High-End Deprivation, the Dark Side of Wealth

February 27th, 2014 | Posted by Tian Dayton in ACoA | Addiction | Adolescents | PTSD | Relationships | Shopping Addiction | Wealth Addiction - (Comments Off on High-End Deprivation, the Dark Side of Wealth)

Understanding Children of Wealth It is no social secret that having wealth can provide a person with status, power, and open the doors to acquiring education and polish.  If the rest of a person is attended to by maintaining healthy moral and personal values the wealthy person will generally have a strong enough inner world …
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Treating Sexual Addiction

February 19th, 2014 | Posted by Rob Weiss in Sex Addiction - (Comments Off on Treating Sexual Addiction)
Rob Weiss Sex Addiction Expert

For the most part, effective sexual addiction treatment strategies mirror the techniques that have also proven useful with substance abuse treatment. In short, sex addiction treatment specialists rely on a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, trauma-informed assessment and awareness, and 12-step recovery work. One major treatment difference when dealing with sex addiction …
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A Valentine’s Gift for You

February 13th, 2014 | Posted by Patricia O'Gorman, PhD in Relationships | Women's Issues - (Comments Off on A Valentine’s Gift for You)

“How do you spell ‘love’?” – Piglet “You don’t spell it . . . you feel it.” – Pooh — A.A. Milne, “Winnie The Pooh” You were raised on tales of Prince Charming coming to your rescue and thereby proving his undying love. You’ve seen numerous movies and read many books where strong, feisty women are …
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Spotting Sexual Addiction in Clients

February 5th, 2014 | Posted by Rob Weiss in Sex Addiction - (Comments Off on Spotting Sexual Addiction in Clients)
Rob Weiss Sex Addiction Expert

Sexually addicted men and women enter treatment because their addiction is destroying their lives, but once they’re in therapy they often fail to mention their out-of-control sexual activity (most often due to shame). Instead, they ask for help with their addiction’s related symptoms – depression, severe anxiety, relationship problems, co-occurring substance abuse issues, and the …
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Love: Our Goal, Our Destiny, Our Fulfillment

February 4th, 2014 | Posted by Tom Greaney in Addiction | Weekly Reflections & Guidance - (Comments Off on Love: Our Goal, Our Destiny, Our Fulfillment)

The human capacity to love is limitless. Its only limitation is that which we learn from those caregivers who raise us or by self-imposed limitations. Perhaps I tell myself “I’m not worthy of that kind of unconditional, life-affirming love.” Think about the precious child who is abused and abandoned by her mother. When reunited, and …
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The Black Hole: Trauma and Addiction

February 3rd, 2014 | Posted by Tian Dayton in ACoA | Addiction | Addiction Discussions | Addiction Education | Adolescents | PTSD | Relationships | Trauma - (Comments Off on The Black Hole: Trauma and Addiction)

It has long been understood in the vernacular of the addictions field that those whose “lives become unmanageable” through excessive use of drugs and alcohol may be trying to “drown their pain.” While initially, addicts may feel they have found a way to manage a pain-filled inner world, this synthetic form of mood management can …
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Conversations with a Higher Power – January

January 30th, 2014 | Posted by Tom Greaney in Addiction | Relationships | Weekly Reflections & Guidance - (Comments Off on Conversations with a Higher Power – January)

“Dear Higher Power, I come to you seeking help.” With that simple sentence and heartfelt sentiment I, a self-identified recovering Roman Catholic, made a dramatic surrender and concerted effort to connect with my Higher Power. In Twelve Step recovery this is expressed in Step Eleven, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact …
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Counseling Experience or Counseling Academics: What Is the Mark of a Good Addiction Counselor?

January 21st, 2014 | Posted by Michael Taleff in Addiction | Addiction Discussions | Addiction Education | Counselor Education - (Comments Off on Counseling Experience or Counseling Academics: What Is the Mark of a Good Addiction Counselor?)

I just started another college semester this week, and in that very first class the discussion centered on what is really important in making a first-class addiction counselor. As discussion progressed, a student came to a conclusion, “ that experience seems to be the only way to really know counseling.” That’s not quite true. I …
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The Impact of Digital Technology on Sexual Addiction

January 20th, 2014 | Posted by Rob Weiss in Sex Addiction - (Comments Off on The Impact of Digital Technology on Sexual Addiction)
Rob Weiss Sex Addiction Expert

In today’s world the Internet is pretty much ubiquitous. Nearly everyone owns a computer, laptop, pad, smartphone, or whatever – all of which provide a level of interconnectivity and access that was almost unthinkable as little as ten years ago. Because of this, we now have endless opportunities for social interaction and almost limitless access …
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