Premier Florida Mental Health Center in Fort Lauderdale/ Tamarac FL area

The facilitator completes a 6-week rotation of various exercises on “getting to know myself”; focuses on differences between perception and authentic self and dangers of living in a dichotomy; works on positive self-imagery and utilizes excerpts from The Four Agreements to assist in remaining positive and focused on self.

The facilitator continues to build on mental health and wellness as it pertains to various emotional responses in early recovery; pause; respond vs. reacting; able to focus on the emotional and mental aspects of recovery, separate from physical symptomology; reviews the importance of avoiding catastrophic language, and when escalating, remaining focused on the current situation and how to de-escalate self.

Introduction to the first three steps of anonymous groups; a brief overview of SMART recovery and various tools necessary for sustained sobriety outside residential treatment services. Recovery Coaches can offer independent workbook assignments, which are reviewed individually each week, begin to connect each resident with the importance of an accountability partner in their journey for recovery. This allows individuals to feel supported and understand the basic idea of sponsorship as they begin their journey.

Self-help meetings are brought into the facility from our local recovery community to establish an external support system; a local 12-step group facilitates discussions and offers 12-step related messages and support to current clients unable to go offsite.

Action group and spontaneous dramatization, often with role-playing activities and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight into our lives.; a creative way for an individual or group to explore and solve personal problems; various use of techniques including “empty chair,” writing exercises and acting out specific situations that have created grief, loss, and issues unable to resolve from past trauma that affects current life situations.

Rotation for any new clients admitted previously in the week that allows for orientation to the program, review of handbook, basic infection control, and review of the grievance process, policies, procedures, and facility.

Utilizing art and various forms of expression alongside talking therapy to uncover issues below the surface with many mediums, including painting, sculpting, acting, skills, and crafts.

Several groups are offered throughout the week for a small Process group where each therapist meets with individuals on their caseload for a private meeting regarding progress, pitfalls, and planning for the future. Case managers also attend small groups, allowing for an intimate setting with individuals assigned to specific case managers.

Offering education behind the organization of 12-step-oriented recoveries as the biggest ancillary supportive service; workbook assignments and journaling exercises are utilized to educate individuals receiving benefits on the importance of understanding the WHY behind the significance of 12-steps and the improvement in outcomes when used as an additional tool for recovery.

Offers an opportunity to apply the principles of the 12 steps into a format for living; challenges resistance to the 12-step model by focusing on the principles of “living well” as opposed to the self-help modality.

Utilizes music to channel inner turmoil and shift mood; facilitator presents song or allows an opportunity for clients to present songs with thoughts, feelings, and emotions evoked and distribute to the group.

The facilitator uses various methods, including empty chairs and numerous venues, to allow feelings, attitudes, and beliefs considered subconscious or below the level of conscious experience, to merge into awareness.

The facilitator uses sound bowls, various percussions, and tones to elicit responses from inner emotions, works with volume, tone, and cadence in communicating, and how to use various sounds to stay focused and grounded.

The facilitator focuses on deep breathing, breathing from the belly, and CORE body functions, reviews the dangers of anxious breathing, and continues to work on the PAUSE response using the breath to de-stress and remain grounded.

Focuses on the importance of medication management and continuing medication regimen after discharge and as part of the after-care process; infection control, HIV/STD awareness, and handwashing hygiene/COVID precautions.

Yoga instructor provides various physical stretches, chair exercises, and techniques according to mind/body wellness skill level.

The facilitator uses lessons on co-dependency, enabling and continued methods to identify family systems perspectives; Satir modeled overlay with role identification in the family unit and how to heal the family system. Family therapists and additional clinicians offer opportunities for family therapy on “face time”/zoom, as addiction and mental health concerns are family issues affecting the entire dynamic. 

Having fun in recovery and focusing on reintegrating into positive social situations. Review the importance of routine and structure and how to live a life in recovery.

A specialist performs breath and bodywork to focus and move various energies.

Using different CBT techniques, exploring automatic negative thoughts and catastrophic language and how to change negative thought processes for a more positive outcome and a better response to the situation.