As a therapist who specializes in treating substance use problems and trauma, I try to practice what I preach: exercising, connecting with my emotions, getting enough sleep, and relying on my family and friends. But I’m not always successful!
When I Know There’s a Reason
Shifting the way you think about your loved one’s substance use can actually shift the way you interact with every other part of the change process. Creating long-term, sustainable change begins with this vitally important part of helping.
How to Manage Stress During a Big Life Change
Distress tolerance skills help you keep yourself from ruminating, getting worked up, and making an already difficult situation even harder. By keeping yourself on more even ground, you improve your odds of being able to maintain your larger behavioral change goals.
Don’t I Just Need to Confront the Problem?
A common question when your loved one is struggling with substances is: ‘if I don’t confront them, how will they ever decide to change?’ But it turns out that confrontation isn’t always the most effective path to change.
Why I Have Hope
You might wonder: how do I have hope as we face all of this heartache? I have hope because everyday I see how kindness and compassion can help us.
It’s OK to Cry: Responding to a Global Crisis
With the advent of COVID-19 and global quarantine, life as we know it is changed. How do you process something like this? How do you make room for the uncertainty and sadness? Dr. Carrie Wilkens offers support and advice.
How to Help Your Loved One During the Holidays
The holiday season can be an especially difficult time to navigate heavy drinking social events. Here are 5 tips to help you help your loved one abstain from substances or maintain a moderation goal.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Have you ever said to yourself, “I shouldn’t be so mad about this”, “I should be able to handle this and it’s pathetic that I can’t”, “I can’t handle feeling so lost”, “or “I should be able to just get over this and move on”? Learn how to practice being kind to yourself during these painful moments.
Setting Boundaries
When my daughter first started misusing substances, I knew I needed to change my approach to parenting, but I wasn’t sure how. When I learned that people with boundaries can be more compassionate because they don’t feel taken advantage of, it sparked a major realization for me.
How to Talk When You Think They’re Lying
There are many common myths about people who struggle with substance use disorders. One of the oldest and well known is that all substance users have profound character flaws that results in chronic ...