Man holding sign with a recovery slogan

10 Recovery Slogans – Why They Work

  Much of my writing is intense (e.g., Family Guide to Understanding Relapse). So, I’m ready to try something a little lighter yet equally informative. For example, a part of the recovery dialogue revealed to me over the years is the use of slogans in recovery. At first, I thought they were silly. I couldn’t […]

5 Family Therapy Goals

If your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you likely have a good idea of how impactful the disease of addiction can be on the broader family unit. Rarely if ever, does only one person suffer when addiction is present. Instead, entire family or friend groups typically feel the effects of an individual’s addiction […]

a therapist takes notes on a notepad while discussing with the family sitting on the couch about family therapy goals

10 Family Communication Questions

What do you hope to gain from treatment? If you have a loved one working to recover from addiction, you may face challenges in multiple areas. From broad communication to daily responsibilities, all facets of life can change when loved ones transition from actively using an addictive substance to a sober lifestyle. Know that you […]

adult male and an older adult male drink coffee outside discussing family communication questions

101 Sober Things to Do to Beat the Winter Blues

  Are you feeling the winter blues? There are many wonderful things about living in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan. But, and there is a but, the winters are long. Many of the awesome things to do are currently buried beneath a crazy quilt of variations on the color white.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real […]

New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work? Implementing Change with GUSTO

  Welcome to 2023! In your social circles, the “buzz” is probably about New Year’s resolutions. Did you make any? I want to share some perspectives with you on how humans make behavioral changes like resolutions or adjustments to our relationships and lives.   Resolutions & Change When it comes to a resolution for a […]

Family Guide to Understanding Addiction Relapse

  For family recovery to become a reality, each household member must have an accurate perspective on addiction relapse and their recovery plan. Any situation that stimulates old addictive pathways can lead to relapse in the person with an addictive condition, likewise, to family members. The most important thing is what the individual with a substance […]

How to Set Boundaries in Addiction Recovery

As the family program facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health, I spend a lot of time helping loved ones establish boundaries. Establishing healthy boundaries is possible in family recovery. Establishing boundaries is essential to effectively work with a loved one with a substance use disorder (SUD). Healthy boundaries are at the heart of any positive relationship […]

two women talk to each other the couch and one of them women is establishing boundaries for herself

6 Family Activities for the New Year

  The year is coming to a close, and it’s time to celebrate the arrival of a new year with family and friends. Whether you like to ring in the New Year with festive traditions or prefer quieter family activities, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate this special occasion safely and inclusively. Are […]

a group of young adults holding sparklers while outside participating in one of the many rewarding family activities for new years

Could Parenting Styles Cause Eating Disorders?

  Research has shown that children and youth who diet are much more likely to develop eating disorders. In fact, the earlier that dieting begins, the more likely a significant eating disorder can occur. Body positivity begins at home; parenting styles can help to develop body positivity naturally.   It is normal and expected that […]

outpatient addiction treatment man and woman

What is the One Gift Your Family Will Not Return?

The Season of Hope and Family Recovery This is the season of hope, joy, and the giving of gifts to honor that hope and joy.  A season of this type applies to all people who practice traditions of their culture or faith. I am the Family Program for Addiction Treatment facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health. […]