Frequently Asked Questions
About Addiction & Trauma Counseling

Brainspotting Therapy is an innovative approach used to process deep-seated trauma and addiction by targeting specific "brainspots," or eye positions, that correlate with emotional and physical pain. Through Brainspotting, we can access areas of the brain often unreachable by traditional talk therapy, allowing clients to release trauma-related tension and emotional blockages. It’s particularly effective for individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and addiction recovery, helping foster long-term healing and resilience.

Signs of addiction may include physical changes like weight fluctuations or sleep issues, behavioral shifts such as secrecy or neglecting responsibilities, and psychological signs like mood swings or irritability. Addiction affects everyone differently, so if you or a loved one show these signs, reaching out for a consultation can be a positive first step towards understanding and addressing the issue.

At Recovery Works, we specialize in treating various forms of addiction, including alcohol, cannabis, opioid, nicotine (including vaping), and other substances. We also address process addictions, such as gambling, sex addiction, food addiction, and compulsive behaviors. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, incorporating counseling and therapeutic techniques to support recovery and prevent relapse.

To put is simply, Trauma is any unprocessed pain still active or dormant in the body and the mind, while Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder is a disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. These stressful or traumatic events usually involve a situation where someone's life has been threatened, or severe injury has occurred. PTSD often includes symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional distress. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Recovery Works trauma therapy counselors can help to address both conditions using methods like Brainspotting and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Medications best use is to stabilize an individual when dysregulated or when an individual is so overwhelmed that they are unable to complete life's daily tasks. It is also most affective when coupled with counseling. Medication isn’t always necessary to treat anxiety or stress. Many find relief through counseling, therapeutic techniques like Brainspotting, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. The choice to use medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, but we emphasize a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress, focusing on long-term, sustainable well-being.

Addiction and trauma impact not only individuals but also their families. Family counseling offers a space to improve communication, address conflicts, and create a supportive environment. By working together, families can learn healthy coping mechanisms and ways to support each other’s recovery and healing journey, ultimately strengthening family bonds.

Yes, while self-worth and self-esteem are related, they are distinct concepts. Self-worth is our inherent value apart from our achievements, skills, abilities, and possessions, whereas self-esteem has to do with competency and is developed by our achievements, skills, knowledge, and abilities. In counseling, we help clients recognize their self-worth independently of external factors, which is crucial for recovery and personal development. A healthy and a wholesome sense of self-worth becomes the foundation of forming a healthy self-esteem.

Beginning treatment starts with a consultation to discuss your specific concerns and goals. From there, we create a personalized plan that may include individual counseling, Brainspotting, family therapy, and relapse prevention strategies. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support every step of the way in your journey to healing.

Our anxiety counseling combines various therapeutic techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brainspotting, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), and mindfulness exercises. These approaches help clients identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and manage anxiety symptoms, leading to greater emotional regulation and a more balanced life.

Outpatient counseling provides personalized care while allowing clients to maintain their daily routines. It offers flexibility, privacy, and continuity of support within your community. For many, outpatient care is highly effective in managing addiction and rebuilding their lives without the need for residential treatment.