Addictions are one of the most devastating mental health problems that can affect a person. When one is addicted their whole life is at risk and often everything is lost before the extent of the problem is realized. One’s sense of self, job, family and material possessions become secondary to the addiction. Because addictions affect every area of one’s life, at aha NOW! Counseling we develop a holistic and inclusive approach to treatment. Our addictions specialists provide a gentle and individualized therapy program that is designed to meet one’s specific treatment issues. Whether the addiction is due to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or sex, our treatment includes individual, family and group therapy. We work with twelve-step programming and encourage people to begin to heal in a way that addresses the hurt and shame the addiction might have produced. We provide specialized intensive outpatient program development in either an individual or group format. Family work is central to the recovery process and this is incorporated into every treatment plan.

This method of therapy focuses treatment on how the client views their level of functioning along with their feelings about the therapeutic relationship. Created by Barry Duncan, PhD and Scott Miller, PhD Client-Directed, Outcome Informed Therapy was developed after Dr. Duncan’s and Dr. Miller’s research demonstrated what actually works in therapy to produces successful outcome. The factors are highlighted and assessed in each therapy session.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy based on modifying cognitions or thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors, with the aim of influencing disturbed emotions. The general approach, developed out of Behavior Modification, Cognitive Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy is widely used to treat various kinds of mental health issues, including mood disorders and anxiety. The particular therapeutic techniques vary according to the particular kind of client or issue, but commonly include keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors, questioning and testing cognitions, assumptions, evaluations and beliefs that might be unhelpful and unrealistic, gradually facing activities which may have been avoided, and trying out new ways of behaving and reacting. Relaxation and distraction techniques are also commonly included.

Individual counseling is comprised of experiencing one-on-one therapy sessions with the psychotherapist. Goals for treatment are determined mutually between the client and their psychotherapist.

Relaxation Skill Development is a process of learning body-based and mind-based relaxation techniques. These specific relaxation skills are taught, developed and practiced in the session. The type of skill taught is based on the client’s presenting issue and their natural learning style. Specific techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, self-awareness exercises, and breath work.

Family dynamics can impact our life in many ways and may contribute to our current mental health issues. Regardless of the constellation of your family or the type of family in which you were raised, families can leave an imprint on our lives as adults. Many people are reluctant to address family problems that continue to bother them despite years of mental health problems and therapy. Family of origin issues can contribute to addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. If family of origin issues is a part of one’s presenting problem, our psychotherapists will suggest working on these issues along with other pronounced mental health problems. We approach these issues in a gentle and effective manner. aha NOW! Counseling psychotherapists are highly trained in family systems theory, which assists clients in working on these difficult issues.  Once the family of origin issues are worked through and understood, other mental health issues become more manageable and sometimes no longer are present. We utilize Family Systems Theory including Bowen Family Systems Theory, Gestalt Therapy and Psychodrama. Additionally, all of our psychotherapists have been trained by Terry Kellogg and Marvel Harrison, nationally recognized for their work and writing in family systems and addiction/codependency fields.