Today we focus on the phenomenon of the functional alcoholic. Our guest describes her daily struggle with alcohol dependency and her ongoing quest for sobriety.      Substance Abuse Resources:   Community support: AASF.ORG (AA is the single most amazing resource ever developed since the invention of the public library. I don’t care what anyone says) al-anonsf.org (ALANON is another incredible resource for friends and loved ones of those suffering from addiction.     Recommended inpatient treatment centers: (Note: most treatment centers do take insurance)   Newbridge (Berkeley). **Low cost** https://www.newbridgefoundation.org   Bayside Marin (Marin County) https://www.baysidemarin.com/   Reflections (Marin County) https://livingatreflections.com/start-recovery   Alta Mira (Marin County) https://www.altamirarecovery.com   Walden House (San Francisco) **Low Cost https://www.healthright360.org/agency/walden-house   Ohholff (San Francisco)  **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org     Recommended intensive outpatient treatment centers:   Foundations Recovery Network (San Francisco) https://www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com   Ohlhoff (San Francisco). **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org   National Alliance on Mental illness https://nami.org/Home  Recommended sober living environments in the Bay Area:    Gateway Sober Living (San Francisco and Marin County) **Low cost** https://gatewaysle.com   Monarch (San Francisco and Marin County) monarchsoberhomes.com/   Peace House (San Francisco) http://www.peace-house.com/   Full circle  (Marin County)  https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.net/living-san-anselmo   Cornerstone (Marin County). **Low cost** https://www.cornerstonesle.com   Marin services for men (Marin County). **Low cost** http://www.marinservicesformen.org    ——————————————   Mental Health   Helplines:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-8255   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)   http://ok2talk.org/ 1 (800) 273-TALK   Crises Text line    Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling     Finding Treatment:    https://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/   American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist   American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and adolescent Psychiatrist Finder   American Psychological Association Find a psychologist  

Look, Just Tell Me What To Do.

The Functional Alcoholic

How does one go about finding a therapist? Today we talk with Anicia Williams LMFT and Dylan Kersh LMFT and discuss the various pitfalls and strategies behind locating, interviewing and ultimately choosing the perfect therapist for YOU.     Anicia Williams LMFT is a psychotherapist in Marin County, specializing in multicultural issues, trauma, addictions and the relationships that suffer as a result. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Anicia received her undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her graduate degree, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology, from Dominican University of California. While at Dominican University, Anicia was honored to receive the Dr. Robert Shukraft Award for Inspirational Leadership. Anicia is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) for the state and local levels. Anicia currently has a Private Practice in San Rafael and has held various titles and positions in the Greater Bay Area, including Program Director, Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, Primary Therapist, Coordinator and Assessment Specialist, and Clinical Residential Care Manager.  Anicia is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) utilizing Laurel Parnell's Attachment-Focused EMDR, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Sensorimotor techniques.  Anicia is determined to help reduce the stigma associated with alcohol and drug addiction and increase awareness around trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that contribute to addiction. She is committed to helping those afflicted with mental health and addiction issues, as well bringing healing, acceptance and compassion to those who love them. As a Marin native, she is dedicated to increasing local awareness around mental health, restorative justice, and multicultural issues in the community. She has been on the Marin Mental Health Board’s Youth Committee and has served as a commissioner on the court-appointed Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission. Anicia currently works with underserved Transitional Aged Youth via Wise Choices for Girls in Marin CIty and as well as bringing Mental Health Awareness to the Hannah Project's Freedom School, located in Marin City as well.  Contact: aniciawilliamsmft.com   Born and raised in the Bay Area, Dylan Kersh LMFT spent over a decade teaching middle and high school students in Oakland, Maui, and Marin County. Although he found this career rewarding, he eventually realized that his greatest asset was the ability to connect with young people and inspire them to do positive things in their lives. This realization led him to go back to school to pursue his lifelong aspiration to become a psychotherapist. After graduating from The Wright Institute in Berkeley with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, he began his career at FamilyWorks in San Rafael, California. While at FamilyWorks, he worked with individuals, teens, families, and couples from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds. He found that with an open heart, a sincere desire to connect, and clinical integrity, he could affect real change in his clients’ lives. Concurrently, Dylan has started his own tutoring and mentoring business in Marin County. He has spent the last four years working with students ages 9-18 over a broad range of subject matter from 4th grade math to SAT/ACT prep. In addition, in 2015 he opened my own after school program, West America After Care, in Mill Valley to provide tutoring and enrichment activities to students grades K-8. After completing his training at FamilyWorks and becoming a licensed intern, Dylan moved to the Mind Therapy Clinic in Corte Madera to work with individuals struggling with both severe mental illness and addiction. He also began working at A New Path Marin, a transitional program for men with substance abuse disorders which focused on recovery coaching as well as therapy. There, he cultivated his talent to connect with men and help them to identify and deepen their emotional experience. Dylan then accepted a position as Program Director at Shine a Light Addiction Specialists in San Rafael. While at Shine a Light, He developed a strengths-based coaching program that teaches the tools and provides the support and motivation to help clients build the life they’ve always dreamed of. In addition, he coordinated and managed the treatment of up to twenty clients dealing with addiction and severe mental illness. He has also worked at the Muir Wood Adolescent Outpatient Program, and is currently running groups at the Foundations Recovery Network Outpatient Program in San Francisco.  As a result of this wide range of professional experience and training, Dylan has created a private practice that offers a unique variety of services: psychotherapy, tutoring, and recovery coaching! Contact: https://www.dylankersh.com/   Contact Benjamin Russack at benjaminrussack@gmail.com or visit my website at benjaminrussack.com.

How to Choose a Therapist

Today we speak with Michael Downie, who swears by the curative properties of video games, dungeons and dragons, and simply pursuing the things in life which bring you joy.  Michael's podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5044366 You can also find him on twitter: @Gadget8Bit    My contact information:  benjaminrussack@gmail.com; benjaminrussack.com       Here is a comprehensive link to mental health services available within the UK:  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/nhs-voluntary-charity-services/charity-and-voluntary-services/get-help-from-mental-health-helplines/   ———————————   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources in the United States with focus on the Bay Area   ---------------------------- Substance Abuse   Recommended inpatient treatment centers: (Note: most treatment centers do take insurance)   Newbridge (Berkeley). **Low cost** https://www.newbridgefoundation.org   Bayside Marin (Marin County) https://www.baysidemarin.com/   Reflections (Marin County) https://livingatreflections.com/start-recovery   Alta Mira (Marin County) https://www.altamirarecovery.com   Walden House (San Francisco) **Low Cost https://www.healthright360.org/agency/walden-house   Ohholff (San Francisco)  **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org     Recommended intensive outpatient treatment centers:   Foundations Recovery Network (San Francisco) https://www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com   Ohlhoff (San Francisco). **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org   National Alliance on Mental illness https://nami.org/Home  Recommended sober living environments in the Bay Area:    Gateway Sober Living (San Francisco and Marin County) **Low cost** https://gatewaysle.com   Monarch (San Francisco and Marin County) monarchsoberhomes.com/   Peace House (San Francisco) http://www.peace-house.com/   Full circle  (Marin County)  https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.net/living-san-anselmo   Cornerstone (Marin County). **Low cost** https://www.cornerstonesle.com   Marin services for men (Marin County). **Low cost** http://www.marinservicesformen.org    ——————————————   Mental Health   Helplines:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-8255   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)   http://ok2talk.org/ 1 (800) 273-TALK   Crises Text line    Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling     Finding Treatment:    https://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/   American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist   American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and adolescent Psychiatrist Finder   American Psychological Association Find a psychologist  

Managing Depression...With Video Games??

Today we look at the underlying causes of the underlying causes...that is, if Duel Diagnosis is all about self medicating anxiety or depression with drugs or alcohol, what caused the anxiety and depression in the first place?     My contact Info: Benjaminrussack@gmail.com; benjaminrussack.com.    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources in the Bay Area and Beyond    ——————————————   Substance Abuse   Recommended inpatient treatment centers: (Note: most treatment centers do take insurance)   Newbridge (Berkeley). **Low cost** https://www.newbridgefoundation.org   Bayside Marin (Marin County) https://www.baysidemarin.com/   Reflections (Marin County) https://livingatreflections.com/start-recovery   Alta Mira (Marin County) https://www.altamirarecovery.com   Walden House (San Francisco) **Low Cost https://www.healthright360.org/agency/walden-house   Ohholff (San Francisco)  **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org     Recommended intensive outpatient treatment centers:   Foundations Recovery Network (San Francisco) https://www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com   Ohlhoff (San Francisco). **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org   National Alliance on Mental illness https://nami.org/Home  Recommended sober living environments in the Bay Area:    Gateway Sober Living (San Francisco and Marin County) **Low cost** https://gatewaysle.com   Monarch (San Francisco and Marin County) monarchsoberhomes.com/   Peace House (San Francisco) http://www.peace-house.com/   Full circle  (Marin County)  https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.net/living-san-anselmo   Cornerstone (Marin County). **Low cost** https://www.cornerstonesle.com   Marin services for men (Marin County). **Low cost** http://www.marinservicesformen.org    ——————————————   Mental Health   Helplines:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-8255   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)   http://ok2talk.org/ 1 (800) 273-TALK   Crises Text line    Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling     Finding Treatment:    https://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/   American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist   American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and adolescent Psychiatrist Finder   American Psychological Association Find a psychologist  

Duel Diagnosis: What is the underlying cause, of the underlying cause?

Today we meet Alec, a young, successful guy working in the advertising industry who has chosen to toss it all and pursue his dream of becoming an innovator in the world of custom made automobiles. We discuss the psychology of taking risks, assessing one's quality of life, as well as the fear of stepping into the unknown.    My Contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com benjaminrussack.com

Taking Risks: Psychology and Entrepreneurship

Today, we define some of the differences between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. In addition, our guest will discuss what it was like to live for ten years while coping with persistent paranoid delusions. He will discuss how he eventually found help, and how schizoaffective disorder indelibly altered his life. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of resources should you or a family member happen to be suffering from this disorder. Should you require further assistance, feel free to contact me at benjaminrussack@gmail.com.     General Information:    National Alliance on Mental illness https://nami.org/Home     Helplines:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-8255   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)   http://ok2talk.org/ 1 (800) 273-TALK   Crises Text line    Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling   Finding Treatment:    https://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/   American Psychiatric Association Foundation Find a psychiatrist   American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and adolescent Psychiatrist Finder   American Psychological Association Find a psychologist  

Living With Schizoaffective Disorder

Today we talk with Brad Smallwood, LMFT, about the challenges many of have faced over the past year of the pandemic. We focus on ideas such as "Chaos management" and learning to talk yourself down from "accepting invitations" by your partner or spouse who may attempt to engage you in an argument.  Also, Brad recounts how his wife, a registered nurse in San Francisco, is no longer experiencing the accolades and support from her community. In fact, quite the opposite.  Lastly, we will discuss the psychology behind many of the strange ideas espoused by conspiracy theorists regarding the Corona Virus during the pandemic.    Contact information:   Benjamin Russack, LMFT: Benjaminrussack@gmail.com; benjaminrussack.com; 415.497.1908   Brad Smallwood, LMFT:  http://bradfordsmallwood.com

A Year In Lockdown: Still Here, Still Coping.

Today we talk with Dylan Kersh, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, about our shared experiences in the world of recovery and the oft volatile living conditions  of the Sober Living Environment, or SLE—a home for persons in early recovery from addiction who are matriculating back into every day life. Next, Dylan will discuss how the modality of attachment theory may answer the question of why so many of us habitually use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Also He will outline varying attachment styles, many of which can be detected in children as young as eighteen months old.   Contact: Dylan Kersh Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist https://www.dylankersh.com/   Benjamin Russack, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist benjaminrussack.com 415.497.1908   Recommended sober living environments in the Bay Area:   Gateway Sober Living (San Francisco and Marin County) **Low cost** https://gatewaysle.com   Monarch (San Francisco and Marin County) monarchsoberhomes.com/   Peace House (San Francisco) http://www.peace-house.com/   Full circle  (Marin County) https://www.fullcirclerecoverycenter.net/living-san-anselmo   Cornerstone (Marin County). **Low cost** https://www.cornerstonesle.com   Marin services for men (Marin County). **Low cost** http://www.marinservicesformen.org   Recommended inpatient treatment centers: (Note: most treatment centers do take insurance)   Newbridge (Berkeley). **Low cost** https://www.newbridgefoundation.org   Bayside Marin (Marin County) https://www.baysidemarin.com/   Reflections (Marin County) https://livingatreflections.com/start-recovery   Alta Mira (Marin County) https://www.altamirarecovery.com   Walden House (San Francisco) **Low Cost https://www.healthright360.org/agency/walden-house   Ohholff (San Francisco)  **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org     Recommended intensive outpatient treatment centers:   Foundations Recovery Network (San Francisco) https://www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com   Ohlhoff (San Francisco). **Low cost** https://www.ohlhoff.org

The Strange Situation: The Wild World of Sober Living Environments with Dylan Kersh, LMFT

Today, we have a conversation with Saima Jamshed, a Life Coach out of San Francisco, CA. We discuss the similarities and differences between seeing a Life Coach and a regular licensed therapist such as an MFT, like myself, or an LCSW. Also, you will get to listen as Saima puts me in the hot seat and uses "Parts Work" to analyze my problematic relationship with food. ----Bay Area Tech Sister turned Life Coach, Saima offers her coaching services to people looking to explore areas of life that feel out of balance. Contact her at saimajay@gmail.com or www.saimajay.comFind her on linked in : https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/saimajamshed My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com; benjaminrussack.com415.497.1908 

So, What Is a Life Coach, Exactly?

Today we Speak with Dr. Jacobs, a chiropractor out of San Francisco. Together we discuss the myths, risks and rewards of chiropractics. Dr. Jacobs will also focus on how chiropractors are trained and educated, as well as his personal journey towards becoming a chiropractor. Lastly, he will also offer tips on how to insure that your chiropractor is the real thing. Contact information for Dr. Jacobs:https://sfcustomchiro.comPhone+1 (415) 788-8700 Here also is contact information for my former chiropractor who has offices north of San Francisco, CA.https://millvalleychiro.com In addition, should you need referrals for any form of physical health--message, yoga, weight training, etc--please feel free to drop me a line Benjamin Russack, LMFT415.497.1908Benjaminrussack@gmail.combenjaminrussack.com 

Can Chiropractors Actually Help You?

Need a job? Trying to make new friends? Want a date?  Well guess, what, you’re probably going to need a persona…and more importantly, one that works. Everything from putting on a suit, to buying a new pair of shoes or adjusting your body language and tone of voice. Today, we talk with Natalie, a therapist out of San Francisco. Together we will discuss the various aspects and functions of the persona:What happens if we over identify with our persona?How does our overall growth and Development contribute to the personas we adopt? How do personas figure into things like group identity and cults?What does it mean when your ego and your persona are out of harmony   How do persona, which is by definition a surface level aspect, actually facilitate connection and a sense of community among your peers? Also, for everyone’s edification, I should say that all persons mentioned, discussed, or otherwise teased in this episode have granted me full permission to use their names, or at least refer to them in a tacit, passive aggressive manner.  My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com

Persona: The Mask We Hold Up To The World

Today we discuss the issue of ambivalence and addiction with Mike.  My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com

Do You Have a Problem? Ambivalence and Addiction with Mike

I have a short list of mentors. Seymour, my old therapist, Cliff, my supervisor from Bayside Marin, and Gary Bubash LMFT, my unwitting roommate from...2002. Today, we talk about the before times—before we became therapists, before I lost 100 pounds, before Gary gave up his job as a video editor to go back to school in his mid forties.  Somewhere between a drill sergeant and a teddy bear, Gary has mastered the art of authentic, constructive feedback. While I always prided myself on being straightforward therapist, Gary takes it to the next level. Actually, several next levels. We will discuss Gary’s ideas about healthy living—about the importance of taking whatever you have, and making it the best it can be—everything from getting those dirty dishes out of the sink,  taking care of your body to speaking your mind when it is critically important. Also, How to pick yourself up when you’re feeling crappy. And lastly, the value of receiving, and giving authentic, difficult feedback. And how this actually helps people bond.  Contact Gary at: https://www.garybubash.comMy contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com; benjaminrussack.com; 415.497.1908  

Introducing Gary Bubash, LMFT

Today we talk to Dr. Louis, who will give us tips and tricks for maintaining, revitalizing and repairing marriages that may have experienced strain during the lockdown. Dr. Louis has over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Psychologist, speaker and consultant. She’s the owner/CEO of Atlanta Couple Therapy, a well-known practice located in Atlanta, Georgia. Her approaches have influenced people, organizations, businesses and companies all over the world.Dr. Louis is one of the most sought after public speakers, consultants and psychologists alive today. She has spoken, conducted 1000s of seminars, training, consulting for businesses, organizations, colleges/universities, hospitals, rehab centers, correctional facilities and other institutions all over the United States, Brazil, Mexico, London, Haiti, Cambodia, just to name a few.She obtained her B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University; M.S. in Counseling at Fordham University and Ph.D at Howard University in Washington D.C. She’s American Psychology Association (APA) accredited. ------------------------------------------Dr. Laura Louis, Licensed Psychologist/PhDCouch To PodiumOffice  Phone: 404-496-8070 Email: hello@couchtopodium.comWebsite: www.CouchToPodium.comOffice Address: 5680 Peachtree Parkway Suite BPeachtree Corners, Georgia 30092------------------------------------------- My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com; 415.497.1908

Managing Marriage During Covid

Today we talk to Stephanie Hanger, LMFT, about maintaining our sanity during Covid. This episode is raw, unpolished, and probably inappropriate. That's just fine with me. These are strange times and this is how I've decided to manage and express my feelings. Today, we drop quotes from the Dalai Lama, details around the Black Plague as well as speculate about how civilization may, or may not, arise from the ashes of the Covid Pandemic. If you would like a shot at staying sane during these times, I recommend you contact Stephanie at 415.680.9185 for a therapy session. If you have other designs, please feel free to contact me at 415.497.1908 or at benjaminrussack@gmail.com 

“Playing Amongst the Ruins” A raw discussion of life before, during and (possibly) after the Covid Crises

Interviews with mental health care professionals, specialists and persons with knowledge to share on the subject of self improvement and increased well being.

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Look, Just Tell Me What To Do.

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