Tools For Life-Long Wellness

Adena works with you to learn, acquire, develop and practice the tools for life-long wellness. Her supportive approach is direct and honest, yet not confrontational or shaming.

Counseling

Adena is experienced and well trained in several modalities of work, including Imago Couples Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), psychodrama (action methods), and group psychotherapy. She is 12 step-based in her counseling approach.

Addiction & Codependency

Addiction and codependency are primary, chronic, progressive and fatal illnesses.

Adena offers her clients accurate information, specialized assessment/evaluation, and effective treatment for addictions and codependency. She blends a 12 Step approach with her unique style of counseling, providing the safe and empowering environment to choose healing action.

Addiction is defined as "any compulsive behavior done in spite of negative consequences to self and others". These negative behaviors impact the addicted person and everyone around them. It is typical to think of alcohol and other drugs (substance addictions) when referring to addiction. However, compulsive sexual behavior, making someone else a God or higher power (love addiction/codependency), gambling, compulsive spending, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating) to name a few, can also be addictions. These are called behavioral addictions. They are just as powerful, progressive and fatal as addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Codependency is defined as "a painful pattern of dependence, where individuals look to meet basic needs of safety, security, identity and worth". Individuals with codependency are likely to experience serious medical problems, depression, anxiety and bouts of rage. Without awareness, many people suffer and die needlessly from being in the grips of this cunning and baffling illness.

Traumatic Stress

The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress® defines traumatic stress as, "the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physiological experience of individuals who are exposed to, or who witness, events that overwhelm their coping and problem-solving abilities."

Traumatic stress has many "faces." In addition to the devastating effects of large-scale disasters and catastrophes, traumatic stress can result from the effects of day-to-day traumatic experiences (e.g., chronic illness, accidents, domestic violence, and loss). Adena's aim is to help traumatic stress victims to become survivors and, ultimately, thrivers.