Cyndi Turner's Blog, page 10

5 Benefits of Relationship Repair Counseling

There will always be difficult times in a relationship, no matter how happy and healthy it is. You and your partner may be going through a hard time, or there may be problems that you have been struggling with for a long time. Therefore, open communication and conflict resolution is essential in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Of course, sometimes, it can be hard to work on fixing the problems in a relationship, especially if you have been struggling for a long period of time. Sometimes professional help can help to rebuild a relationship. If you are in need of relationship repair counseling in Virginia, then contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.

What Is Relationship Repair Counseling?

It is no secret that relationships can be complicated. When you spend so much time with a person, it is only natural to go through tough times. Relationship repair counseling helps couples learn how to work through problems they are facing and learn how to communicate better to avoid major future conflicts. The goal is to create happy and healthy relationships between partners.

5 Benefits of Relationship Repair Counseling

If you are struggling and looking to rebuild your relationship, you might benefit from relationship repair counseling. There are many ways that this form of therapy can help you and your romantic partner and ensure that you have a healthy and lasting relationship.

1. Improves Communication

Many conflicts stem from a lack of communication. Couples often internalize their feelings until it gets too difficult to hold in and causes fighting. Learning how to communicate calmly and explain your thoughts and feelings allows your partner to understand how you are feeling so that you can come up with solutions.

2. Understand Recurring Issues

A lot of fights happen because one or both people in a relationship are experiencing things that bother them regularly. Even if the argument is not about that specific issue, there may be underlying anger. Figuring out triggers and things that irritate you about your relationship can help you resolve those issues and move forward.

3. See Different Viewpoints

Just because you feel or think one way doesn’t mean that another person will feel or even understand your mindset. It’s easy to blame others for their actions when you see their actions as wrong. By talking about these scenarios, you can see both sides of every story and maybe see that there was no mal-intent, just a lack of understanding.

4. Builds Trust

Without trust, you can’t have a healthy relationship. One of the main benefits of relationship repair counseling is that you will slowly regain the trust you may have lost in the past. By learning to communicate better, being honest about your feelings, and being open with each other, you are working to show each other that you want your relationship to work, even if it is hard.

5. Gain Confidence

Repairing your relationship can boost your confidence in many areas of your life. Relationship repair counseling teaches you many skills you can use outside of your romantic relationships. You can use the techniques you have learned with your family, friends, and co-workers. You will feel very confident knowing that you can deal with any relationship calmly and rationally.

Rebuild Your Relationship at Insight Into Action Therapy

A long and happy relationship takes time and effort. Find out for yourself all of the benefits of relationship repair counseling at Insight Into Action Therapy. Learn more about our program by contacting us at 703.935.8544.

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5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis

If you are struggling with a drug disorder, you might also be struggling with a mental health disorder. It is common to develop depression or anxiety when you are using drugs, as they can severely hinder your mental health. When it comes to treatment, you may need to consider getting care for more than one disorder.

Dual diagnosis can be an excellent option for dealing with multiple diagnoses. By using this form of treatment, you will learn to cope with a multitude of issues you might be having. If you are looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center in Virginia, then contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Living with a substance use disorder or mental disorder can be very difficult and stressful. Because they are both hard to cope with, often people with a substance use disorder develop a mental health disorder, and vice versa. Dual diagnosis is when you have multiple diagnoses, in which case, you could contact a dual diagnosis center.

5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis

Now that you know what dual diagnosis is, you probably want to know the benefits of dual diagnosis and whether or not a dual diagnosis treatment is right for you. There are many ways in which this form of treatment can help you, including the following.

1. Gets Quicker and More Effective Results

By only treating one specific disorder, you are not working on coping skills for any other problems. Dual diagnosis ensures that you are working on any and all issues you are having and, in turn, getting better results.

2. Helps With Mental and Physical Health

Dual diagnosis treatment typically uses a more holistic approach. This means that each session will focus on the mind, body, and spirit. You will learn how to live your life to the fullest and learn healthy coping skills. Focusing on all of these can help you through recovery and help with long-lasting sobriety.

3. Learn Coping Skills

One of the best benefits of dual diagnosis is that it allows you to work on everything you are struggling with. You are not restricted to focusing on one issue while ignoring others; rather, you are learning how each problem affects you, how they affect each other, and how to manage those triggers. Having this information is helpful for recovery.

4. No Need for Multiple Treatments

It can feel overwhelming if you have to work with multiple doctors and travel to multiple treatment centers if you are struggling with multiple disorders. With dual diagnosis, you only have to go to one treatment center where all of your doctors will work with you and each other to get you the best care.

5. Reduces Chance of Relapse

Even if you have learned how to manage a substance use disorder, you may still struggle with your mental health or vice versa. If you don’t get help for everything, you are still left with difficulties that can lead to relapse. An all-in-one treatment plan is a great way to go through recovery for everything and prevent any future relapses.

Find Relief at Insight Into Action Therapy

It can be scary to have a dual diagnosis. It may seem like a lot to try and manage everything. At Insight Into Action Therapy, we offer a great dual diagnosis program where you will get all of the help you need in a safe and comfortable environment. We also offer a wide variety of treatment options for many disorders. Learn more about how we can help you by calling 703.935.8544.

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment – It’s All About Integrated Care

Matt Christian, LCSW

Though more people are becoming familiar with the term “dual diagnosis”, let’s first get clear on what it means. Simply put, it’s when an individual has both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. This is not a rare occurrence. In fact, it is estimated that around 50% of people with a substance use disorder have a cooccurring mental health disorder. As a clinician, I’m always screening for both during the assessment process.

So, why is this important? Untreated mental illness leads to higher rates of relapse and worse outcomes overall. Nothing in our lives exists in a vacuum. Treatment that focuses on just substance use or mental health is less effective. It’s all about integrated care, in which both are addressed simultaneously. We need to be treating the whole person.

In practice, integrated care can take many forms and needs to be tailored to the individual. Some potential features of integrated care may include:

Individual and/or group therapy,Meeting with a psychiatrist for medication to treat the mental health disorder, or medications that reduce cravings for substances,Involving important stakeholders (e.g. parents, spouses, support networks),Helping the client seek and maintain employment,Strategies for building healthy relationships, andReferrals for higher levels of care when needed.

In my view, a crucial element of integrative care is to have a clients’ providers communicating and collaborating on the case. Unfortunately, in my experience, it can often be hard to get responses from psychiatrists and other providers. This is understandable as oftentimes they have very large caseloads that don’t allow for frequent, in-depth conversations with a client’s therapist.

A luxury that we have at our practice is that we have psychiatrists “in-house” that I have frequent contact and personal relationships with. When I have a client who is also seeing one of our psychiatrists, it is easy for us to call the other or talk about cases when there is downtime in the office. Regardless, it is often important for clients and their loved ones to build a treatment team that is experienced in working with dual diagnosis.

While these cases can be complex, I have confidence in people’s resiliency and ability to heal. It’s never a straight line of progress; there will be ups and downs along the way. However, a healthier, more fulfilling life is possible. People who are struggling aren’t just a “diagnosis” or defined by their difficulties. They have great strengths that help them on their journey towards wellbeing. As a clinician, being a part of that journey is a great honor and joy.

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If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health and substance use, we can help. Please call 703-646-7664 for more information.

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5 Dangers of Teen Drinking

Drinking has many consequences for everyone. If abused, you can risk the health and safety of both yourself and others. For teens, the repercussions of alcohol use are even greater. There could be many reasons why a teen would want to drink, from peer pressure to stress. No matter the reason why teen drinking is a dangerous activity.

If you are worried that your teen has been drinking and may have a substance abuse disorder, then they must receive treatment as soon as possible. Contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544 to learn about our teen substance abuse treatment center.

5 Dangers of Teen Drinking

The dangers of teen drinking extend beyond the individual who is drinking. It also affects their loved ones and their peers. Knowing how dangerous drinking can be can help deter your teen from drinking and reduce their want to drink.

1. Putting Others in Danger

When you are under the influence, your cognition is impaired. You may not be fully aware of your actions and therefore put others in a dangerous situation without realizing it. A common way that people are put in danger is drinking and driving.

2. Effects on Brain Development

Adolescence is a very important time for brain development. Alcohol consumption can cause you to lose memories and makes it harder to form new memories. It can also affect your motor skills, making everyday activities difficult to do.

3. Hiders Education

By spending too much time drinking, you are not focusing on important matters, such as studying and getting your schoolwork done. You might even have trouble during school if you have a substance use disorder, as your mind will have trouble focusing.

4. Harms Social Life

The dangers of teen drinking also have an impact on your social life. Your teenage years are a great time for socializing and joining clubs or sports teams. You can take part in so many activities, but if you instead spend your time drinking, you will miss out on fun experiences with your friends and peers.

5. Decreases Mental Health

Teenagers already deal with a lot of stress that can lead to anxiety or depression. Regular consumption of alcohol can increase your chances of developing mental health disorders and exacerbate the symptoms.

Signs of Teen Drinking

Knowing the signs of a substance use disorder can help you get the treatment you or your teen needs to recover quicker. Like adults, every teen is different and might show different signs that they have become dependent on alcohol. Some signs to look out for are:

Social withdrawal – Not wanting to spend time with friends or family or spending more time alonePoor school performance – Their grades might start slipping, or they may have trouble focusing in classesSpends time with a new group of friends – Spending time with people who might have a bad influence on themDefensiveness – Not wanting to talk about their problems or getting angry when you bring up concernsLack of self-care – No longer taking care of their basic needs, such as bathing, washing clothes, etc.

If you suspect that your teen is showing any of these signs, it is important to get them into treatment as soon as possible to get the professional help they need.

Discover Teen Substance Abuse Treatment at Insight Into Action Therapy

It can be very scary to watch your teen suffer from substance abuse. At Insight Into Action Therapy, we can make sure that they receive the care they need and that they will live a healthy and sober life. To get information on our programs, contact us at 703.935.8544.

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Teen Drinking

One of the biggest stressors for parents is teen drinking. It is very dangerous, and can affect not only teenagers, but also the people in their lives. Drinking can lead to alcohol abuse or addiction, both of which cause serious problems with mental and physical health.

It is important to discuss the dangers of teen drinking with your child, and know the signs of addiction or alcohol abuse. If you suspect that your teen is suffering from one of these, you need to get them treatment as soon as possible. If you are looking for an adolescent treatment center, then contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.

Alcoholism in Teens

Alcoholism in teens has become a growing issue. Too often they think that they are immune to the effects of alcohol, and do not consider the consequences. Teens who drink oftentimes find themselves taking part in risky behaviors, and making bad decisions that could affect them later. There are many reasons why a teenager might start drinking, such as:

Peer pressureThrill of riskStress from schoolGenetics

It is easy to get carried away with drinking, especially if the people who you are around are also doing it. There is a lot of social pressure when it comes to alcohol, and teenagers can feel like they’re missing out or won’t fit in if they are not drinking, which is not true. Because excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, it is important that your teen receives treatment as soon as they start showing signs or symptoms.

Dangers of Teen Drinking

There are many risks that come with teen drinking. It can cause damage to your mental and physical health, and even impact your social life. Because teenagers have not fully matured, they don’t always realize the consequences that come with alcohol consumption.

People are more prone to accidents when they are under the influence of alcohol. Car crashes, vandalism, and fighting are common when you are not in the right state of mind. You are also damaging your brain development by drinking too much.

Your mental health will also suffer if you drink regularly. Excessive alcohol use can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also affect how you do in school, and how you interact with your friends. You might become more aloof, and not care as much about the important things in your life.

Teen Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

Of course, one of the biggest risks that comes with drinking is developing alcohol abuse or addiction. Teen alcohol abuse and addiction can show in different ways, but some common signs include:

SeclusionFrequently angry or irritatedExcessive lyingSpending time with a new group of people

Teen addiction and alcohol abuse can cause problems with brain development, slow down puberty, and cause mental health issues. You may notice that your teen is hiding things from you, or has stopped showing interest in things that they used to be passionate about.

It is important for teens suffering from addiction or alcohol abuse to get treatment. There are different options, including inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs. Because teens are more likely to have depression or anxiety along with addiction, they can also do a dual diagnosis program.

Find Help at Insight Into Action Therapy

Teenagers deal with a lot of different stressors in their lives. From school, to social pressures, there is a lot that could cause them to want to find some sort of relief, even if that comes in the form of alcohol.

At Insight Into Action Therapy, our aim is to make sure that your teen not only goes through recovery, but finds healthier ways of coping with stress. To learn more about our programs, contact us at 703.935.8544.

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Group Counseling and Addiction Recovery

Addiction can feel very isolating, especially if you have difficulty finding a good support system to help you on your recovery journey. Many people end up removing themselves from their friends and family, which is both lonely and dangerous. Therapy can help you work through all of your problems and gain the tools needed to live a sober life.

Group therapy is a great option for many people struggling with addiction because they get to surround themselves with people in similar situations to themselves. It makes the entire process less lonely and, in many cases, more effective. If you or a loved one could benefit from group counseling in Ashburn, then contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.

What Is Group Counseling?

Therapy is an important aspect of the recovery process. A therapist can help guide you through what you are struggling with and help you to live a safe and healthy life. Group therapy is a great option for many because the group setting can make you feel less alone.

Group counseling is similar to individual therapy in that you learn skills to help you with difficult situations. The group setting gives you the peer support you may have lacked before. You will not be able to discuss personal issues in depth as much as you would in a one-on-one session; however, the group support can be very beneficial, as they are going through similar things in their own lives. Group therapy can be a helpful tool between different games, sessions, and working together.

Benefits of Group Counseling

Group therapy and individual therapy have many similarities. In both cases, you get to work with a counselor who will give you tips and tools to live a healthy lifestyle. They both provide a safe environment where you can be open and honest to work through any problems bothering you.

Group counseling can have added benefits that may be useful to some people. It can also have more of an effect on some people. Some positive things about group therapy are:

Peer support – Working with a group of people in similar situationsMakes you feel less alone – Surrounding yourself with understanding peopleGet advice from peers – Learn about what helps other peopleAccountability – Can work together with group members to reach goalsBuilds confidence – Helps to build confidence talking about your problems

Working together can remind you that you are not alone, and you can even get insight from other members that you may not have realized yourself.

Group Therapy at Insight Into Action Therapy

Our group counseling program at Insight Into Action Therapy is a great option for anyone who is struggling with addiction or a mental health disorder. A counselor will lead each session by starting discussions and giving advice and skills. You will be able to work closely with other group members to work through your problems and develop healthy solutions.

In many cases, people who join group therapy also do individual therapy, where you can go into more detail about personal problems. Group therapy is good for skill-building, and individual therapy works through specific issues. Combined, these therapy sessions can lead to a successful recovery.

Getting Mental Health or Addiction Treatment at Insight Into Recovery Therapy

There are numerous benefits to group therapy, whether someone needs treatment for a substance use disorder or a mental health concern. Our team is committed to making your recovery journey a positive experience. We offer various therapy and treatment options to assist people with addiction and mental health issues. We will work with you to find the best program for your needs. To learn more about what we offer, contact us at 703.935.8544.

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5 Benefits of Telehealth Programs for Anxiety

If you struggle with anxiety, one of the best things you can do to help manage the symptoms is to join a therapy program. Whether you do individual therapy or a group program, you will gain great tools for helping your mental health. In some cases, however, physically going to a therapy session can increase your anxiety. Sometimes leaving the comfort of your home can be very stressful.

Telehealth programs for anxiety are a great option for people seeking help but are not comfortable going to a facility. You receive the same benefits of any other therapy program; only it will be virtual. If you or someone you know would benefit from a telehealth program or any other psychiatric service in Virginia, contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.

5 Benefits of Telehealth Programs

Therapy is very helpful for those who struggle with:

AnxietyDepressionSubstance Use Disorders

There are many benefits of telehealth programs for anxiety specifically, besides the positive effects of an in-person therapy session. Knowing that you can get treatment from your home can motivate you to get the help you need. Telehealth can be a great option for mental health, from travel time to comfortability.

1. Eliminates Travel

Traveling to a facility can be a big deterrent when making therapy appointments. Some people might have a long commute to work and don’t want to drive any longer. Some people might not live close to a therapist. Even getting transportation can be difficult for some people. Telehealth eliminates the need for having to go anywhere.

2. More Therapist Options

It is important to choose a therapist with whom you are comfortable being vulnerable. Finding the right counselor can be long and stressful, especially if you don’t live in an area with few options. Virtual therapy programs allow you to pick a person from anywhere, as you do not have to commute to them.

3. Sessions in the Comfort of Your Home

For some people, meeting someone in person can cause a lot of anxiety. The fear of meeting new people or having to go to a doctor’s office can keep them from going at all. A big benefit of telehealth therapy is that you can meet your therapist virtually from the comfort of your home. Being in a place where you feel safe can motivate a person to continue therapy sessions.

4. Shorter Wait Time

Trying to schedule an appointment with a therapist can be frustrating when there are no available appointments soon. With virtual therapy programs, the wait time can decrease significantly. You can choose from a wider selection of therapists who also have more availability as they don’t have to commute.

5. Reduces Health Risks

Typically, you would have to skip appointments if you are not feeling well, so you don’t spread your illness. With a virtual therapy program, you can still have your session, as you don’t have to see anyone in person.

Getting Care at Insight Into Action Therapy

Mental health treatment can now take several forms. For those looking for support, a virtual therapy program or telehealth may be the best option. There’s no need to struggle with an anxiety disorder alone; support is available.

Our top priority at Insight Into Action Therapy is caring for your mental health. We treat those who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Our team understands that everyone’s needs are different, so we offer a variety of therapy and treatment programs. We provide group therapy, dual diagnosis, psychotherapy, and relapse prevention. We even have an aftercare program for those who have completed a treatment program.

Don’t wait to get help. To learn more about our programs, contact our team at 703.935.8544.

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Honoring the Loss of the Substances

By the time clients come to see me, their substance use has often been damaging their lives for some time. As they begin taking steps to achieve sobriety, I always honor that losing the substances can be a real loss. There’s something that they were getting from the substances, especially at first. It may have been working for them for a time. So, when something so central to their lives is being taken away, something must be put in its place. Just stopping the use isn’t enough. The goal is to be living a fulfilling life, not sobriety for sobriety’s sake. Any change to their substance use needs to be in service of that goal.

When beginning to work with clients who are newly sober, I start by helping them develop practical, present-focused strategies to manage their distress. It’s about working with all areas of their life and building positive momentum. For example, when their anxiety becomes more manageable, it then becomes easier to make other changes. That could include obtaining employment or improving their relationships. As they begin to feel more connected and see their life improving, they may feel more motivated and confident to keep going. In practice, this is never a straight line of progress in which things get better and better each day. The process can be messy. There will be setbacks. But every positive step is planting a seed for further change.

By acknowledging that removing substances can feel like a genuine loss, the therapeutic process becomes more collaborative. It reinforces that they are not being judged for their substance use and that they have a partner in their journey of building happier, healthier life.

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The Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Whether you are out with friends, celebrating a holiday or milestone, or at a party, there will likely be alcohol. It can be easy to get carried away, especially when you are more focused on the people you are with and not what you are consuming. This can be dangerous, as drinking too much alcohol can make you sick.

If you drink too much in a short amount of time, you risk an alcohol overdose or alcohol poisoning. When this scenario happens often, you might be suffering from alcohol abuse or an alcohol use disorder. If you or someone you love needs assistance with alcohol addiction, contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544. Our alcohol rehab in Virginia will help you on your recovery journey giving you the tools to identify your triggers, manage the condition, and ultimately overcome it.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning or an alcohol overdose is when you have consumed so much alcohol that your body has trouble functioning. Things like breathing and walking become hard to do, and your body temperature could become very low. If you become intoxicated to this point often, you may be suffering from alcohol abuse.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning happens when you consume a lot of alcohol and become extremely intoxicated. While alcohol poisoning and intoxication are similar, alcohol poisoning is more severe. Some clear, immediate signs look like not being able to walk straight, slurring speech, and not being able to focus. Knowing the signs is important to get the correct care. Other symptoms to look for include:

Vomiting – it can be difficult to stop and cause dehydration in some cases.Becoming unconscious – It might be hard for someone to wake you upSeizures – This can happen due to your chemical levels being unbalancedConfusion – You may not remember where you are or who you are withSlow heart rate – Your heart rate and breathing can slow to a dangerous level

It is very dangerous for a person to pass out after drinking a lot of alcohol, as they may choke on their vomit. Because it is very common to become confused, you could end up in a dangerous situation that could get you hurt. Taking any medications while drinking can also enhance any symptoms. In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can even lead to permanent brain damage.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

Because all of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning can lead to permanent brain damage, it is important to get help as soon as possible if you are struggling with alcohol abuse. Getting treatment at a rehab facility will help you recover through different therapy and treatment programs. During your time in rehab, you will work on ways to safely quit drinking and learn skills to help you stay sober even after your treatment.

There are other options for treating alcohol abuse, like group therapy, a dual diagnosis program, and process addiction treatment. Working with counselors is the best and quickest way to recover.

Getting Help at Insight Into Action Therapy

Knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning can save a person’s life. Like with most addictions, someone struggling with alcohol abuse may not even realize that they have a problem. Getting treatment for that person will ensure that they will live a happy and healthy life without worrying about them risking their life.

At Insight Into Action Therapy, we offer a variety of therapy and treatment programs to help our clients reach their sobriety goals. Our team will help you through every step, from the beginning to aftercare programs. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us at 703.935.8544.

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Stop Kicking People Out Of Treatment

The substance use treatment field is the only one I know of in which if you show signs of a problem, they kick you out. Someone goes into a treatment center, is found to be using substances, and then is discharged. Let’s step back and considered the logic of this… Someone goes into treatment for a problem, is showing symptoms of that very problem, and then is kicked out as a result. My response is: “If I had heart disease would you kick me out of care if my blood pressure was too high?”

Most clinicians are looking for an outcome, usually abstinence. In my view, while the goal may be abstinence, we’re trying to reduce the harms of drugs and alcohol to get down to a healthier level. An over-focus on a specific outcome (abstinence) can get in the way of effective treatment. It is not realistic regarding what the journey of recovery entails. It doesn’t honor that these clients are at high risk, and that harm reduction is needed to give clients an opportunity to discover greater wellbeing. So, why do some providers kick people out of treatment? Because they’re uncomfortable with this process.  I often say, “I don’t care about the outcome. I like the process.”

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