The Non-Science of the Wegscheider-Cruse Family Roles Theory
By Kenneth Anderson, MA The Wegscheider-Cruse Family Roles Theory is one example of how “chemical dependency” treatment does not have the firm scientific foundation that it is suggested to have. Despite this lack of foundation, to become a certified addiction counselor today one must study Wegscheider-Cruse’s theory. Below I present the history of the development […]
Social Fitness
By Tom Horvath, PhD We regularly see criteria for evaluating our health, physical fitness, or financial well-being. If our relationships are the primary source of our emotional well-being (a statement apparently accurate for most people), then guidelines for evaluating our relationships would also be valuable. Having both one or a few intimates, and a wide […]
The Languages of Love
By Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” from How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) By Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861 This poem focuses on the writer’s experience of being in love. That experience could occur even if the love were not returned. We could have a […]
Coping with Grief
By Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP When we experience anguish (despair, heartache, melancholy, sorrow) after a significant loss, the depth of the anguish reminds us of the depth of the loss. Usually, the anguish does not surprise us, but we may be surprised at how powerful it is. Even our bodies can hurt. We feel anxious […]
Addiction and Relationships
Addiction and Relationships: How Well Do I Engage in Relationships? by Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP If I live just for myself I can do what I want when I want. If I do not mistreat others they probably will not mistreat me. However, if I have no connections with others no one is likely to […]
Asserting Myself
How well am I asserting myself? It is an increasingly competitive world. We need to assert our wants and desires in order to thrive. It is also an increasingly (socially) distant world, and not just because of a pandemic. It is easy to get distracted by the limited connections provided by social media, and not […]
Finding Personal Space During Shelter-in-Place
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Last week we covered five ways to cope with isolation. This week we address the other side of the shelter-in-place coin – the challenges of finding space for oneself when sheltering with others. Most of us live with people, and most of us can relate to the notion that enough time spent with anyone […]
How to Forgive
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Forgiveness is often discussed in addiction treatment, and in general has been shown to bolster mental health, hope, and self-esteem. People are frequently told that they ‘should’ forgive a loved one, or that they ‘need to’ forgive themselves. Tangible tactics on how to forgive are oft-omitted. This article neglects philosophical pontifications […]
5 Factors to Consider Before Staging an Addiction Intervention
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. If a loved one is struggling with addictive problems and not interested in treatment, the overwhelming message from society is that staging an addiction intervention is the best way to help. Interventions, like the ones depicted on television, generally involve a paid interventionist who coaches family members and friends on […]
When Substance Abuse Affects the Family
Substance abuse affects the family and when someone in your family is struggling with addiction, it can be complicated, exhausting, and confusing. You must find a delicate balance between being supportive and protecting your own boundaries. Navigating through this environment is often times draining and most families have questions. If you are experiencing problematic substance […]