By: Annie Kaja Reed, BA, CAS Counselor, The Refuge – A Healing Place “This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, Who violently sweep your … Read More
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” -Victor Hugo Entering group each morning I am often drawn to music as a means to quickly connect the energy of the group and set a tone. Not only can it connect a room full of people but it can … Read More
“It takes 1,000 “Atta boys” to overcome one, “You’re worthless and no good.” –Dr. Phil A few months ago I was sitting at my daughter’s softball practice when she came up to me frustrated because all she was hearing from her coach was “swing harder, swing faster” which, to her, translated to “you’re not doing … Read More
By: Janina Sola Therapist, The Refuge – A Healing Place As I sat and wondered about the many topics of trauma and my contribution based on the insight of theoretical perspectives into trauma, I realized that although there is an abundance of research that points to why we do this treatment, most of what I do as … Read More
By: Tom Pecca, MA, CAS, CSAT, CTT Therapist – The Refuge – A Healing Place “Robin Williams has taken his own life!” I received that text last week and, at first I thought it was just one more internet hoax like so many others. When I started to see the news reports roll in and, … Read More
It’s hard to understand addiction sometimes. It’s really hard to understand when it’s someone you care for and they are looking back at you, clearly intoxicated by whatever their favorite form of controlled dissociation is (drugs, alcohol, sex, food/not eating food, gambling), and they are again lying, again manipulating and again doing all the things … Read More
By: Brandy Harris, MA, LMHC-I Intensive Outpatient Program Manager I have been at The Refuge Transitions since May of 2012. We work with individuals from all walks of life; some have experienced multiple treatments, some are stepping down from residential treatment, and others are coming to us for treatment for the first time. A common … Read More
By: Annie Kaja Reed, BA, CAS Counselor, The Refuge – A Healing PlaceFor me, the process of recovery from mental disorders such as addiction and PTSD, is one of returning into the beauty, love and inherent goodness of life. PTSD, addiction, depression and other ways our bodies and minds enter dysfunction shut us off from experiencing … Read More
When my father died several years ago, I received a number of sympathy cards from coworkers that suggested that I let my wonderful memories of my relationship with him from childhood and onward comfort me. As a grief counselor my thoughts immediately went to how interesting it is that people who knew nothing about my … Read More
“There are receptors to these molecules in your immune system, in your gut and in your heart. So when you say, ‘I have a gut feeling’ or ‘my heart is sad’ or ‘I am bursting with joy,’ you’re not speaking metaphorically. You’re speaking literally.” – Deepak Chopra The body holds strong messages for us and … Read More
