Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Thoughts

May 16, 2018 // by Aton Center

Our thoughts are powerful. So powerful, that an entire style of therapy has been centered around how we identify and manage our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based treatment for substance dependence, and AToN’s curriculum is centered on this treatment. Our residents learn how to identify their “automatic thoughts” which in turn influence their emotions.

Our private rehab residents not only learn how to identify these thoughts, but they also learn how to modify them into rational thoughts, which in turn can stabilize emotional distress. These techniques, once learned, must be continually utilized for maximum effect.

If you are interested in learning how to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you with relapse prevention and mood stabilization, AToN’s private rehab in San diego may be a good fit for you. Don’t hesitate to call AToN when you are ready to make the next step.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

Cravings

November 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

An important part of treatment is to learn how to manage cravings when they occur. Cravings can be characterized as an intense desire to use a substance that can feel almost impossible to withstand. Fortunately, if you have learned coping management skills, you can have the self confidence to make it through these intense periods of time.

SMART Recovery encourages individuals to “ride the wave” of craving. They also recommend the DiSARM Method (see the SMART Recovery Workbook), in which one personifies their craving and “fights back” so to speak, against this craving.

Many residents at AToN Center use the imagery that their craving is Darth Vader, and they are fighting against the craving (and Darth Vader!) with lightsabers. While these cognitive skills are helpful, they do not address the physiological processes of the craving that occur out of one’s awareness. Using these strategies with other physiological self management strategies can enhance success in managing cravings.

In recent years, some researchers have been analyzing the association between physiological stress management and craving intensity. The specific modality being studied is Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, which is offered as a treatment at the AToN Center.

A new study published in the Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Journal demonstrates some promise in the application of stress management utilizing biofeedback and the reduction of cravings. In this study, the researchers implemented a three-session biofeedback protocol to a portion of residents in an inpatient substance misuse treatment facility. In this very short intervention, the results were promising and warrant further investigation. Specifically, those patients who participated in the protocol experienced a medium effect size greater reduction in craving in comparison to those patients who did not receive biofeedback as a part of their treatment. Additionally, these patients also experienced improvements in mood stability.

In recovery, it is important to use every tool available to enhance treatment outcomes. At AToN, we believe that we offer a wide variety of treatments that can be tailored to individual needs. In combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention Skill Building and other modalities (heart rate variability biofeedback, hypnotherapy, EMDR, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage) we believe that we offer the very best that treatment available.

If you are a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, and are looking for a program with an individualized approach – do not hesitate to call our intake line for further information.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Reference:Eddie, D., Kim, C., Lehrer, P., Deneke, E., & Bates, M. (2014). A Pilot Study of Brief Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Reduce Craving in Young Adult Men Receiving Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback,39(3-4), 181-192.

Shame and Vulnerability

October 3, 2017 // by Aton Center

Overwhelming shame prevents people from seeking treatment to overcome addiction. Rather than allowing professionals to assist in developing a solution, people choose to stay numb to emotional pain and fear of judgment. This perpetuates a cycle of distress and substance use- people stay stuck. Often this shame is a direct result of a departure from a values based life, thus the person attempts to keep their behaviors and habits hidden for fear of being seen.

According to Researcher and Storyteller, Brene Brown, in her TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability, “Shame is understood as the fear of disconnection…and in order for connection to happen we have to allow ourselves to be seen.”

At The AToN Center, we understand that this is easier said than done. This is why we don’t use labels and provide an individually tailored treatment plan to each resident we serve using CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, holistics and mindfulness. Connection requires a level of comfort and respect between clinician and resident.

The clinical team wants all of the residents at The AToN Center to feel safe to “be seen” and process their pain and shame while also being uplifted and inspired to be courageous. According to Brene Brown, “the courage to be imperfect” is to “tell the story of who you are with your whole heart”. Overcoming addiction requires our residents to go through, not around the pain and shame. We are honored to facilitate this courageous and vulnerable process.

Kate Judd, MS CADC II
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

CBT – What does this acronym mean?

September 21, 2017 // by Aton Center

When people are searching for a therapy program, a lot of times they notice advertisements for types of therapy like CBT, DBT, ACT, and others. So what do these acronyms mean, and how can they help in addiction recovery? CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

A cognitive behavioral therapist believes that people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors all influence each other. So the thought “this is hopeless” can either lead to or exacerbate depression, which could lead someone to isolate from friends and family, which leads to more thoughts about hopelessness. and that to manage things like substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, and other issues, CBT therapists try to work on challenging distorted thinking using tools such as Thought Records.

CBT therapists also try to teach new coping skills and behaviors. For instance, in depression, a CBT therapist would try to help someone depressed to be social and active rather than isolating.

CBT can help people with addiction or substance use to identify ways to manage impulses, challenge distorted thinking that perpetuates their use, and identify and treat underlying issues.

Kirsten Helgager, PsyD
Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Parental Guilt in Early Recovery

June 27, 2017 // by Aton Center

Often people come to treatment at AToN Center who are also parents. This is a gut wrenching, guilt provoking experience for many parents seeking treatment. The shame and guilt is so intense that it sometimes prevents people from seeking the help they so desperately need. We at AToN Center understand the difficulty that this predicament entails and counsel with the proper amount of empathy and understanding necessary to normalize the experience.

We provide specific types of therapy to address this guilt and shame as well as teach how to develop healthy family boundaries to ensure that the recovering person is adequately supported upon return home. The use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy specifically reframe the issues of shame and guilt. Through the use of these therapeutic skill sets, we help to cognitively reframe the negative emotions to see them in a more positive light. It takes a serious act of love and devotion for a parent to come to treatment to arrest maladaptive coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse.

Although we encourage people to get sober for themselves, when children are involved, they are the first to feel the difference that recovery from substance use disorders can make in a household.

At AToN Center we address parental guilt in early recovery in the following Recovery Studies and Psychology Groups:

Codependency, The Cycle of Addiction, The Role of Values, Building Sober Support, Honesty in Recovery, Frustration Tolerance, Healing Toxic Shame, Cognitive Distortions, Core Beliefs, Rational Responses, Boundaries and Coping Skills, Optimal Weekly Schedules, Assertiveness Techniques, Locus of Control and Conflict Resolution.

Kate Judd MS, CADC II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Joint Commission and Evidence Based Practices vs. Evidence Based Practice

April 10, 2017 // by Aton Center

AToN Center is Joint Commission Accredited – which is considered to be a designation that sets us apart from other treatment programs. Recently, the Joint Commission discussed the difference between “Evidence Based Practices” and “Evidence Based Practice.”

In order to not bore you with the details – the basic difference between the two is whether a program utilizes therapies that have been demonstrated by research to be helpful (Evidence Based Practices) and “Evidence Based Practice” is designated when a program can demonstrate (through outcome studies) that their delivery of these services have been helpful to those they have treated.

This is an important distinction!

Many programs advertise that they are evidenced based. Ask specifics!

Can they tell you which treatments are considered evidence based? Programs should be able to tell you this – as well as direct you to publications that confirm these assertions. As a savvy consumer, you must also note that a program may utilize therapies that have been proven in research – such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing – however the clinicians may not be skilled in practicing these therapies. This is why outcome research in programs are so important – a treatment program should be able to direct you to research regarding their program, demonstrating that they are able to deliver quality care.

AToN Center is proud that we not only utilize Evidence Based Practices, but our clinicians deliver these therapies skillfully – as shown by our outcome research!

Please visit our website for a more thorough review of our program!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps with Depression and Anxiety

May 1, 2015 // by Aton Center

Depression and anxiety are the chief areas that one addresses when entering a high quality residential treatment facility. At AToN Center, we specialize in using multiple evidence-based approaches to help our residents. Depression and anxiety are chief among the host of emotions that one typically suffers from when using or abusing drugs or alcohol. The individual believes that long term drug abuse is his/her only or “best” option to relive their pain. This pain may include, but be limited to, emotional, physical, economic, financial, family and post traumatic stressors.

At AToN Center, our highly trained staff specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery, 12 Step approaches, biofeedback, EMDR, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, individual and group sessions, as well as a host of rewarding holistic approaches including yoga, watsu, and outings in beautiful San Diego. This comprehensive package of approaches helps our residents with depression and anxiety to become empowered. At AToN Center, we excel in helping our residents to both identify and address the causes of one’s depression and anxiety, including the fear of living a highly successful life free of drugs and alcohol.

Research from The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) articulates clearly the importance of using CBT strategies when addressing depression and anxiety.

CBT is perhaps one of the most frequently used psychotherapeutic orientations, with considerable research supporting its effectiveness and adaptability in clinical practice. As cognitive therapy seeks to change behavior by challenging maladaptive thoughts, behavioral therapy employs more direct, yet complimentary methods, such as pairing reinforcing stimuli with a desired behavior or aversive stimuli with an undesired behavior. While the efficacy of CBT has been firmly established in the treatment of a variety of disorders and problems, its history and utility are deeply rooted in the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.

I encourage anyone suffering from anxiety and depression, in addition to substance abuse, to visit AToN Center and learn more about our therapeutic programs.

Chris McDuffie
RRW, CADCA

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Thoughts

September 12, 2013 // by Aton Center

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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