As a life coach, I’ve noticed that fear is the #1 commonality among my clients who experience anxiety and depression. One of the most crippling inhibitors during the recovery process is fear. Fear of the unknown, more specifically. So often, we allow our diagnosis to become a part of our identity — who we are, […]
Our Latest Blogs
29
Jan
Jan
Social situations may arouse strong emotions for some of you. You have sweaty palms and a sore throat when you must give a speech in front of 100 people. You might feel that you cannot face a social situation because you are too nervous and agitated to do it. Going out to clubs or crowded […]
27
Jan
Jan
When I was in college, I had a friend approach me and tell me he was suicidal. We had been on a drive and he asked me to stop so he could tell me something. That’s when he confided in me and told me how he was feeling and how long he had felt that […]
24
Jan
Jan
Holistic healing refers to the treatment of the whole person to achieve optimal wellness. And for those recovering from substance abuse, taking a holistic approach to care may be the key to success and lifelong freedom from drugs and alcohol. The recovery process, therefore, should be a multifaceted endeavor involving physical healing from addiction as […]
21
Jan
Jan
One of the fears we have as parents is that by exposing our children to the reality of our brokenness (our fears, our shortcomings, and yes, even our mental illness), we’ll be unnecessarily burdening them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The following are four reasons why I’ve refused to let mental illness be […]
17
Jan
Jan
Chances are good that you’re reading this article on a smartphone, and you are probably not alone. The average adult in the U.S spent 3 hours, 35 minutes per day on mobile devices in 2018. Drawing that out even further, the average human will spend 6 years and 8 months on social media in his […]
15
Jan
Jan
Mental health is a hot button issue in society today — which is excellent, because having frank discussions is important in the fight against stigma. However, the subject of diagnosis does not often form part of popular discussion. We have a tendency to overlook the sometimes challenging mechanics of psychiatric diagnosis. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder […]
11
Jan
Jan
The whole month of January has a feeling of starting over. Sure, some of us get hung up on having to start new habits on January 1st, but really the whole month, in general, is a good time to focus on goals and change. Personally, I find the whole concept of starting the year with […]
01
Jan
Jan
You had heard it all before. While still in active addiction, well-meaning friends and family members tried to assure you that your life would be immensely better if you would just get some help. They promised you repeatedly that if you got sober, and stayed that way, you would enjoy a fulfilling and prosperous life. […]
30
Dec
Dec
It’s no secret that binge drinking is a cultural problem in the U.S. and around the world. The behavior is primarily associated with young people, but increasingly, senior citizens are drinking alcohol excessively. In fact, a 2019 study found that more than 10% of Americans aged 65 and over engage in binge drinking on a […]
26
Dec
Dec
Bryan Balaban, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who works with adolescents, adults, and families.
23
Dec
Dec
What Is Bulimia Nervosa and What Sets It Apart from Other Eating Disorders? Bulimia nervosa is a very serious mental health condition that is characterized by reoccurring cycles of compulsive binge eating episodes followed by purging (most often by self-induced vomiting). When a person with bulimia nervosa binge eats, they typically eat a very large […]
20
Dec
Dec
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Mountain Lake Academy Lake Placid, NY Mountain Lake Academy is a therapeutic residential school for adolescent boys and young men, ages 12 to 21, with emotional and learning difficulties that have impacted their ability to be successful in home or school. Student challenges may include anxiety, school avoidance, lack of […]
18
Dec
Dec
Westport Day School is a therapeutic day school that serves children and teens, from sixth through twelfth grade, with internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and learning disabilities.
18
Dec
Dec
Mental health issues are a global epidemic. Nobody in the world is alone in this struggle. As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from one mental health issue or another each year. That’s 47.6 million people. The numbers representing the global rates are naturally higher. As per WHO, a […]
16
Dec
Dec
The meaning and spirit of the holiday season is different for many of us, but what stands out, is the companionship we share with others. It’s no secret that most of us remember the holidays as the time of year for bringing friends and families together for a time of celebration. According to a survey, […]
13
Dec
Dec
Being the Perfect Parent Congratulations, you have a new baby in your home! Now you are on center stage spotlighting your parenting skills for all the world to see. With each visitor to your home, the need to demonstrate your knowledge and skill of raising your child is important. Comments made by parents, relatives and visitors are […]
09
Dec
Dec
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Your digestive system is often referred to as the second brain. This is due to the recent discovery of brain-like nerves that are located in the digestive tract. Today we will look at how the gut affects mood and cognitive function. […]
06
Dec
Dec
Eating disorders can happen among people of all ages, genders and social backgrounds. However, they develop most commonly in early adulthood and adolescence. In fact, eating disorders in adolescence are so common that around 5.4 percent of kids between the ages of 13 and 18 will develop anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder […]
03
Dec
Dec
Bob Milich, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in group therapy and works with children age 6 and up, adolescents, and adults. In addition to offering 7 weekly groups, Dr. Milich provides individual and family therapy
02
Dec
Dec
When two people make the decision to get married and start a family, their intentions are likely to spend a life of bliss together. Unfortunately, love isn’t always the utopia we’d like it to be — marriage sometimes ends in divorce. When you make the decision to get divorced and you have teenagers, this can […]
29
Nov
Nov
Suicides in the United States are on the rise. The number of people who die by their own hand every year is roughly equivalent to the number of people who overdose on prescription pain killers. Yet there is virtually no press coverage or public debate about the matter. On average, 129 people die by suicide […]
27
Nov
Nov
Stress and anxiety are normal emotions that affect all of us. They are never something to be ashamed of. We all handle our emotions differently. Some people choose to cope by seeing a counselor, taking medication, or even starting a yoga practice. However, one aspect of life that all people can utilize to improve their […]
25
Nov
Nov
Nearly every time there’s a public conversation about homelessness, the topic of mental health becomes a major talking point. For instance, the California Policy Lab released data in October 2019 on the prevalence of health problems among homeless populations in Los Angeles, and concluded that mental illness is a key cause of homelessness. Further, unsheltered […]
18
Nov
Nov
College can be a hard time for some students. In addition to the anxiety that comes with leaving home and forming new friendships, they face academic stress and worry over their future. Many students struggle to keep up with their classes while handling personal mental health conditions. How can campus officials do more to promote […]
15
Nov
Nov
Imagine being trapped in the vicious cycle of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. On a daily basis, one condition continually aggravates and fuels the other, regardless of which one happened to emerge first. The co-occurring disorders, often referred to as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity, can lead to major impairment […]
13
Nov
Nov
Social Anxiety is defined as an extreme state of emotional discomfort or fear when encountering large crowds of people in a social setting. For those who suffer from social anxiety, it can be a very crippling and debilitating problem faced almost every day. Imagine that you are suffering from social anxiety, feeling very shy and […]
06
Nov
Nov
When it comes to substance abuse or mental health problems, you may have looked into the benefits that therapy can have for you. However, you may have overlooked the positive impact group counseling can have on your situation and your psyche When you are looking for help for a substance abuse or mental health problem, […]
01
Nov
Nov
Nothing was working. Nothing could seem to break depression’s hold on me. Its fingers gripped my neck, choking me at every turn — invisible hands pulling me even deeper down into despair. Eleven years. That’s how long I had already suffered at the hands of depression. By this point, I had already tried seven medications, […]
28
Oct
Oct
This article focuses on two distinct psychological approaches to human behavior: behavioral psychology and cognitive psychology. Although the disciplines are widely considered irreconcilable, there is much to be learned if we can understand the everyday implications of the differences between these disciplinary perspectives. In other words, this article focuses on how we can understand ourselves […]
23
Oct
Oct
More than two decades ago, researchers found that treating one person for two behavioral health disorders — even simultaneously — at two separate clinics or care providers was often ineffective. Parallel treatment was the norm at the time. Yet the need for a more combined treatment approach for those with substance abuse issues and a […]
21
Oct
Oct
The term ‘substance abuse’ refers to harmful or noxious consumption of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs and other prescribed medications in amounts or quantities that are harmful to a person. Drug addiction or substance use disorders often lead to alteration in thinking, judgment, perception, attention, behavioral and cognitive impairment, physical and psychological dependence, […]
18
Oct
Oct
Seeking help and starting the beginning stages of recovery is extremely hard, but following through with continued recovery is a battle in itself. Recovery lasts a lifetime, whether you’re managing substance abuse, mental health symptoms, or both. How you balance and sort your priorities when you’re in recovery has a big hand in your long-term […]
14
Oct
Oct
Striving for perfection is a good thing—isn’t it? Turns out, the answer may not be that simple. According to experts, the response to perfectionist tendencies is what matters most. With all the pressures they face, college students are especially vulnerable to the hazards of perfectionism and the effects it can have on mental health and […]
07
Oct
Oct
Being happy and healthy can be extremely difficult when you’re in a toxic environment. A toxic environment can be a result of anything from an unhealthy relationship or negative work environment to self-esteem issues or a lack of self-care. Whatever the cause, toxicity is hard to cope with. It can sometimes be hard to recognize […]
02
Oct
Oct
Many people are battling to recover from past traumatic events. Commonly, these people will struggle with abandonment issues, jealousy, fear of not being good enough, and an overall mistrust in others. These lasting effects can make having intimate relationships with significant others or close friends very difficult, causing a lot of emotional turmoil; especially when […]
30
Sep
Sep
Few people are able to look back at their teen years without acknowledging them as being a challenging time. Particularly in our current society, teens are trapped maneuvering between childhood compliance and adult independence. They are expected to do what they are told, while also being expected to act autonomously and responsibly. These opposing forces […]
25
Sep
Sep
Sleep research is steadily establishing itself as an important field, and scientists have been trying to unravel the mystery of sleep for quite some time now. It is believed that having enough sleep helps us to deal with adversity and demands in our busy lives. Sleep is, in many regards, a built-in biological source of […]
23
Sep
Sep
If you’re heading off to college, no doubt you feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. However, if you live with a mental health disorder, you may experience greater anxiety than other students. You probably have a host of questions, too. Where can you turn if you find yourself in crisis while on campus? How […]
16
Sep
Sep
During the month of September www.rtor.org will be observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on addiction and substance use disorders. For our second article in this series, we are featuring a guest post from Elizabeth Driscoll Jorgensen, owner of Insight Counseling, LLC, in Ridgefield, CT, and Consultant to Family-Endorsed Provider Newport Academy at its […]
06
Sep
Sep
Years of research show that cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in marijuana, can treat a variety of conditions including chronic pain, glaucoma, and seizures. Also, there is evidence that cannabis has chemicals that prevent the spread of cancer and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But… Even with the rampant decriminalization of cannabis and documentation of […]
02
Sep
Sep
This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on addiction and substance use disorders. To kick-off the special series on addiction and co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Ken Seeley, an internationally acclaimed interventionist and founder and C.E.O. of Ken Seeley Communities. Imagine waking up one […]
28
Aug
Aug
When parents decide to dissolve their marriage, the children can feel as if their universe has been turned upside down. So, what are the impacts of divorce on children’s mental, emotional, and physical health? While divorce is stressful to all kids, some children rebound or recover faster than others. The level of upset can vary […]
26
Aug
Aug
Westchester Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group (CDBT) offers psychotherapy services to adults, adolescents, pre-teens, and families.
22
Aug
Aug
Sharon Shea, LCSW, LADC, MAC, CCTP is a licensed clinical social worker and a nationally certified master addiction counselor. She specializes in marital and family counseling, mood disorders, addictions, and trauma.
16
Aug
Aug
Rape and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault. It can feel that way, though. If your teen has been through sexual assault, this is an incredibly confusing and painful time for both of you. Victims often feel alone, ashamed, and scared. They may get flashbacks or nightmares, or feel haunted by the memory of […]
14
Aug
Aug
Glen Brooks, MD is the found and Medical Director of NY Ketamine Infusions, one of the first therapy centers dedicated to exclusively providing ketamine infusions.
14
Aug
Aug
Bipolar disorder is a serious and persistent mental health disorder in which a person experiences unusual changes in mood. Other characteristics of this disorder are changes in energy and activity level. It can cause risky suicidal behavior and can affect social life and academic and work performance. Thirty to fifty percent of people with bipolar […]
12
Aug
Aug
The idea of spirituality and its connection to sobriety is common. Addiction programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) often start or end with the serenity prayer which says, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom […]
09
Aug
Aug
Anxiety disorders can feel a lot like real-world danger. For me personally, it’s often like a switch is flipped without the catalyst: suddenly I’m terrified, adrenaline is surging through my body, and I am in fight or flight mode. It is as though I am facing down a predator or an attacker, but there is […]
08
Aug
Aug
Colleen Fawcett, LCSW, provides individual and family therapy and works with children of all ages, parents, adults, and couples.
08
Aug
Aug
Being nervous before any major presentation is a normal thing. However, some people end up having a panic attack by merely thinking of standing in front of a crowd. Read these effective presentation tips and learn how to overcome your anxiety. 1. Get Familiar with the Room and Its Setup Familiarize yourself with the surroundings […]
06
Aug
Aug
Dr. Hassan Minhas provides comprehensive psychiatric care and addiction treatment for children, adolescents and adults.
06
Aug
Aug
Linnie Pickering, LMSW, specializes in complicated grief, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and harassment, and suicide prevention.
06
Aug
Aug
Dr. Shelby Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults, and behavioral sleep medicine (BSM).
29
Jul
Jul
When I first read Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig, it was last year at the end of a long summer. Some sudden life changes had caused a dip in my mental health, and so like a moth to a flame, I was drawn once again to literature that could stand by me in […]
23
Jul
Jul
Caron Renaissance is an extended-stay residential treatment program for adults ages 18 and up with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.
22
Jul
Jul
When some people picture self-harm, they may envision a teenage girl cutting herself. This sort of scenario certainly does occur, but it’s important to recognize that self-harm in adults and among males happens too and is more common than you might realize. Self-harm also takes a variety of forms, not just cutting. It can be […]
18
Jul
Jul
Situated on 400 peaceful and serene acres, Rose Hill offers comprehensive mental health treatment and rehabilitation services designed to help adults, 18 and over, recover and achieve lasting independence.
18
Jul
Jul
Dr. Scafidi is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), an evidence-based talk therapy treatment.
17
Jul
Jul
Seniors tend to have chronic illnesses that can lead to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Then there are mental health disorders that are chronic illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which also affect young adults and people in middle age. According to the World Health Organization, fifteen percent of Americans who […]
15
Jul
Jul
By Ken Seeley, Founder and CEO, Ken Seeley Communities As a seasoned interventionist, I have been involved in facilitating a wide array of groups of people who desired to motivate a loved one to seek treatment for a substance use disorder. Managing an intervention effectively takes planning, practice, and knowledge of the features associated […]
12
Jul
Jul
No matter what substance you use, if you do it regularly, some changes leading to addiction inevitably occur in your brain. To rewire an addicted brain, you need to undergo a treatment process that will heal not only body but mind as well. Reaching abstinence is a big victory. But the struggle will continue as […]
10
Jul
Jul
My drug and alcohol addiction put me through the worst of times, especially when it came to personal relationships. My addiction, however, taught me a lot about enabling, codependent relationships, and toxic relationships. What I once thought of as fairytale romances were really just a rollercoaster ride of emotional manipulation and enabling. I realized that […]
05
Jul
Jul
Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently gained a lot of traction for its many purported mental and physical health benefits. And anecdotal evidence to support these claims is strong. People tout the products for helping with pain, sleep, and even skin conditions. The issue is that scientific proof is hard to come by. Clinical research is limited […]
03
Jul
Jul
What is Stress? Stress can be defined as the way you feel when you’re under abnormal pressure. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and it is a natural physical and mental reaction to life events. The below infographic from Study Medicine Europe examines the science of stress and offers an in-depth look as to […]
01
Jul
Jul
It is difficult to reach adulthood without knowing someone who has attempted or died by suicide. It’s natural to feel helpless and guilty when someone you know takes this step, even if you were not close to the person. When a suicide occurs, our thoughts turn to how to prevent it in the future. Read […]
28
Jun
Jun
While most of us assume that intimacy is something we only experience physically, intimacy also depends on, and greatly impacts, our brains. In fact, mental wellbeing and intimacy are so closely related that each can affect the other. What is intimacy? Intimacy can be both emotional or physical, oftentimes both. Emotional intimacy refers to a […]
26
Jun
Jun
Dr. Willis specializes in treating adults with eating disorders, who may also have co-occurring mental health issues such as mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders.
