Shame Resiliency: 8 Ways to Grow Beyond Secrecy, Silence and Self-Judgement Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJanuary 25, 2017By Shannon McQuaid, LMFT, LISAC, CDWF, CSAT-C, Executive Director/Clinical Director at Promises Scottsdale Shame has been referred to as the “silent epidemic.” Although it’s something we all deal with, it’s still considered a taboo topic. Just the mention of the word “shame” can make us shy away and withdraw. But when we live in silence,…
Expert Tips to Coax Your Inner Critic Into Your Corner Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJanuary 17, 2017We all have an inner critic. Whether loud and pushy or a mere whisper, you can hear the words as if they are your own: No one likes you. You’ll never succeed at this. This is because your inner critic is a real part of you. Getting to know what makes the inner critic tick…
How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinDecember 16, 2016Chances are you have heard the term “caregiver burnout,” which is defined as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude — from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to…
Are Your Friends and Companions Leading You Into Addiction? Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinDecember 12, 2016If you have friends who abuse drugs or alcohol, you could be in danger of falling victim to the same self-destructive pattern of behavior. You may feel this is not the case, or that the risk is exaggerated. As a believer in self-control and personal responsibility, you may be convinced you have the willpower and…
Is Career Stress Killing You? Tips for Reclaiming Your Life Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinNovember 10, 2016By Matthew Goldenberg, D.O. Are you feeling stressed on the job? Here is some reassuring news: Stress is not all bad. In fact, research indicates that occasional episodes of stress can actually act as a performance enhancer, boosting focus and alertness. However, if stress levels get too high or become chronic, the result can be…
Defusing Dysfunctional Relationships Using the Karpman Drama Triangle Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinSeptember 20, 2016Addiction and dysfunctional relationships provide a dizzying array of interactions that are sometimes daunting to comprehend, let alone resolve. Each person’s role in the affiliation shifts and changes depending on their habitual means of viewing the world, as well as their entrenched communication styles. Based in part on family-of-origin patterns, in addition to learned behaviors,…
Can’t Sleep? 7 Drug-Free Ways to Get Your Rest Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinAugust 29, 2016No one likes to think of themselves as an insomniac. Still, there are millions of people who struggle to get a good night’s sleep on occasion. There’s usually no long-term difficulty with the rare night of sleeplessness, but if the nights without uninterrupted rest continue for weeks on end, you definitely need some help to…
Can Nature Help You Overcome Addiction? Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJune 27, 2016Most people who’ve spent time outdoors may notice their spirits lift after a hike in the woods or a brisk walk on a sunny day. But is nature powerful enough to help people recover from addiction and mental health issues? Science and ecopsychology experts would argue yes. Nature Soothes the Troubled Soul It’s no mistake…
Why It’s Essential for Workaholics to Take Vacations Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinMay 25, 2016Imagine this scenario: You are invited by a friend to spend a week in Jamaica at an all-inclusive resort. All you need to do is pay the airfare. Your immediate response is, “Of course, I will go. Thank you very much.” Your secondary and quite visceral reaction is, “That means I might have to take…
Healing Addiction From Your Gut: Why Choosing a Nutrition-Focused Rehab Is Important Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinMay 16, 2016Most people are in a state of malnutrition and physical deterioration when they enter addiction rehab. Proper nutrition helps these issues and supports mental health. Common medical conditions in addicts vary by what substance they’ve abused and include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, malnourishment, gastrointestinal issues, mental health disorders, kidney and liver damage, and obesity or emaciation.…
