Life in the Recovery Room

Alcoholism

My Memories of a War-Torn Life

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on May 26, 2018

The damage my mom incurred growing up during war times is only understood by war survivors, veterans, and their children. We get each other’s pain that few others do.

The damage my mom incurred growing up during war times is only understood by war survivors, veterans, and their children. We get each other’s pain that few others do.

Addiction

Beware the Masks of Addiction

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on October 30, 2017

If we sacrifice our truth for the sake of the mask’s persona, then the illusion of the mask begins to drive our perception, choices, and relationships.

If we sacrifice our truth for the sake of the mask’s persona, then the illusion of the mask begins to drive our perception, choices, and relationships.

Addiction

Opioid Addiction: Is This a War We Can Win?

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on September 8, 2017

Those who are familiar with “recovery from addiction” know that solving the crisis requires action. The battle lines are clear; it’s time to take a stand.

Those who are familiar with “recovery from addiction” know that solving the crisis requires action. The battle lines are clear; it’s time to take a stand.

Health

Older Adults and Mental Health

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on May 9, 2017

While many older Americans are embracing an entirely new attitude toward aging, many are still caught up in the stigma and isolation of our attitudes around mental health.

While many older Americans are embracing an entirely new attitude toward aging, many are still caught up in the stigma and isolation of our attitudes around mental health.

Trauma

Recovery Is Not Immune From the Effects of Trauma

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on September 27, 2016

My work as a clinical psychologist has led me to understand that trauma may account for the lions’ share of recoverable substance abuse and behavioral health disorders.

My work as a clinical psychologist has led me to understand that trauma may account for the lions’ share of recoverable substance abuse and behavioral health disorders.

Health

Focus on Older Adults: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on May 16, 2016

May 16 - 22 is Older Adult Mental Health Week. Depression, elder abuse and substance abuse/addiction are compromising the health and well-being of our older adult population.

May 16 - 22 is Older Adult Mental Health Week. Depression, elder abuse and substance abuse/addiction are compromising the health and well-being of our older adult population.

Codependency

A Toxic Coupling: Codependence & Drug Addiction

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on March 22, 2016

"Intervention Codependent" exposes the dual addiction of drug use & codependancy. Interventionist, Kristina Wandzilak claims "Behind every addict is an equally great codependent".

"Intervention Codependent" exposes the dual addiction of drug use & codependancy. Interventionist, Kristina Wandzilak claims "Behind every addict is an equally great codependent".

Addiction

Lessons on Addiction: Learned and Not Yet Learned

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on October 22, 2015

Even away from reality show lights, Lamar Odom could not escape the glare of public scrutiny. Although there are well documented facts about the disease of addiction, which are important topics of discussion on television shows to make the public aware, that, in and of itself, is not a license to speculate or surmise facts about ndividuals who suffer from addiction.

Even away from reality show lights, Lamar Odom could not escape the glare of public scrutiny. Although there are well documented facts about the disease of addiction, which are important topics of discussion on television shows to make the public aware, that, in and of itself, is not a license to speculate or surmise facts about ndividuals who suffer from addiction.

Attention

Is Fame Really Worth Risking Mental Health?

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on July 14, 2015

I would not have predicted the stranglehold it Reality TV would come to have on “entertainment” today. It wasn’t a bad notion to use TV to shed light on the human condition. However, as a PsyD and LCSW, I know that whenever human beings are pitted against each other in a public forum, it triggers instincts and unpredictable behavior in them.

I would not have predicted the stranglehold it Reality TV would come to have on “entertainment” today. It wasn’t a bad notion to use TV to shed light on the human condition. However, as a PsyD and LCSW, I know that whenever human beings are pitted against each other in a public forum, it triggers instincts and unpredictable behavior in them.

Relationships

Peace Is An Achievable Goal

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on January 1, 2015

“Peace” is a prevalent theme this time of year. “Peace on Earth”, “World Peace”, etc. are lofty ideals that we aspire to because they connect us with others outside of ourselves. However, neither can ever be achieved without each us first developing “Inner Peace” or “Peace of Mind” - yes, that’s where it all begins!

“Peace” is a prevalent theme this time of year. “Peace on Earth”, “World Peace”, etc. are lofty ideals that we aspire to because they connect us with others outside of ourselves. However, neither can ever be achieved without each us first developing “Inner Peace” or “Peace of Mind” - yes, that’s where it all begins!

“We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are." Truer words were never spoken when it comes to embracing our own emotional safety as caregivers.

Caregiving

There's No Excuse for Elder Abuse

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on May 2, 2014

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that one to two million Americans over the age of 65 have experienced some form of abuse at the hands of a caregiver. Exact figures are hard to come by, because many incidents of abuse go unreported. Elder abuse comes in many forms. If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk, SPEAK UP! It's the only way to break the cycle.

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that one to two million Americans over the age of 65 have experienced some form of abuse at the hands of a caregiver. Exact figures are hard to come by, because many incidents of abuse go unreported. Elder abuse comes in many forms. If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk, SPEAK UP! It's the only way to break the cycle.

Diet

Nutrition for Your Mind and Body

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on April 10, 2014

When I hear the word “nutrition,” I automatically think of food for the body; giving my body the proper nutrition to function at its best. However, in the realm of self care, nutrition is also necessary for the mind and even the spirit. The nutrients are different, but the concept is the same. So let’s continue with some food for thought.

When I hear the word “nutrition,” I automatically think of food for the body; giving my body the proper nutrition to function at its best. However, in the realm of self care, nutrition is also necessary for the mind and even the spirit. The nutrients are different, but the concept is the same. So let’s continue with some food for thought.

Attention

Self Care and the Happy Heart

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on February 13, 2014

In keeping with our theme of self care, it is time to celebrate National Heart Month. So, yes, we’re going to talk about love; self love. Self love is not at all about being self-centered in a selfish, “all about me” way. It’s really about honoring our feelings (even when they are not facts) and striving to take time and care for ourselves THEN take care of others

In keeping with our theme of self care, it is time to celebrate National Heart Month. So, yes, we’re going to talk about love; self love. Self love is not at all about being self-centered in a selfish, “all about me” way. It’s really about honoring our feelings (even when they are not facts) and striving to take time and care for ourselves THEN take care of others

Stress

Self Care – Don’t Leave Your Self on the Shelf!

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on December 20, 2013

It seems that our ever moving, faster and faster paced culture has created in us the notion that taking care of ourselves is a bad thing; in fact, a very selfish thing to do.

It seems that our ever moving, faster and faster paced culture has created in us the notion that taking care of ourselves is a bad thing; in fact, a very selfish thing to do.

How do you begin talking to your loved one about the need for more or different care?

Media

Please Allow Mindy to Rest in Peace

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on March 8, 2013

The exploitive media frenzy surrounding the tragic death of Mindy McCready need not have happened. The confidential details of someone's medical chart should never be exposed for the media to sensationalize. Those professionals who divulged the depths of Mindy's pain showed little compassion by doing so . There are patient rights under HIPAA. Do you know what they are?

The exploitive media frenzy surrounding the tragic death of Mindy McCready need not have happened. The confidential details of someone's medical chart should never be exposed for the media to sensationalize. Those professionals who divulged the depths of Mindy's pain showed little compassion by doing so . There are patient rights under HIPAA. Do you know what they are?

Cross-Cultural Psychology

It's Time to Bring Mental Illness Out of the Shadows

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on February 14, 2013

Kathleen Sebalius, Secretary of Health & Human Services says, "...we are still a country that frequently confines conversations about mental health to the far edges of our discourse...This is a culture we all contribute to. And it's one that all of us ... need to help change if we want to reduce to reduce the tragic burden of untreated mental health conditions."

Kathleen Sebalius, Secretary of Health & Human Services says, "...we are still a country that frequently confines conversations about mental health to the far edges of our discourse...This is a culture we all contribute to. And it's one that all of us ... need to help change if we want to reduce to reduce the tragic burden of untreated mental health conditions."

Asperger's Syndrome

Life In the Recovery Room For Someone With Asperger Syndrome

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on January 3, 2013

We have descended into the world of psychopharmacology, acting as if simply taking a pill could really make a comprehensive and qualitative difference in someone's life. If we do not wake up and take action to reform the therapeutic context in which we deal with the mentally ill, they will continue to make headlines and we, as a society, will continue to pay the price.

We have descended into the world of psychopharmacology, acting as if simply taking a pill could really make a comprehensive and qualitative difference in someone's life. If we do not wake up and take action to reform the therapeutic context in which we deal with the mentally ill, they will continue to make headlines and we, as a society, will continue to pay the price.

Burnout

Deciding the Future of Healthcare and Self-Care

James D. Huysman Psy.D., LCSW on October 8, 2012

Perhaps the most important question for each of us to ask ourselves is: “What kind of healthcare delivery and support system do I want in this country for myself, my kids and my grandkids?"

Perhaps the most important question for each of us to ask ourselves is: “What kind of healthcare delivery and support system do I want in this country for myself, my kids and my grandkids?"