Watching a loved one who is lost in the addictive cycle of substance use disorder is traumatic and life-altering. In order to effectively break this cycle, it is imperative that we not only look at healing the pain in our clients – both past and present – but addressing the trauma accrued by the family and friends while living with them. Gaining sobriety, in and of itself, does not break the cycle of addiction. Only until the collective trauma endured by both the family AND the person struggling with substance abuse is addressed will the cycle truly be broken.
Healing Springs Ranch offers a one-of-a-kind family therapy program that addresses each family's unique needs in dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. These intensives are held one weekend per month. Family members are encouraged to attend during their loved one's treatment stay with us, even after discharge if needed. Our family weekend program not only offers a comprehensive treatment overview but also provides emotional support and connections to other families who share the same struggle with addiction.
During the program, participants will become familiar with our Integrated Addiction Model which will provide everyone with a relatable understanding of substance abuse disorder as well as a common language for healthier communication within the family system. Participants will also identify multi-generational emotional and behavioral patterns within their own family through a genogram activity. Each family will be involved in a personalized group/family psychotherapeutic process facilitated by our clinical team of mental health professionals, focusing on relapse prevention and coping strategies. This approach aims to foster long-term recovery and improve overall family dynamics.
This two-day educational experience is Friday and Saturday morning from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central time). It is offered through zoom format so that participants can attend from the convenience of their own homes.
To register for the Family Program, held on weekends, please email kaylee.warren@healingspringsranch.com
Healing Family From Addiction
Recognizing this concept allows us to truly understand the impact substance use disorder has not only on an individual but also on their family and friends. Watching someone you care about who is lost in this cycle is itself traumatic and life-altering. To effectively break this cycle, it is imperative that we not only look at healing the pain in our patient — both past and present — but address the trauma accrued by the family and friends while living with them. Gaining sobriety, in and of itself, does not break the cycle of addiction. Only until the collective trauma endured by both the family AND the person struggling with addiction is addressed, will the cycle truly be broken. Our commitment goes beyond our patient; we understand the importance of HEALING FAMILIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT™.
program offers a one-of-a-kind family weekend program that addresses each family's unique needs in dealing with substance abuse. These programs are held each month, Friday and Saturday morning. You are encouraged to attend during your loved one's treatment stay with us, but you may attend after they have been discharged if needed. Our family weekend not only offers a comprehensive program overview but also provides emotional support and connections to other families who share the same struggle with addiction. During the intensive, you will become familiar with our Integrated Addiction Model which will provide you and your loved one with a relatable understanding of substance use disorder as well as a common language for healthier communication within your family system. You will also identify
multi-generational emotional and behavioral patterns in your family through a genogram activity. And finally, each family will be involved in a personalized group/family psychotherapeutic process with your loved one facilitated by our clinical team of mental health
Clients will have the opportunity to engage in family therapy while in substance abuse treatment. With clinical discretion and collaboration with the client, family members and friends will be involved based on readiness, availability, and clinical appropriateness. Common topics include rebuilding trust, addiction and trauma education, triggers and emotional regulation skills, discharge planning, and relapse prevention.
Healing Family From Addiction
Recognizing this concept allows us to truly understand the impact substance use disorder has not only on an individual but also on their family and friends. Watching someone you care about who is lost in this cycle is itself traumatic and life-altering. To effectively break this cycle, it is imperative that we not only look at healing the pain in our patient — both past and present — but address the trauma accrued by the family and friends while living with them. Gaining sobriety, in and of itself, does not break the cycle of addiction. Only until the collective trauma endured by both the family AND the person struggling with addiction is addressed, will the cycle truly be broken. Our commitment goes beyond our patient; we understand the importance of HEALING FAMILIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT™.
program offers a one-of-a-kind family weekend program that addresses each family's unique needs in dealing with substance abuse. These programs are held each month, Friday and Saturday morning. You are encouraged to attend during your loved one's treatment stay with us, but you may attend after they have been discharged if needed. Our family weekend not only offers a comprehensive program overview but also provides emotional support and connections to other families who share the same struggle with addiction. During the intensive, you will become familiar with our Integrated Addiction Model which will provide you and your loved one with a relatable understanding of substance use disorder as well as a common language for healthier communication within your family system. You will also identify
multi-generational emotional and behavioral patterns in your family through a genogram activity. And finally, each family will be involved in a personalized group/family psychotherapeutic process with your loved one facilitated by our clinical team of mental health
Clients will have the opportunity to engage in family therapy while in substance abuse treatment. With clinical discretion and collaboration with the client, family members and friends will be involved based on readiness, availability, and clinical appropriateness. Common topics include rebuilding trust, addiction and trauma education, triggers and emotional regulation skills, discharge planning, and relapse prevention.
Facilitator and Educator
Dr. Carmen Haley, PsyD, ATR, RYT-500
Dr. Carmen Haley holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and is a registered art therapist. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Haley has served as a primary therapist in the Program for Sexual Trauma and Recovery at Sierra Tucson, facilitated workshops and served as summit faculty at the Summit for Clinical Excellence, and participated in numerous public speaking engagements across the United States educating other mental health professionals about trauma and self-harm, integrative therapy, and the use of art therapy with the recovering trauma population.
Additionally, Dr. Haley has worked for 9 years as an adjunct faculty member at Prescott College, teaching and advising both masters and doctoral level students and designing core curriculum and independent study courses. She has also taught graduate-level courses at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois, and designed and implemented elective courses that incorporated the use of art therapy with the trauma population and the eating disorder population.
Dr. Haley has extensive experience facilitating individual therapy, group therapy, as well as family therapy in both a treatment facility setting as well as her independent practice. She completed her early graduate-level educational training under the guidance of Dr. Colin A. Ross and The Ross Institute in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Haley directly combines the Trauma Model in an integrative therapeutic approach with her professional experience and training in substance abuse.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Family Therapy
Who should attend family therapy sessions?
Family therapy sessions can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, not just those facing severe or ongoing family conflicts. If you find that your family is struggling with substance abuse disorders, mental health issues, or effective communication, attending family therapy could be highly beneficial. Parents seeking guidance on how to navigate challenges with their children, such as behavioral issues or addiction, can benefit greatly from the insight and support provided in family therapy.
Furthermore, family therapy sessions are a valuable resource for families dealing with dual diagnosis, opioid use disorder, or other challenging circumstances. If you feel that your family could benefit from a safe space to address and work through difficult emotions, improve understanding and empathy among family members, or develop healthier coping strategies, attending family therapy sessions can help facilitate positive change. Family therapists often employ techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and the community reinforcement approach and family training (CRAFT) to address various issues. These sessions can also help family members learn about relapse prevention, stress management, and how to support a loved one's recovery journey. Ultimately, if you are looking to strengthen your family connections, improve relationships, and foster a more harmonious and supportive family environment while addressing mental health or substance abuse concerns, family therapy may be an effective and transformative option for you. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration often regulates substance abuse topics.
Is family therapy confidential?
As a mental health professional, it's crucial to understand the nuances of confidentiality in family therapy. Family therapy sessions, whether addressing substance abuse disorders, mental health issues, or other family dynamics, are typically treated with the highest level of confidentiality to ensure a safe and trusting environment for all participants. The information shared during these sessions is considered privileged communication and is protected by strict ethical guidelines and laws.
Therapists are bound by professional standards, such as those set by the American Psychological Association, to maintain the confidentiality of their clients, including families in therapy. This means that personal information, sensitive topics, and discussions within the therapy sessions are not shared with anyone outside of the therapeutic relationship without explicit consent from the clients. This confidentiality extends to issues related to addiction, relapse prevention, and mental disorders, including substance abuse. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality that clients should be aware of. For instance, if there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, suspicion of child abuse, or in cases where information is subpoenaed by a court, therapists may be legally required to break confidentiality. Additionally, when working with minors, parents often have certain rights to information, though the specifics can vary.
For families dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues, it's important to note that while the therapy sessions themselves are confidential, therapists may need to communicate with other healthcare providers or treatment centers involved in a patient's care, especially in cases of dual diagnosis or when medication management is involved.
It's crucial for individuals and families seeking therapy to discuss confidentiality practices with their therapist at the outset of treatment. This conversation should cover how information is protected, stored, and potentially shared, as well as any limits to confidentiality. Understanding and respecting the confidential nature of psychotherapy can help all participants feel secure in sharing and processing their emotions and experiences within the therapeutic setting, ultimately contributing to more effective treatment and recovery outcomes.
How do we prepare for our first family therapy session?
Embarking on your first family therapy session can be a pivotal step towards resolving conflicts, improving communication, and addressing issues such as substance abuse disorders or mental health concerns within your family dynamic. To prepare for this session, it's important to approach it with an open mind and willingness to engage in the therapeutic process.
Begin by discussing with your family members the goals and desired outcomes you hope to achieve through therapy, which can help in setting collective intentions. This may include addressing substance abuse, improving coping skills, or managing stress. Encourage each family member to express their thoughts and feelings beforehand, allowing everyone to voice their concerns and expectations.
Take time to reflect on personal insights and triggers that may arise during the session, as this self-awareness can enhance the therapy experience. Be prepared to actively listen to each family member and communicate openly and honestly. If substance abuse or mental health issues are present, consider gathering relevant information about symptoms, treatments, or any previous interventions.
Familiarize yourself with the therapist's approach, as different therapists may employ varying techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or motivational interviewing. If you're dealing with addiction issues, research treatment options like drug rehabilitation centers or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Consider practical preparations as well. Check if your health insurance covers family therapy and understand any out-of-pocket costs. If you're traveling for therapy, plan your route and arrive early to reduce stress.
Remember that recovery and healing are ongoing processes. Family therapy is a tool to help improve communication, develop problem-solving skills, and foster empathy within your family unit. By preparing emotionally, mentally, and logistically for your first family therapy session, you can create a supportive environment for meaningful discussions and productive outcomes that can lead to positive changes in your family dynamics and overall mental health.
What if some family members are reluctant to participate?
When faced with reluctance from certain family members to participate in family therapy or interventions, it's crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
Take the time to have an open and honest conversation with reluctant family members to understand their perspective. Often, their hesitation may stem from fear, anxiety, or past negative experiences with therapy or addiction treatment. It's essential to listen actively to their concerns without judgment and address any misconceptions about the therapeutic process.
Educate family members about the benefits of family therapy in addiction recovery and mental health treatment. Explain how family involvement can significantly improve outcomes for the patient and strengthen family relationships. Share information from reputable sources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the American Psychological Association to support your points.
Consider offering alternative forms of participation, such as individual counseling sessions or psychoeducation groups, which might feel less intimidating. Techniques like motivational interviewing can be effective in helping reluctant family members explore their ambivalence about substance abuse participating. Address any practical barriers to participation, such as scheduling conflicts or insurance coverage issues. If distance is a factor, explore options for remote participation through telehealth services for substance abuse. Emphasize that family therapy is not about placing blame but rather about improving communication, developing coping skills, and supporting the recovery process. Highlight the role of family support in relapse prevention and long-term recovery.
If codependency or enabling behaviors are present, gently explain how family therapy can help address these issues and create healthier family dynamics. Remember that change takes time. Be patient and continue to offer opportunities for involvement, even if some family members initially decline. Sometimes, seeing positive changes in other family members who do participate can motivate reluctant members to join later. Be aware that substance abuse can have a significant impact on behavior. By demonstrating compassion, providing education, and offering flexible options for involvement, you can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for family therapy in the context of substance abuse and mental health treatment.