Breaking Free for Chemical Dependency

Unresolved grief is at the heart of many of our society’s problems today. Our unwillingness and inability to talk about loss in a healthy way creates unnecessary pressure inside us. This pressure will find a way out…through substance abuse, violence, compulsive spending, food, disease …the list is endless.

Loss is cumulative. We deal with our current losses in the way we were taught to deal with our first loss. We often stuff it. We often “replace” it. We move on and are strong for others. But we don’t address the pain we’re feeling because we don’t know how.

 

“If all I have in my tool box is a hammer, I will have a tendency to see everything as a nail.” -- Unknown

Breaking Free utilizes new tools to help the participants work through their losses while at the same time exploring their choices and providing them with empowering tools for re-creating and re-visioning their own stories. Each of us has the power to rewrite our stories when our programmed belief systems fail us. Each of us can be the hero of our own life.

Breaking Free has a program specifically for substance abusers.
Level 1: A 6-week program for those under 60 days clean
Level 2: A 6-week program for those between 60 days and 1 year clean
Level 3: An intensive 6-week program for those over 1 year clean



Here’s what some folks are saying about the program!

“This was a life changing experience for me. Many of the staff and many of the clients have said the same thing to me.”
- Sally Lara, Executive Director, NCADD

“I have worked in the field of addictions for over twenty years and can honestly say that out of hundreds of workshops I have participated in, this is one of the most valuable.”
- Mo Reynolds, CSAC, Program Director, Crossroads for Women

“The issues around grief help me as a manager to understand my staff better.”
- Robin Hoskins, Project Director, Adult Probation Department

“A class like this is essential to personal growth.”
- Tammy Aho, Adult Probation Department

“This program has been extremely valuable to me and my recovery! It has helped me learn how to love and appreciate me and my life and deal with loss in a healthy way.”
- S.P., client, NCADD

“I learned I have a right to grieve! I would love to continue with more of this class. I’m sad it’s over.”
- L.C., client, NCADD

“I have learned how to let the things that bother me about my past go.”
- P.R., resident, Crossroads Midtown

“It helped me find myself. It was a valuable tool and stepping stone on a path to a new life.”
- A.C., resident, Crossroads Midtown

“Extremely helpful in dealing with grief. Believing in ME is really possible.”
- L.A., resident, Crossroads Midtown

Programs Available
My specialty is in designing a program that suits your client base. All of my programs begin with the Breaking Free premise: “If you aren’t the hero of your own life, you’re in the wrong story.” Then, based on the clientele, I create a program utilizing writing, poetry therapy, art and community building to address the specific needs requested.

Individually, I have worked with the elderly, Hospice care patients, children, at-risk populations, gifted populations, incarcerated people, after school empowerment programs, and students of all ages in the school system. The program can be adapted to work as part of a drug or suicide prevention program or other personal empowerment program.

I have worked with the following groups:
• Maricopa Superior Court
• Women’s Central Network
• Girl Scouts of America – girls at risk
• National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
• Pregnant & Parenting Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program
• Crossroads for Women
• Staff & Professionals in Grief Counseling
• Camp Paz: A Camp for Grieving Children
• Catholic Social Services
• St. Jerome’s School
• Rio Salado Community College Adult Education
• Phoenix Community College
• New Song Center for Grieving Children

I am available for one day to one year program services.

E-mail me to discuss how I can work with your group! Fees are dependent upon the project.