Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Eating Disorders
San Pedro and Long Beach California

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Eating Disorders San Pedro and Long Beach California

(310) 957-2099
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“Learning how to effectively manage the multi-tasking capabilities of this disorder may truly increase your success. Many very successful people have achieved great success with ADHD. It is a Dis-order that may be put Into-order”

 

What is ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching is a dynamic methodology that aims to nurture your ability to self-initiate change in your daily life. It is a supportive, practical, concrete process in which you and your coach work together to identify and pursue your goals. Coaching helps individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to develop the structures necessary to function effectively and to learn practical approaches to the challenges of daily life.

At the heart of the AD/HD coaching model is the aim to help clients to self-initiate change in their daily lives. This goal is ultimately accomplished by using strength-based strategies and the client’s own innate creativity to solve problems. The coach provides structure, feedback and encouragement to keep the learning process a dynamic one. This is done until the client increases self-awareness, builds an arsenal of strategies from which to draw from, and develops the confidence in his/her own ability to self -manage.

Therapist and client develop a user-friendly partnership to motivate and move forward. This partnership enables you to figure out exactly what you need from coaching and how to get it. Your job will be to tell the coach where you need help and then to mold and shape the dynamics of the partnership.

We also use structuring, to improve your focus and to channelheadline-heal-adult-adhd your abilities to function at your best and achieve your goals. Structuring takes you repeatedly through the steps of attending to details, planning, organizing, and prioritizing, until you’ve paved a path in your brain with boundaries to keep you from straying off course.

Therapist/coach guides you in self-exploration and learning. The focus is on problem-solving through guided discussion, so the language the coach uses is for  the purpose of drawing solutions from you. Because you come up with your own solutions, you become empowered and can more readily take ownership and control of your actions.

 

 

Veronica’s coaching method takes into account the newest research in neurobiology and uses effective techniques including hypnosis for specific ADHD behaviors. Exciting discoveries made by neuroscience suggest that the brain is flexible in its ability to learn continually. Research provides evidence of physical and chemical changes that occur in the brain when it is challenged or when new encounters are experienced. Rehearsing actions actually help to forge new neural pathways in the brain, allowing it to develop competencies in areas that historically have been deficient. This is how new habits are learned. Veronica uses her experience as a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist to coach others into managing their ADHD and using it to their advantage.

Meet Our ADHD Coach

Veronica Davies, L.M.F.T., C.Ht.

What is a treatment evaluation?

If you or your loved one has agreed to treatment and you are wondering where to go, we are here to help make that decision. A Licensed Trained Mental Health Professional will assess and determine what the individual needs are of the client and the best facility to meet those needs. We also assist with escorting the individual to treatment if necessary.

Is the cost of treatment negotiable?

Yes, and as part of our service we will negotiate the cost of treatment for those individuals who are paying cash for treatment.

Why do I need a treatment evaluation?

We have taken the time to tour many facilities and are familiar with their treatment process. Treatment is not a one-size fits all. The individual needs of the client determine the treatment recommendations. Many Professionals may work with one or two facilities. We have relationships with many facilities and base our recommendations on the needs of the client, not limiting our choices to one or two facilities. We are also familiar with success rates as a result of our own clients experiences.

 

“Inpatient treatment may be the foundation for long-term recovery.     

Making sure that you have a solid foundation when leaving treatment Ensures Long-term Success and Relapse Prevention.”

 

Meet Our Treatment Evaluator

Alicia MacGowan, L.C.S.W., L.A.A.D.C., CAI

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Interventions

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is about motivating another individual to change despite their resistance to change. This motivation is achieved, when their loved ones and/or employer confront the individual regarding problem behaviors. Treatment Recommendations are based on the individual needs of the client. The Interventionist, a Licensed Trained Mental Health Professional, facilitates the group process and options for recovery.

What makes Alicia unique from other Interventionist?

I guess first of all, I should start by saying, I really am a Psychotherapist and Interventions are an additional service that I offer. This is unique because the majority of Interventionist do not spend their week assisting individuals with conflict on a daily basis which essentially is what Psychotherapists do. I also screen the Interventions that I do in order to make sure that they will be successful.

What is the Model of Intervention that you utilize in your practice?

I am trained in two different models of Intervention.  The first being the Johnson Model which is a more traditional model whereby the family, friends and co-workers are coached by the Interventionist on their presentations and the  individual being intervened on is surprised by the Intervention.  The second model is the ARISE Model and this model has a much higher long-term success rate, since the model is designed to be completed over an extended period of time.  This model includes continuing care with the family and the individual being intervened on after the individual has completed treatment in order to ensure relapse prevention.  The whole Intervention process is transparent, since the individual being intervened on is a part of the process from the beginning and there are no surprises.   The focus is on the whole family not just the individual being intervened on.  Depending on what your needs are, I am able to assist by utilizing either one of these models of Intervention.

People ask me why do you do Interventions Alicia, you are busy enough, why do Interventions, too?

The answer to that question is a very personal one. My first Intervention was at the age of 22 while I was in College at Loyola Marymount University studying Psychology and Alcohol & Drug Studies. During this time, I researched the Intervention process which resulted in my family and I performing an Intervention on my father. The process of intervening on my father started a recovery process that we all  realized only after completing the Intervention. Families should not be held hostage by a loved one’s addiction or mental illness.

Do you have individual’s of special interest that you intervene on?

Yes, others in the Healthcare Industry. As a Mental Health Professional, I personally realize the struggles and demands of the job and have witnessed my colleagues alongside me experiencing burnout. I have heard firsthand from patients about trauma of ethical boundaries being crossed by Doctors, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Professionals, Nurses and other Healthcare Professionals which is often the result of Professionals compromised by substance abuse and/or mental illness. rehab-addiction-treatmentA formal Intervention may be the only way to allow an individual to realize the need for treatment. None of us are immune from the risks of substance abuse and/or mental illness and the sooner the Helping Professional receives the necessary help, the better it is for everyone.

Our Unique Guarantee?

If the Intervention is unsuccessful, we will refund half of the cost. We also offer aftercare treatment and may assist with coordinating discharge.

What is the Cost?

The cost may vary depending on the amount of time, psychoeducation and preparation required to complete the Intervention.  Please call Alicia MacGowan, LCSW, LAADC, CAI for further details.

Please click on the link below for

Recovery NOW, Inc. Do It Yourself Intervention

What is Clinical Art Therapy?

The “Art” in Art Therapy is simply another way to:

  • Express your self.
  • Explore and process your troubles
  • Experience a cathartic release of tension
  • Find answers, resolution and peace

Research has shown Art Therapy to be a powerful therapeutic tool for helping families, couples, adults, adolescents and children. Clinical Art Therapists are trained in all of the traditional talk therapy approaches and create individualized art directives based on the client’s issue at hand.

How Does It Work?

  • Senses: As marketing and sales people know, symbols and metaphors are powerful emotional tools. We understand our world and ourselves through our senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell). We remember what happened through those senses. Art helps us capture and examine those memories directly.
  • Distance Diffuses: When a serious conflict arises it can be difficult to control our anger, see both sides of the story and find solutions. When people in conflict are looking together at a drawing of the problem, side by side as a team with the assistance of a clinical art therapist, the situation is diffused. Perspective is gained and solutions to problems can be found.
  • Trauma: The brain has a way of protecting us from thoughts that make us upset. Adults have strong verbal filters that screen critical information. However, when we are trying to figure out why we feel, sick, depressed, scared of stressed, these filters can get in the way. The art brings critical break through understanding, direction, solutions, forgiveness, and relief by directly accessing different parts of the brain that verbal processing can not.
  • No Words: Sometimes there simply aren’t words to describe the pain we feel. Art can provide a way of expressing our innermost thoughts and feelings that talking simply can’t.
  • Cathartic Externalization: Have you heard the expression “let go and let god?” There is much in this world that we are not in control of; people, places and things that cause pain. We put and release this pain into the art.
  • Visualizing Success: Athletes are trained to imagine them selves making the shot. Using art to concretize our goals, affirmations and mantras markets our healing goals to our minds.
  • Children and Families: Telling the story of a problem indirectly through art metaphors creates safety and trust. It is easier to talk about a cat getting into mischief and needing help than staring directly at each other, pointing fingers and saying “you did it.”

You don’t need to be an artist: The art is a tool, not a product.

The art process is what heals and the uglier and the messier the better.

This is not about making pretty pictures.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy widely accepted for many psychological concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been scientifically tested in number of research studies and shown to be effective. CBT is based on the cognitive model, which hypothesizes that people’s emotions and behaviors are influenced by their perception of the events. When people are in distress, their negative beliefs about themselves, the world and the others are activated, and they can’t think clearly. CBT focuses on thoughts and beliefs that are either distorted or distressing. CBT teaches clients to identify, evaluate and respond to their distressing thoughts and beliefs. CBT uses a variety of techniques to change thinking, mood and behavior that are self-defeating.

How will CBT help me?

CBT is goal oriented, problem focused and emphasizes the present.  CBT teaches you (the client) to become your own therapist by acquiring specific skills which you can use for the rest of your life. CBT highlights problem solving and utilizes people’s strengths and abilities to make changes.

How is CBT different from DBT?

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) utilizes many of the CBT interventions/ techniques to bring about change and adds strategies for radical acceptance. DBT incorporates Mindfulness practice derived from Zen Buddhism. Standard DBT treatment includes weekly skills coaching but most individual therapists incorporate skill training during therapy sessions. Core mindfulness skills are the foundation for building Emotional Regulation skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness skills and Distress Tolerance skills. DBT is effective treatment for clients with marked impulsivity.

How is CBT different from DBT?

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) utilizes many of the CBT interventions/ techniques to bring about change and adds strategies for radical acceptance. DBT incorporates Mindfulness practice derived from Zen Buddhism. Standard DBT treatment includes weekly skills coaching but most individual therapists incorporate skill training during therapy sessions. Core mindfulness skills are the foundation for building Emotional Regulation skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness skills and Distress Tolerance skills. DBT is effective treatment for clients with marked impulsivity.

 

Meet Our Specialty Trained Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist

Eugenie Boidajieva, L.C.S.W.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive integrative psychotherapeutic approach.  In research studies, it has shown to be very effective in the treatment of trauma and PTSD symptoms.  However, it can be effective with anxiety, depression and many other symptoms as well.

How can EMDR help me?

Often, our reactions to present events are a result of irrational emotions, beliefs and sensations that are rooted in experiences we had long ago.  EMDR is a structured approach to therapy intended to address those past experiences along with the irrational emotions, beliefs and sensations associated with them so that our reactions to present and future events is more positive.   

What should I expect with EMDR?

EMDR therapy begins with history-taking during which the client and Therapist identify possible targets.  These targets may include recent upsetting events or current situations that leave the client feeling emotionally reactive. 

The next phase of EMDR work is addressing the client’s coping skills and building upon them.  When the client is ready, we will begin addressing the targets with EMDR procedures.

EMDR procedures explore visual images related to memories, negative beliefs about self, and emotions and body sensations.  Part of the process involves bilateral stimulation of the brain.  After several sets of bilateral stimulation, the client is often better able to process these prior experiences and/or arrive at some insights about themselves or their experiences. 

What is bilateral stimulation?


Bilateral stimulation is the visual, auditory or tactile stimulation of both sides of the brain.  During visual bilateral stimulation, the client follows movement back and forth with their eyes.  Auditory stimulation asks the client to listen to alternating tones through a listening device.  Tactile requires the client to hold a tactile device in each hand that alternates vibrations.  The Therapist will ask questions to make sure that the most effective and comfortable method of bilateral stimulation is used based on the client’s individual needs and comfort.  

How can I find out more about EMDR?

Please visit EMDR International’s website: http://www.emdr.com/general-information/what-is-emdr/what-is-emdr.html

“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” ― Bill Watterson

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT was developed in the late 1980’s by Dr. Marsha Linehan initially to treat those suffering from the most difficult to treat psychiatric behavior, chronic suicidality. DBT was shown to be highly effective in treating these patients and improving their overall quality of life so it was later adapted to treat other psychiatric illnesses including Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.

How can DBT help me?

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. “ – Jon Kabat-Zinn

DBT teaches you how to surf. Suffering is often born from the inability to accept things in our lives that we cannot control. Maladaptive coping skills like eating disorder behaviors, substance abuse, and self-harm are developed of a desire to relieve our own suffering in the short term but these behaviors increase suffering in the long term. The difficulty is that these behaviors do work in the short term to relieve discomfort, anxiety, pain, and suffering. In the long term however they lead to a loss of relationships, decline in physical health, and overall compromise an individual’s quality of life. DBT skills training teaches us how to our acceptance of life as it is, which in turn decreases suffering.

DBT is a combination of Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques and skills along with principles from Buddhist mindfulness practices to decrease suffering and increase effective coping overall. The four modules of DBT (Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness) provide a long list of skills to increase effective behavior in those four areas of life. DBT is a skill based intervention and the therapist acts as coach as well as a therapist providing education, real world skills coaching, and collaborative goal setting.

Applied DBT Skills at Recovery NOW, Inc.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and principles will be utilized as the framework for individual therapy. Individual DBT skills and will be taught and tools will be utilized by a highly experienced DBT trained Therapist Marilyn Brown, L.M.F.T. as the framework for therapy to help manage maladaptive coping behaviors. One of the core assumptions of DBT is that people are doing the best that they can and this has guided my treatment philosophy leading to non-judgmental compassionate skills based therapy.

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Meet Our D.B.T. Trained Therapist

Eugenie Boiadjieva, L.C.S.W.

How can we help you?

“Wondering if you are a cell phone addict or a tech junkie?

Take our self-test to find out.

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To complete a Stress Test to measure your stress , please visit

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