Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a client-centered counseling approach for initiating behavior change by helping clients resolve ambivalence about engaging in treatment and stopping drug use. This approach employs strategies to evoke rapid and internally motivated change in the client, rather than guiding the client step-wise through the recovery process. This therapy consists of an initial assessment session, followed by two to four individual treatment sessions with a therapist. The first treatment session focuses on providing feedback generated from the initial assessment to stimulate discussion regarding personal substance use and elicit self-motivational statements. Motivational interviewing principles are used to strengthen motivation and build a plan for change. Coping strategies for high-risk situations are suggested and discussed with the client. In subsequent sessions, the therapist monitors change, reviews cessation strategies and continues to encourage commitment to change or sustained abstinence.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the scientific fact that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel/act better even if the situation does not change. CBT is based on the scientifically supported assumption that most emotional and behavioral reactions are learned. Therefore, the goal of therapy is to help clients unlearn their unwanted reactions and learn a new way of reacting. While CBT therapists do not present themselves as “know-it-alls,” the assumption is that if clients knew what the therapist had to teach them, clients would not have the emotional/behavioral problems they are experiencing.

Moral Reconation Therapy

Specifically designed to meet the needs of clients with a long list of substance abuse related legal issues, the Extended Care Forensic track uses a treatment method called Moral Reconation Therapy(MRT). Pathways Florida pioneered using this evidence-based treatment method in a community-based addiction treatment setting, however, MRT was first used in the criminal justice system with great success. In short, MRT fosters the development of “pro-social” thoughts, relationships and loyalties in clients who are diagnosed with anti-social behavioral disorder. Individuals with this diagnosis tend to have no regard for laws or rules, show a lack of remorse for hurtful and illegal actions and often have repeated legal issues.

Co-occurring Disorders

The co-occurring track of the Extended Care Program was designed for clients managing an addictive disorder while being affected by mental illness and/or developmental disorders. Clients in this program receive a thorough psychiatric evaluation and, when appropriate, medication management services before learning to successfully manage mental illness and substance disorders simultaneously. The Pathways Florida treatment team is trained in evidence-based practices shown to be effective in assisting co-occurring clients.

Rapid Resolution Therapy

Addressing the trauma through a specialized trauma treatment plan greatly improves the chances of sobriety in trauma victims. One treatment methodology is called Rapid Resolution Therapy® (RRT). Developed by Dr. Jon Connelly, RRT® eliminates the negative emotional or behavioral influence of traumatic events, whether these experiences are remembered, repressed or forgotten. It is not necessary to relive past events or experience any pain. The mind is cleared, organized and optimized. There are dramatic improvements in thoughts, feelings and behavior. Unconscious conflicts blocking desired changes are pinpointed and resolved. As the root cause of problems is cleared, positive change endures.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

As its name suggests, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is influenced by the philosophical perspective of dialectics: balancing opposites. The therapist consistently works with the individual to find ways to hold two seemingly opposite perspectives at once, promoting balance and avoiding black and white – the all-or-nothing styles of thinking. In service of this balance, DBT promotes a both-and rather than an either-or outlook. The dialectic at the heart of DBT is acceptance and change. DBT provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas: improving one’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment; distress tolerance; emotion regulation; and interpersonal effectiveness that addresses one’s communication skills. DBT treatment consists of individual therapy and skills group sessions.