Addiction Therapists in Vernon, NJ.

I take a holistic approach to my client's addiction treatment focusing on mind, body, and spirit. In treating the mind, I utilize industry standard counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and interpersonal process therapy. In treating the body, I work with a nutritionist and local CrossFit to help with diet and fitness since they can be neglected while in active addiction. In treating the spirit, I incorporate biblical principles or stories to illustrate broader recovery concepts. Clients do not need to be Christian to work with me; I simply ask that clients maintain an open when spiritual concepts are used to highlight recovery principles.

Cyber and video game addictions or abuse are a relative recent phenomena. This is a issue that effects youth and adults. It can cause loss of sleep, social isolation and result in neglecting basic and important responsibilities. Through psychotherapy we will explore the need for the escape, what is the secondary gain, as well as working on tools to help change the behaviors that have become routine and habit.

The purpose of Addiction Counseling is to help the client identify for him or herself if there is an addiction present. If this is the case, a variety of cognitive behavioral techniques are utilized as well as mindfulness exercises to help with focusing and how to cope with difficult emotions in healthy ways to become abstinent. In addition, there is a focus on stengths, and what the client has done in the past to abstain from using the substance of choice. Thus, the client can try and implement at least some of these techniques again and stay away from triggers and past negative behaviors that led to relapse. There is also focus on self-esteem building and how to prevent relapse in the future once the client is abstinent.

My work with addictions is a highly compassionate approach, exploring with the client what the stressors or conditions have been which has led to addictive behaviors. These behaviors often affect the entire family. Getting to know the various aspects, thoughts and feelings of the client which are being affected by addiction can lead to healing and a restoration of health and balance.

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.

One area of "addictions" I work with is in the sexual arena. However, I view this from a lens of "out of control sexual behavior," rather than an addiction lens. I see this behavior as a symptom of something deeper in the person's history and what is happening in their life, and together, whether individually, or in the context of couples therapy (or both), we explore this. Understanding what is underneath the sexual behavior, is a step toward being able to manage it differently. Regarding substances, though I am not a specialist in this area, substance use issues emerge with clients who come for other things, so I am comfortable working in this arena, and will make referrals if needed.

What do you do if 12-step based treatment and AA or NA aren’t a good fit for you? You may want to explore cutting back on your drinking. You may not be ready to stop using marijuana but need support to look at how using is impacting your life. You may know you need to stop, and are abstinent, but need help to develop a long-term recovery plan with alternatives to AA or NA. A good life without drugs or alcohol is possible with or without 12-step meeting attendance.

Having worked in the addiction counseling and psychotherapy field has allowed me to become a certified alcohol and addiction counselor (CASAC) where I offer treatment for substance abuse understanding individuals who suffer from addiction and their families who also might be suffering. I have helped many clients find treatment help whether its in Westchester or Putnam County partnering with substance abuse rehabs and other treatment providers. Often the client likes to talk about their struggles or a family member might call for an intervention. Call to discuss your needs.