Many factors influence the development and course of addiction. Therefore, many approaches can be useful in its treatment. Addiction can be thought of as a chronic, relapsing brain disease with biopsychosocial factors that contribute to the development and course of the symptoms. Our approach views addiction as more of an internal power struggle between different parts of the self that are trying to seek balance. When the drive to find release from emotional pain takes over, the harsh and self-critical parts of the self are often activated in response. This creates an unremitting cycle that we refer to as the addictive process. By interacting compassionately with the client’s entire system and trying to understand the polarization and what it serves to protect, it is possible to release this power struggle and find relief. Understanding the intention behind any repetitive behavior is just one key to the discovery process, and there are many other tools that support an individual’s drive to change the behavior.
The practice of mindfulness is a cornerstone of our treatment approach. Our vision is to provide clients with the skills to cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives and to support the ability to make healthy choices that are in alignment with their personal values, goals and beliefs. Creating the conditions that allow for optimal recovery involves developing a supportive community, providing education and offering a structured approach to integrating healthy practices into daily life. . Education, community and the development of a set of skills that support the ability to be self-led instead of run by addiction, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and feelings are all part of the process of treatment. We employ many modalities to achieve these goals. Internal Family Systems is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that uses the principles from systems thinking to address the internal system.
We also work closely with Mindfulness in Recovery, which is an online community that provides support, meetings, meditation instruction and a library of guided meditations as well as a daily email with teachings and exercises that support the goal of living a meaningful life in recovery.