Jamie Hayworth-Chin uses an integrative approach grounded in family systems therapy to help clients see how relational issues impact their mental health by looking at all aspects of the self: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Jamie is experienced in treating a variety of age groups, but specializes in teens and relationship therapy and addresses issues including but not limited to: addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship issues. As a certified Prepare/Enrich instructor, Jamie is also dedicated to assisting both premarital and married couples in thriving within their relationships by providing necessary emotional support and guidance. In working with couples, Jamie assists in identifying relational patterns and communications skills that strongly correlate with high relationship satisfaction and resilience.
Professional Experience:
Jamie Hayworth-Chin Counseling Services Owner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Provides individual, group & family therapy for children, teens, and adults for those facing addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, grief/loss, familial conflict, and relationship issues. Guest Speaker for Palos Verdes Unified School District, addressing teen relationships and helping parents to navigate changes during teen years. Provides clinical supervision for pre-licensed therapists.
Dr. Gregory Allen Family Counseling, Inc Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Provided psychotherapy to a variety of age groups facing a myriad of struggles. Ran adolescent substance abuse prevention and addiction counseling groups through Changes program.
Freedom4U Therapist/School Based Counselor
Provide school based individual and group counseling for social-emotional issues and substance abuse prevention. Facilitate Girl Wise groups, providing life skills for teen girls on issues such as physical and emotional health, communication, time management, and improving personal relationships.
Homes for Life Foundation Social Services Coordinator
Provided therapeutic and rehabilitation services to patients with schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder & anxiety disorders.
Glen Roberts Child Study Center
Therapy Intern
Provided individual and group therapeutic services to children ranging from age 3-18. Facilitated parenting classes and therapy groups.
Education:
Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Fuller Theological Seminary
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
License and Certifications:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT #50486
Board of Behavioral Sciences
Certified Prepare/Enrich Instructor
Certified Clinical Supervisor
Professional Organization Affiliations:
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
“I specialize in individual, family, and relationship therapy. My goal is to work with you to gain a fresh perspective in order to reclaim your life and relationships.”
It’s that time of year again when stockings line the chimneys, holiday music fills the air and shoppers begin searching for the perfect gifts. For many, the season is a time of joy; but it isn’t all holiday cheer. In fact, as the holiday season comes to a peak, so does drug and alcohol use.
Why Drug and Alcohol Use Increases During the Holidays
There are many reasons why people tend to use substances more during the holiday season than during other times of the year. Stress, for example, is a major driving factor behind compulsive behaviors. It can trigger cravings and affect decision-making. Most people are exposed to several major stressors during the holidays, whether it is hosting a gathering, traveling to visit family, or worrying about the financial burden of gift-giving. Often, people cope with stress by indulging negative or behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use. In fact, stress is one of the leading causes of relapse in recovering drug and alcohol addicts.
Drug and alcohol use also spikes during the holiday season due to the increased number of social gatherings that occur during November and December. Party-goers often imbibe at these gatherings, putting pressure on others in attendance to drink or abuse drugs as well. There are more opportunities to drink, less substance-related stigma, and fewer inhibitions during celebratory gatherings. All of this can be overwhelming for anyone – especially a recovering substance abuser.
Another – and often overlooked – reason for increased drug and alcohol use during the holidays is loneliness, anxiety and depression. These negative emotions can wreak havoc on a person’s ability to think rationally and make healthy decisions. Quite the opposite, people with mental health disorders may engage in self-destructive behaviors, using drugs or alcohol to mask uncomfortable feelings. Depression is very common during the holidays, especially for people who have lost loved ones or who have a negative memory associated with past holiday experiences.
Responsibility and Safety during the Holidays
It is important to go into the holiday season anticipating exposure to drug and alcohol use and its potential effects. Traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving spike on Christmas and New Years Day, so avoid being on the roadways during these times – especially at night. If you are recovering from drug or alcohol abuse, help prevent relapse by avoiding situations that may tempt you to drink or use drugs. Surround yourself with a support system that will help you find new ways of celebrating without the use of substances.
October is ADHD Awareness Month! CHADD encourages you to educate yourself, teach others, and blanket the Internet with information about ADHD this month.
During October, CHADD will generate positive social media messages involving ADHD Champions, teachers, facts about ADHD, resources, infographics, parents of children with ADHD, and adults with ADHD so that you can share them with your social media networks.
Led by actress Wendy Davis of Army Wives, this social media phenomenon will raise awareness of ADHD, share facts and resource information, and instill hope and pride in the ADHD community. Use your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest accounts to share and retweet posts from CHADD and Join the Buzz. Select and share messages from our ADHD Champions including actress Wendy Davis, Auburn University football player Peyton Barber, triathlete Max Fennell, UPS sales executive Mike Merrilees, race car driver Luca Forgeois, entrepreneur Peter Shankman, make up business owner Marta Bota, best-selling author Dr. Dale Archer, and junior golf player Sean Murray. Or, post your own upbeat thoughts.
Read the inspiring stories about our ADHD Champions. Just like you, most of them struggled as youth in school, but found their gifts and creative ways to be successful. ADHD Champions are motivating role models that you and your family can refer to at any time.
Look for ADHD Awareness Month activities across the United States at the ADHD Awareness Month Coalition calendar. CHADD has planned activities in conjunction with the ADHD Awareness Month Coalition which includes CHADD, National Resource Center on ADHD, ADDitude Magazine, ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), and Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).
Millions of people suffer with eating disorders every day, many of whom go undiagnosed. Conditions like bulimia, anorexia and binge-eating disorder often produce symptoms that are similar to other medical conditions. In fact, some eating disorders are actually caused by a medical condition. For example, anorexia – a loss of appetite for food – is not always an emotional disorder fueled by a desire to lose weight. Rather, it can also be a secondary medical condition in which a person loses his or her appetite because of other health conditions, such as GERD, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
Though primary diseases are usually easy to diagnose, patients may feel reluctant to reveal secondary eating disorders because of the cultural stigmas that are often associated with them. Alternatively, an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia, may be a mental illness, yet continue undiagnosed or complicated by unrelated health problems that produce symptoms similar to those of eating disorders. Often, people with a primary eating disorder will attempt to hide the condition by making a self-diagnosis of another condition, such as a food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease.
Since most eating disorders produce an unhealthy body mass index (BMI), anyone with a BMI that is too high or too low should be thoroughly evaluated by an eating disorder specialist – even if the symptoms are believed to be caused by a pre-existing health condition. By working together with a specialist and a nutritionist, patients with eating disorders can learn to eat healthful, balanced diets and maintain a healthy weight. Our Eating Disorders Specialist Marilyn Brown, LMFT assists individuals and their families with eating disorders recovery
As the media continues to sensationalize the tragic loss of Robin Williams, one realizes the realities of substance abuse and mental illness. All too often these 2 mental health problems collide and leave a path of destruction for not only the individual but also family and friends. It is interesting when people say such things as, “He seemed so happy. Why would he kill himself when he had everything?” Unfortunately having everything does not exclude one from experiencing mental illness and substance abuse problems. Major depression is an illness of the brain which creates a chemical imbalance with the neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance often requires medication and psychotherapy to stabilize. With co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental illness, it is hard to say which came first and this is why we must treat both at the same time.
“Depression and substance abuse can affect anyone”
It has been my experience while working with depressed patients who have also achieved a large degree of success; it is very confusing to have success and as a result of depression not able to enjoy this success. When there are no psychosocial stressors contributing to low mood and one is still depressed, life does not seem to have meaning or worth living. Death by suicide is often the result of at least 10 unsuccessful suicide attempts. When someone is successful, they are truly in a state of despair. Robin Williams was a wonderful Entertainer. He has left us all too soon as a result of the lethal combination of mental illness and substance abuse. If you are struggling with mental illness and substance abuse or someone you know is, please get help. Treatment is necessary along with the love and support of family and friends.
Sliding Scale Arise Interventions
Limited Time Offer!! We are pleased to announce Alicia MacGowan, LCSW, LAADC completed Intervention training with ARISE July 9th to the 11th sponsored by Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CEDAR) at the University of Colorado Hospital. The training had additional sponsors which presented and are all reputable programs: Balboa HorizonsMalibu Beach Sober LivingVista TaosA Mission for MichaelSolid LandingsBridge to RecoveryElements Behavioral HealthFoundations Recovery Network Alicia has been doing Interventions since 2008 utilizing the Johnson Model and decided to receive this additional training since the research on this model of Intervention has a very high long-term success rate. “The Model seems to fit my style of practice very well.” Alicia must in the next 6 months complete 2 interventions and receives weekly 1-hour Group Clinical Supervision via teleconferencing for 6 months in order to receive final certification. She is now a Clinical Intern after completion of the 3 day Training. The distinct differences between the Johnson Model and ARISE Model are:
The Intervention is not a surprise. The Addicted Individual is invited and aware of the whole process.
The Intervention process is over 3 to 6 months which includes continuing care group meetings for all individuals participating in the Intervention
The focus is on the whole system, family, friends & co-workers and making sure that everyone in the system is getting whatever outside resources they need
Alicia is offering a very special opportunity for those interested. She will complete her first 4 ARISE Interventions on a sliding scale. “I am not able to offer the same sliding-scale for my usual Interventions; this is only for ARISE Interventions. On our current Interventions we refund ½ of the cost if the Intervention is not successful. Since I am doing these Interventions on a sliding scale, I will not offer this same opportunity. I am not qualified to do Interventions on adolescents therefore my Interventions are always limited to adults.” Assisting all families, employers and addicted individuals has always been Alicia’s goal. She has a special interest in helping Healthcare Professionals such as Mental Health Professionals, Substance Abuse Professionals, Nurses and Doctors. These are individuals of special interest, since she herself understands how the demands of being a Helping Professional may increase the risk of substance abuse and/or mental illness. A formal Intervention may be the only way to assist these individuals with recognizing their need for treatment. Here is the link to ARISE for more information http://www.ariseinterventionnow.com/intervention.html and a brief summary of the Model from the ARISE website: The ARISE Intervention is directed towards getting the addicted loved one into treatment with the least possible effort through a loving, compassionate and non-blaming First Call and First Meeting. The support system is mobilized to form a committed Intervention Network to motivate the addicted individual into treatment. Phase A has three levels and the goal is to stop at the first level that works:
Level 1, “The First Call”, starts when a Concerned Other calls a Certified ARISE Interventionist for a free phone consultation, and is coached to set up the First Meeting of the Intervention Network. 56% of addicted individuals enter treatment at Level 1.
Level 2, “Strength in Numbers”, begins If they have not entered treatment during Level 1. The Intervention Network acts as a Board of Directors, so no one deals one-on-one with the addicted individual. By the end of 2 to 5 Intervention Network meetings, 80% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
Level 3, “The Formal ARISE Intervention”, is held if treatment entry has not occurred during Level 2. At this meeting serious consequences are put in place if the addicted individual does not enter treatment. By this point, 83% of addicted individuals have entered treatment.
ARISE Continuing Care begins when the addicted individual enters treatment, and lasts for 6 months. The goals are individual and family healing and recovery. It includes, if possible, the family and individual becoming involved in 12-step program. The Certified ARISE Interventionist works collaboratively with the addicted individual, the treatment center, and the family to ensure treatment completion, relapse prevention, and the resolution of grief and other problems at the root of the pain and the addictive disease. ARISE Continuing Care focuses on the Certified ARISE Interventionist working with the Intervention Network and addicted individual to prevent relapse, initiate long-term recovery, and complete the work towards family healing and recovery. This includes ensuring that work, life style, social circle, family relationships and personal decisions made for personal growth in Continuing Care are happening for individual and family. A special thanks to all of our trainers Dr. Landau, Sara Hills, LPC, CAC III, CAI and James Ott, LCSW, CAI, CIP. I am looking forward to working with all the wonderful Professionals I trained with. CEDAR Tour: While I was at CEDAR in Colorado I had the opportunity to receive a tour of the Treatment Center. The grounds were spectacular and serene. The facility was very clean and well maintained. It was especially nice that they separated the Treatment Center from the Hospital and the facility had the appearance of a Wooded Lodge from the outside. I found the CEDAR to be very inviting. Their program appears to be truly able to assist those dually diagnosed. Many Treatment Centers make this promise, but do not have enough Licensed Staff, proper staff to patient ratio and knowledge to assist individuals with a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. They also have the ability to assist with severe medical problems related to substance use, since they are on Hospital grounds. In addition CEDAR has a Physician Health Program (PHP) treatment track. Unfortunately the state of California, unlike many other states, does not offer any sort of Diversion Program for Physicians. Often this lack of Diversion Programs makes it difficult for our Doctors to receive necessary treatment due to fear of California Medical Board intervention and loss of License. The Staff appear to be very qualified. Everyone I met was very genuine and helpful. Overall I look forward to the possibility of coordinating Patient care with CEDAR in the near future.
Treatment for ADHD Reduces the Risk of Substance Abuse
The Challenges of ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of most widely diagnosed mental disorders and the most frequently diagnosed in children with 8% of children being diagnosed with ADHD (Harstad & Levy, 2014). The challenges children and adults face with ADHD in school/work, at home in daily life tasks leads to an increased risk for substance use. In addition, the social challenges and stress related having untreated ADHD increase the risk of turning to substances to cope.
Without treatment both teens and adults with ADHD are vulnerable to developing an addiction.
Individuals with ADHD are:
2 times more likely to develop alcoholism
3 times more likely to be addicted to nicotine
2.5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) overall (Harstad & Levy, 2014)
ADHD Symptoms and the daily challenges they present:
Symptoms of Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention, failing to give close attention to work, poor time management, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted by external things all contribute to those with ADHD struggling to succeed in a traditional school environment. School has become even more demanding for children and teens as the pressures to participate in multiple extracurricular activities like sports in addition to the pressure to perform at a competitive academic level leaves many teens with ADHD feeling left behind.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity: struggling to sit still, excessive talking, and being physically hyper can be beneficial to student athletes but is usually frowned upon in the classroom increasing isolation from classmates.
Symptoms of Impulsivity: trouble waiting your turn, blurting out answers to questions and interrupting others conversations or games lead to significant social struggles for children and teens with ADHD which add to the stress of school (What are the Symptoms of ADHD?, 2014).
Treatment Works!
Many studies have been published showing the benefit of treating ADHD as soon as it is diagnosed in children with stimulant medication as well as behavioral therapy but parents are still hesitant to consent to stimulant medication for their child because of the concern with the addictive quality of these medications. To this date there has been no convincing data that children prescribed these medications are at increased risk for becoming addicted to them but research does support treatment with medication and behavioral therapy and the benefits of using this combined approach. New research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2014 stated that treating ADHD in children as soon as it is diagnosed reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder by 85%. In addition, it has been cited that the younger a child is treated for ADHD with stimulant medication the lower the risk of developing a substance use disorder (Harstad &Levy, 2014). These new findings are extremely hopeful for those struggling with ADHD without the help of treatment.
Risks of Prescribing Stimulants
The concern for prescribing and treating ADHD with stimulant medication is not unfounded however. These medications have a high abuse potential and are often “diverted” to others for misuse and abuse. Stimulant medications also have a high street value for sale so often those with ADHD are not abusing the medication but diverting them to others. The AAP found that between 16-23% of school age children have been approached to sell, give, or trade their prescription medications. The most common form of diversion of giving the pills to friends or family members (Harstad & Levy, 2014). Due to this risk the AAP also published some helpful guidelines for MD’s who are treating individuals with ADHD.
Though the risk of misuse, diversion, and abuse is a factor the benefits of stimulant medication coupled with behavioral therapy for those with ADHD are well documented and cannot be denied. To address this concern, the AAP listed some guidelines for prescribing stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Safety Guidelines
Confirm the diagnosis before prescribing- (symptoms must be present in more than 1 setting so consultation with teachers, families, and other sources is key to making a valid diagnosis)
Screen older children and adolescents for use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
Provide guidance anticipating that someone will ask for the medication. Depending on the environment this may including making a safety plan with the patient on how to keep their medication safe.
Keep well documented records
If prescribing to someone with a known substance use history the risks and benefits of treatment with stimulants must be weighed and discussed. If the risk is considered too high there are alternative medications without the abuse potential that are effective (Harstad & Levy, 2014).
ADHD is a common but highly treatable neurobiological disorder that about 8% of children. It causes severe functional impairment that significantly increase the risk of an individual developing a substance use disorder. Though treatment with stimulant medication has been controversial in the past it has proven to be extremely effective in mitigating the symptoms of ADHD that lead to individuals to turn to substances to cope with life’s challenges. Safe prescribing methods plus careful ongoing monitoring along with behavioral therapy by a qualified therapist can reduce those daily life challenges and provide hope for a positive future for someone with ADHD.
For more information on treatment options for ADHD in LA’s South Bay visit our information page here!
If you think you have have ADHD take a self test here!
To read the full clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics click the link.
To learn more about ADHD in children, teens, and adults visit Chadd.org.
Marilyn Brown, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Social Media Director
Recovery NOW, Inc.
www.RecoveryNowLA.com
References:
Harstad, E., Levy, S. & Committee on Substance Abuse (2014). Atten tion-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse. Pediatri cs, 134 (1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-0992
What are the Symptoms of ADHD? (n.d.). In Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder. Retrieved from www.chadd. org
Sarah Marie House an upscale sober living for women located near Historic Old Torrance is now accepting residents in recovery from eating disorders as well as substance abuse and addiction. Recovering from an eating disorder presents similar challenges as those face in recovery from substance use and learning to live a clean and sober lifestyle free from unhealthy eating behaviors is important for overall recovery. A safe and supportive environment that also provides the key component of accountability is key and at Sarah Marie House the director Kathi Donahue provides just that, and only 15 minutes away from the beach!
Sarah Marie House Living AreaSarah Marie House Community Kitchen
Sarah Marie House provides 24 on-site management and Kathi is available daily to residents to provide support. In addition to 24 management Sarah Marie House has a daily 12 step/recovery meeting requirement and all residents participate in daily morning group meditation and evening reflection time together. The staff at Sarah Marie are committed to supporting a successful transition to a sober lifestyle so all aspects of an individuals recovery program including referrals to support services and providers are implemented as needed.
Sarah Marie House is currently accepting new residents. Contact Kathi Donahue for more information! Details below.
info@sarahmariehouse.com
donahuek@sarahmariehouse.com
Phone: 310-699-4750
or visit www.sarahmariehouse.com
Partnerships are key to providing comprehensive care so Recovery NOW, Inc. is committed to building relationships with other providers. Contact us today to schedule a site visit at your facility! For more information on treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and other mental health concerns please visit our main page at www.RecoveryNowLA.com.
Marilyn Brown, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Social Media Director
Recovery NOW, Inc.
www.RecoveryNowLA.com
Site Visit Review: Eating Recovery Center of California!
Treatment Center Site Visit: Eating Recovery Center of CA!
Recovery NOW, Inc. is excited as a part of our blog to share information on our treatment centers site visits with our readers. Being a clinician I recognize how important it is to be able to give our clients first hand information on the treatment centers we may refer them to for a higher level of care. As an outpatient therapist when I refer my clients to a higher level of care for treatment it is important for me to be able to honestly reassure my client that the treatment model and interventions used at the center are evidence based practices. I also often coordinate with and need to reassure families that their loved ones are being sent to programs that equipped and qualified to treat their family members individual concerns. Simply reading websites and talking to providers on the phone is often not enough to get an honest impression of the care being offered. Most treatment centers are open to clinicians calling and scheduling tours and site visits however my visit to Eating Recovery Center of Califonia on May 23, 2014 located in Sacramento, was an exceptionally well organized and structured Professional Onsite visit.
Eating Recovery Center of California provides 7 day per week Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Services for those with eating disorders and co occurring substance use disorders. The visit was coordinated by Melinda Kolberg, the Professional Relations Coordinator and she was a fantastic and well informed host. After being greeted by Melinda, our group of Therapists, Registered Dieticians and Registered Nurses were introduced to the staff and educated on key components of the treatment provided by ERCCA. All aspects of the program were presented and outlined by the director of that area of treatment. We were given information on the clinical assessment process (which is offered free of charge both in person or by phone), the medical and nutritional departments, and general program information for both the adult and adolescent services. Eating Recovery Center of California offers family support both in group and family session format, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and other process and goal setting groups throughout the day. ERCCA also provides 7 day per week treatment with a medical staff (RN) onsite at all times which is helps address the problem of clients relapsing into behaviors over the weekends which is common in 5 day per week programs. In addition to the great information and networking at the site visit we were treated to a wonderful breakfast, snacks, lunch, and the best cookie I think I have ever eaten!
In addition to the program the staff is warm, friendly, and you get the feeling they are truly invested in the work they do. After the site visit I feel confident and truly look forward to working with Eating Recovery Center of Calfornia in the future. Visit their website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com to learn more about treatment programs, professional onsite visits, and their conference in Denver Colorado coming up this August!
Marilyn Brown, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Social Media Director
Recovery NOW, Inc.
www.RecoveryNowLA.com
s the media continues to sensationalize the tragic loss of Robin Williams, one realizes the realities of substance abuse and mental illness. All too often these 2 mental health problems collide and leave a path of destruction for not only the individual but also family and friends. It is interesting when people say such things as, “He seemed so happy. Why would he kill himself when he had everything?” Unfortunately having everything does not exclude one from experiencing mental illness and substance abuse problems. Major depression is an illness of the brain which creates a chemical imbalance with the neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance often requires medication and psychotherapy to stabilize. With co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental illness, it is hard to say which came first and this is why we must treat both at the same time.
