Expressive Writing with Mental Health and Addiction
February 29, 2016
Hosted by Mary Woods
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Guest Information
Episode Description
A myriad of studies over the last 30 years have shown that guided and structured writing about emotionally charged topics can often lessen troublesome symptoms. Writing can often increase positive coping skills or enhance our mindfulness of what is in fact going well for us. Some are drawn to keeping a journal while others may prefer to write poetry. When writing is facilitated by a trained professional, and participants are offered ways to contain and thereby control, the most powerful and difficult of emotions, the act of writing can again feel safe. Join us for an interactive conversation as we learn more about metaphors, writing and healing. Nancy will point us to some of the resources in the field, most notably the works of James Pennebaker and Kathleen Adams. She will demonstrate a brief write to show how writing may be utilized in the moment and by anyone. Nancy will also provide information where clinicians and coaches alike may go to receive additional training or information
One Hour AT A Time
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Recovery, whether it is from substance abuse or a mental illness, or both requires a treatment plan, which in many cases is as effective as treatments for other chronic illnesses. “One Hour AT A Time” will increase awareness about recovery and decrease the discrimination against individuals in the recovery process. Host Mary Woods, will help people understand the recovery of adults and families living with co-occurring substance use disorders and psychotic and/or affective illness over the course of a lifetime. Helping individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to take personal responsibility for their health and supporting individuals in their efforts to get on with life beyond illness has been Mary’s mission and she now brings that mission to the airwaves.
Mary Woods
Mary is the CEO of WestBridge Community Services. She is also a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with more than 25 years experience in substance abuse services and community mental health programs. Mary has conducted extensive workshops and trainings with a primary focus in Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change Theory and Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders. She is also a contributor to the development of the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment Practitioners and Clinical Supervisors Workbook and Practice Demonstration Video. Mary was the Chairperson of the NH State Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professionals. She has been a member of the NH Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor’s Association since 1984, and has served as the Northeast Regional Vice President for the NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals, President of NAADAC and is currently past president of NAADAC.
