process that often involves some trial and error. Most doctors agree that some sort of therapy is essential to addiction recovery. However, there are various types of therapy for people to consider:
In addition to some sort of therapy to address the mental health aspects of therapy, people may receive medication that helps reduce cravings or help with underlying issues including depression, anxiety, or PTSD. When an addiction has driven a person to an extreme place, they may need additional services such as life training skills or employment training. Beyond that, it is important for people to regularly see a general physician for check ups and to monitor health issues brought upon by drug or alcohol abuse. Both doctors and psychiatrists recommend certain lifestyle changes that support sobriety. These changes include adding exercise, practicing mindfulness, getting enough sleep, and eating a wholesome diet. All these things support a healthy and happy lifestyle whether you have an addiction or not, but they truly provide structure and discipline that help addicts reintegrate into society. Seeking mental health support, getting physical check-ups, and making positive lifestyle changes all contribute to holistic addiction recovery. While not everyone needs to build upon these treatments, some people find alternative recovery methods helpful for supplementing their sobriety. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Therapy Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme derivative of vitamin B3 found in all living cells. NAD therapy provides a mega-dose of the coenzyme is in IV form as a way to improve mental clarity, increase cognitive function, fine-tune focus and concentration, boost energy, improve mood, and generally create a more positive outlook. The treatment has been found to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in addicts. Regular NAD treatments promote a positive attitude and “reboot” the brain in a way that prevents depression and anxiety symptoms. Acupuncture Acupuncture is an alternative medicinal treatment that attempts to facilitate physical healing by manipulating and improving the flow of a person’s life force or chi. Acupuncturists do this by inserting needles into specific pressure points that correlate with other parts of the body. Many people believe that acupuncture treatment-- in particular, the Ear Acupuncture protocol for recovery from addictions-- can help reduce cravings, alleviate anxiety, prevent sleep disturbance, and reduce the need for pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it may help create a more optimistic and synergistic attitude towards recovery and staying in it. Yoga You may think yoga falls into the “exercise/lifestyle changes” mentioned above, but yoga for addiction recovery is about more than breaking a sweat. Joining a yoga community provides emotional and spiritual support for addicts who find themselves handling a lot of their burdens on their own. The practice also improves a person’s ability to stay mindful and grateful throughout the day. *** Addiction is a treatable disease, but like other diseases patients are at risk of relapse. Using a multi-pronged approach reduces symptoms and prevents relapse. In addition to therapy, medication, and positive lifestyle changes, many people use alternative recovery methods such as NAD therapy, acupuncture, and yoga to supplement their sobriety efforts. Author Kimberly Hayes enjoys writing about health and wellness and created PublicHealthAlert.info to help keep the public informed about the latest developments in popular health issues and concerns. In addition to studying to become a crisis intervention counselor, Kimberly is hard at work on her new book, which discusses the ins and outs of alternative addiction treatments. I am so excited to announce that I am now an approved supervisor! I finally had time and money at the same time. LOL! I have been meaning to do this for years and I finally took the class in October 2017, but it took this long for the board to process my application...sigh. So, I am ready to pass along my knowledge and skills to eager new therapists. I have expressed on multiple platforms that although there are a lot of therapists in the world, there are not enough good therapists and the core of being a good therapist is having a good training in basic therapeutic skills as well as knowledge and understanding of trauma. If you are interested in working with trauma and DID, I have 20 years of experience to pass on to you. I have kept up with the research and have continually updated my skills, so you will learn a lot and I will push you to be the best counselor you can be! I am a rule follower, so don't expect to cut any corners or fudge any hours. Ethics are for our protection as well as the client's protection. I also encourage you, if you haven't already, to do your own therapy as you can only take your clients as far as you yourself have gone. Join me on this incredibly challenging, yet rewarding, journey.  There are so many theoretical approaches and modalities in the helping professions, and figuring out what works for you and your clients can be confusing and frustrating. The new standard of care calls for “evidence based” approaches and many groups are throwing this label around without any idea of what it even means. According to Good Therapy, “Evidence-based treatment (EBT) refers to treatment that is backed by scientific evidence. That is, studies have been conducted and extensive research has been documented on a particular treatment, and it has proven to be successful. The goal of EBT is to encourage the use of safe and effective treatments likely to achieve results and lessen the use of unproven, potentially unsafe treatments.” (http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/evidence-based-treatment) Trauma-informed care is grounded in evidence-based treatment principles. Researchers and clinicians like Bessel van der Kolk, Christine Courtois, Colin Ross and many others, have been doing research for decades on what works for trauma-informed care. They have distilled the research down to very specific treatment modalities that are clearly spelled out in their writings. I have been working as a trauma-informed clinician for 20 years this year. I have worked with some of the most difficult patient populations, and though I can’t claim 100% success rates (you should run away if I did!!!), I have been able to successfully treat trauma survivors without losing my own sanity. Clients that had been institutionalized in the 90s, clients that have been in therapy most of their lives, clients that were in and out of hospitals for years, clients on handfuls of medications, clients jumping from one self-destructive/addictive relationship to the next, clients that have hit rock bottom multiple times, clients with chronic pain and addictions – these people are increasing their ability to function and returning to work and school and getting on with the business of having a life and healthy relationships! Trauma-informed care works and that’s why I believe in it! You can learn more about Trauma-informed care and increase your skills by taking my online courses that give you access to the greatest minds in trauma research and treatment. Check out my continuing education website at www.TraumaCEs.com. Or contact me to set up an appointment for therapy or consultation. |
beth harp, lpcI am a therapist, a mom, a friend, and a lover of life. Archives
January 2021
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