Finding You: An Evoke Therapy Podcast

Dr. Reedy talks about what traits, processes and skills make for a good therapist in conjunction with or following Evoke Therapy Programs. Flexibility and meeting the client where they are at are two of the many qualities he suggests to look for. Principally, look for a therapist who looks for you.

What is the difference between substance abuse and more severe forms of addiction? How does the treatment approach differ when treating someone using or abusing substances compared to someone who is addicted? What is the family's role in treatment of addiction? Dr. Reedy answers these and explains that the root of addiction is in the thinking rather than the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

Dr. Reedy reviews The Anatomy of Peace, written by the Arbinger Institute. This book talks about regarding others, our children, with a new sensibility. The authors suggest that when we hold them in a place of love and empathy, children are more likely to feel moved to accept invitations for changing their lives.

Dr. Reedy discusses behavioral vs. relational approaches to therapy and how concepts can be extrapolated to apply to parenting. He also talks about the evolution of wilderness therapy over the last 22 years.

This broadcast is to prepare parents and family members of Evoke clients for a visit to the field. Approaching the visit with an open mind and prepared to work are key ideas that will make the visit successful. Dr. Reedy discusses other skills and tools that will help to make the visit rich and meaningful.

Dr. Reedy reviews the book by Shefali Tsabary, "The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children." He discusses mindfulness in parenting, learning how to avoid reactiveness, and how the foundation of optimal parenting is based in the practice of focusing on one's own work and healing.

Dr. Reedy completes his series on Nurture Shock, talking about the chapter on The Science of Teen Rebellion. Neuro-biological issues as well as how parents can reconsider the value of conflict and oppositionality in a child's development are discussed.

In the second part of his review of "Nurture Shock," Dr. Reedy discusses why children lie and how parents can best encourage honesty.

Dr. Reedy discusses the first chapter in Nurture Shock: "The Inverse Power of Praise." Self-esteem, growth mindset, and how to and not to praise children to increase resiliency, frustration tolerance, and effort are discussed.

Dr. Reedy shares some thoughts from the book, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, and he makes connections to the work children and parents are doing at Evoke Therapy Programs.

Dr. Reedy answers questions from siblings and extended family related to a student or client at Evoke Therapy Programs. Length of stay, aftercare, answering questions from friends, and a typical day are all discussed.

Dr. Reedy draws upon the epic story of Star Wars to highlight the processes that parents go through in dealing with children struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Yoda and Darth Vader become the archetypes of love and fear in our journey. Reedy also shares concepts from Joseph Campbell and the hero's journey, which informed George Lucas and his telling of this classic story.

Dr. Reedy talks about and answers parents' questions about school refusal and academic failure. He encourages parents to utilize resources and to seek for underlying issues that lead to school problems. He talks about holding boundaries without fear and control.

Dr. Reedy shares the Loving Kindness Meditation, or "Metta," it's history, some examples and how evidence shows it improves our mental and physical health. Evoke parents are encouraged to practice this meditation. Evoke students and clients are introduced to it in the wilderness.

Dr. Reedy talks about the theory of wilderness therapy and the virtues of the nomadic, primitive living model for treating mental health and addiction issues in adolescents and young adults.