Practical Advice for Parents: DBT and Choosing the Right Treatment Centre
Episode Overview
DBT focuses on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Parents should avoid enabling behaviours and focus on their own self-improvement. Self-disclosure by therapists can be beneficial but should be used cautiously. Visiting treatment centres in person helps in making an informed decision. It's crucial to find a treatment program that addresses both addiction and mental health issues.
What can make it worse are these good intention things that sometimes turn into enabling without even realising it
In this episode of 'My Child & ADDICTION', Alison VanHorn from Caron Treatment Centers answers some pressing questions that many parents have about supporting their children through recovery. She breaks down the core components of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are crucial for anyone struggling to manage their emotions, especially after achieving sobriety.
Alison also shares practical advice for parents, emphasising the importance of doing their own work and avoiding enabling behaviours, even if well-intentioned. Alison discusses her own experience as a professional in recovery, shedding light on the benefits and boundaries of self-disclosure in a clinical setting. She explains how her personal journey enhances her empathy and effectiveness without overshadowing the needs of her clients. This balance, she argues, is key to authentic and impactful therapy.
The episode also tackles the daunting task of selecting a treatment centre. Alison advises parents to visit facilities in person, meet the staff, and ask numerous questions to ensure they find the best fit for their child. She addresses common misconceptions about treatment centres, particularly those in Florida, and stresses the importance of finding a program that treats both addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues.
With candid insights and practical tips, this episode offers a wealth of information for parents navigating the challenging path of supporting a child with addiction. Whether you're looking for guidance on DBT or seeking advice on choosing a treatment centre, Alison's expertise provides valuable support. Why not give it a listen and see how these insights could help you and your family on your recovery journey?