Counseling & Therapy Newsletter September 2020

Counseling & Therapy Newsletter September 2020

Sep 21, 2020

newsletter, Counseling Services

 
 

Hello and welcome to FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy’s Monthly Newsletter!

In each issue we will address a different topic surrounding mental health, highlight a treatment perspective from the field, as well as showcase a few of our own clinicians. Our hope is that this newsletter helps to raise awareness, begins conversations around tough topics, and instills hope. 


 

 

As a result of COVID-19 the majority of FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy sessions are being done using tele-health video calls. Limited in-person sessions for specialized therapies available for current and new clients. To set-up an appointment please call 651-439-4840 or visit FamilyMeans.org. Click here to see COVID-19 updates.


 

 

 National Recovery Month

In 2018, 31.9 million people over the age of 12 were current illegal drug users. That equates to 11.7% of the population. When also including the legal drugs of alcohol and tobacco, the number skyrockets to 165 million, or 60% of the population. Experts predict that the total number of overdose deaths in 2020 will be higher than ever before. (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics)

September is recognized as National Recovery Month. A time to share information about the dangers and challenges that come with substance use/abuse, and provide support resources for those who need them.

Substances are addictive. As people use a substance, they will increase their tolerance for it. Meaning that overtime, they will need more of the substance to get the same effects that little once gave them. Along with using more of a substance comes withdrawals after the substance leaves their system. As withdrawal symptoms intensify, people may look to use more substances to reduce these symptoms. Often, this is how addiction begins.

Drug use at an early age often leads to addiction into adulthood. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics states that 70% of children who try an illegal drug before they turn 13 develop a substance use disorder within 7 years. On the other hand, those who try illegal drugs after the age of 17 are substantially less likely to develop a substance abuse disorder (27%).

No matter when the substance abuse began, recovery is possible. There are many wonderful programs from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), individual therapy, intensive outpatient programs, to residential treatment facilities that can help individuals through their recovery process. Depending on where an individual is with their recovery, one of these mentioned treatments will be appropriate care for them.

This National Recovery Month, help us to spread the word about substance abuse and support options by sharing the resources below.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Helpline

Tips for Talking to Your Child about Drugs (Pre-k to 18)

National Recovery Month Resources

 

FamilyMeans Counselors are available to support individuals, couples, and families through the mental health challenges that arise on your journey towards, or through sobriety. FamilyMeans does not have a dedicated chemical dependency program, if needed, we can direct you to one of our trusted community partners.

 


 

 Group Therapy

Treatment Perspective: Group Therapy

Group therapy brings different types of people together who are working through similar issues. There is a portion of time where the clinician will speak on a topic that is relevant to the group, then time for the group to discuss and process information. There is also time for individuals to reflect, personally, on their situations without having to share with the whole group.

The group dynamic often plays a wonderful part in healing. Some find comfort in knowing there are other people who are going through similar situations—realizing they are not alone.. Group therapy can be useful for a variety of presenting problems such as, but not limited to: recovery, depression, anxiety, parenting, trauma, divorce, family members with someone who has ‘x’, etc.

There are two types of group therapy, open and closed. Open group, means the participants may change each session because it continues to be open to new members. Closed group, means that a set group of people will be part of the group and no new participants will be added to that particular group. Group therapy is a great option for anyone who is ready to address their particular concerns, and are willing to participate within and learn from a group.


 

 

FamilyMeans Clinician Spotlight

 

Alex Maas

 

 

Alex Maas, MA
School-Based Therapist

Alex began his profession as a Clinical Therapist as a Juvenile Diversion Program Coordinator, working with groups of juvenile offenders and their families. Through this work, he found the power of social psychology and positive group exposure to be in an invaluable clinical tool, and one of his true academic passions. Alex believes group therapy can be a wonderful inclusion to establish connections to those around us. There is a special moment when a group gains momentum, when people come together and unite after sharing potentially vulnerable experiences. Alex feels that group therapy is wonderful for a potential personal connections created through shared openness.

Today, Alex works as a School-Based Therapist with FamilyMeans. He enjoys providing support to students in both individual and group sessions, and feels that connection is important now, more than ever, as the pandemic has required social separations.

Alex is always happy and excited to discuss social psychology, crime and deviance, or how to design/implement a new group therapy program!

 

 Jonathan Boorman

 

Jonathan Boorman, LMFT
Stillwater Clinic

Jonathan Boorman has had the privilege to have worked at FamilyMeans for close to 7 years now.  Jonathan started out as an intern during his graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University and then was hired as a clinician after graduation.

A popular misconception people have about Marriage and Family Therapists is that they ONLY see couples and families. This is far from accurate. The training we receive teaches us to look through a systemic and relational lens when we conceptualize the problems that are being brought before us. Give that all of us are impacted and have been impacted by the relationships in our lives from the time we are born (and some would argue while we are actual still in utero) having a therapist that looks at the big picture is incredibly helpful. Naturally this approach works with individuals as well as couples and families.  

In addition Jonathan also specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, individuals who are gifted and talented, and those on the Autism spectrum.

 

 Mem Walk Invite

 

Join our Center for Grief & Loss staff for our virtual Memorial Walk for Hope & Healing.

Sign-up to receive an email to this virtual event on September 26th. The event will begin with a short video program to remember loved ones lost, reflect, and share hopes for the future. Then guests will be encouraged to independently participate in a short walk and activity of remembrance.

Learn More & Sign-Up