This episode is about understanding the role of the 12-step program in addiction recovery. We discussed its benefits, alternatives, and the importance of finding a recovery path that works for everyone. 

Topics discussed in Beyond the 12-Step Program:

Who This Episode is For: Individuals in recovery, those interested in mental health improvement, and supporters of people in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of the 12-step program and alternatives.

Related Content: Understanding Recovery | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program

3A was created by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. It provides extensive support and care for individuals during crucial transitions in their recovery, especially when moving from inpatient care to everyday life.

Personalized Attention:

Continued Accountability:

Radical Acceptance:

Benefits:

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their comprehensive approach aims to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With a rich background in athletics and mental health, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Beyond the 12-Step Program appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

This episode is all about embracing change and uncertainty. We discuss the complexities of change and transitions in life, exploring how individuals can work through these shifts with a balanced mindset and an open heart. We get into the emotional impact of change, the importance of being present, and strategies for managing uncertainty. 

Topics Discussed in “Embracing Change and Uncertainty”: 

Who This Episode is For: Individuals experiencing significant life changes and transitions. Those struggling with anxiety about the future. People interested in improving their mental and emotional well-being. Anyone looking to develop a more balanced and open-minded approach to life’s uncertainties. Supporters and loved ones of individuals going through major transitions and seeking to understand and provide better support.

Related content: How Tightly Are You Holding Onto Things? | Understanding Anxiety

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their comprehensive approach aims to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With an athletics and mental health background, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Embracing Change and Uncertainty appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

This is a discussion about understanding recovery and what it entails beyond achieving the obvious end result. It explores how recovery helps regain innate qualities like honesty, enhances self-esteem and self-worth, and emphasizes the importance of living in the present to improve personal well-being.

Topics discussed in Understanding Recovery:

Who This Episode is For: Individuals in recovery, those interested in mental health improvement, and supporters of people in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of the process.

Related Content: 3A | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences | Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program

3A was developed by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. 3A offers extensive support and wrap-around care for individuals during critical transitional times of their recovery, including, but not limited to, the time between leaving inpatient care and transitioning into everyday life.

Personalized Attention: A dedicated therapist is responsible for creating and managing a specialized program of wrap-around care tailored to the individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven methods in addiction treatment. Counseling sessions for the client and their core group of family and friends to establish roles within the client’s recovery support network.

Continued Accountability: Daily individual counseling sessions. Inclusion in a recovery group that meets weekly. Accountability to a Millennium counselor seven days a week.

Radical Acceptance: Homework assignments and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a deadly disease and keep recovery first. Counseling sessions introduce how addiction has impacted everyone and the need for continued support for the whole family system.

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. Derek, with a rich background in athletics and mental health, brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Understanding Recovery appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

This episode explores the motivations behind individuals starting sobriety due to external pressures, such as requests from family, employers, or friends. This conversation around starting sobriety for someone else can also be applied to any behavior or pattern that could use some form of therapy.

Topics discussed in “Starting Sobriety for Someone Else”:

Who this episode is for: Individuals considering sobriety or therapy because of someone else in their life including supportive friends, family members, and colleagues.

Related Content: The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences | Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program

3A was developed by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. 3A offers extensive support and wrap-around care for individuals during critical transitional times of their recovery, including, but not limited to, the time between leaving inpatient care and transitioning into everyday life.

Personalized Attention: A dedicated therapist is responsible for creating and managing a specialized program of wrap-around care tailored to the individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven methods in addiction treatment. Counseling sessions for the client and their core group of family and friends to establish roles within the client’s recovery support network.

Continued Accountability: Daily individual counseling sessions. Inclusion in a recovery group that meets weekly. Accountability to a Millennium counselor seven days a week.

Radical Acceptance: Homework assignments and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a deadly disease and keep recovery first. Counseling sessions introduce how addiction has impacted everyone and the need for continued support for the whole family system.

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer various counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program emphasizing personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their comprehensive approach aims to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With a rich athletics and mental health background, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Starting Sobriety for Someone Else appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

An athlete wellness discussion on the unique challenges athletes face and how the specialized Sports & Performance Wellness Division at Millennium Counseling Center addresses mental health needs beyond performance.

Topics discussed in this Athlete Wellness episode:

Who this episode is for: Athletes at all levels, sports administrators, coaches, and anyone interested in athlete mental health and wellness.

Related content: 

Sarah Meister | From Division 1 Volleyball to Sports Performance Therapist

Life After Sports with Derek Bylsma

Transfer Portal, NIL, Antonio Brown

Mental Health in Sports

Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma

Connect with us:

More about the Sports & Performance Wellness Division at Millennium Counseling Center:

We have a unique approach to mental health for athletes. While many people focus on performance, we look to help athletes at all levels improve their mental health and overall wellness. Our therapeutic approach ensures every athlete we work with is connected to a licensed counselor, many of whom have been Division 1 athletes. This allows us to understand what athletes are going through because we understand how the brain works and the world of athletics. We’ve been there. And we want to help. We are the Sports & Performance Wellness Division of Millennium Counseling Center.

About the team:

Sarah Meister

Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Sarah previously worked as a Public Relations Specialist in the Chicagoland area after receiving a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri. She shifted careers to focus on her passion for counseling and psychotherapy.

Derek Bylsma

Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads our 3A and Sports divisions. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

Thomas Kalapurakal

Thomas Kalapurakal is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Thomas utilizes an eclectic psychodynamic approach that includes humanistic and Jungian techniques. Through this process, Thomas guides his clients to reflect on their life experiences and utilize new information to overcome present challenges while staying true to their core identity.

The post Athlete Wellness appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

This episode is all about understanding anxiety, including how to support someone experiencing anxiety.

Who this “understanding anxiety” episode is for: Individuals looking to better understand anxiety, those experiencing anxiety, and people wanting to support loved ones dealing with mental health challenges.

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer various counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program emphasizing personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With a rich background in athletics and mental health, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Thank you for listening to this Millennium Hope podcast episode, “Understanding Anxiety”.

The post Understanding Anxiety appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

Explore the truth about recovery and client experiences from our 3A recovery program, which focuses on enhancing the recovery journey beyond abstinence.

Who this episode is for: Individuals seeking deep, personalized recovery support, those interested in understanding effective recovery strategies, family members of individuals in recovery, and those seeking the truth about recover.

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program

3A was developed by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. 3A offers extensive support and wrap-around care for individuals during critical transitional times of their recovery, including, but not limited to, the time between leaving inpatient care and transitioning into everyday life.

Personalized Attention: A dedicated therapist is responsible for creating and managing a specialized program of wrap-around care tailored to the individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven methods in addiction treatment. Counseling sessions for the client and their core group of family and friends to establish roles within the client’s recovery support network.

Continued Accountability: Daily individual counseling sessions. Inclusion in a recovery group that meets weekly. Accountability to a Millennium counselor seven days a week.

Radical Acceptance: Homework assignments and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a deadly disease and keep recovery first. Counseling sessions introduce how addiction has impacted everyone and the need for continued support for the whole family system.

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer various counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program emphasizing personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With a rich background in athletics and mental health, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Thank you for listening to this episode: “3A | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences”.

The post 3A | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

About this episode: This episode explores the impact of self-comparison on mental health, discussing its motivating aspects and potential harms.

Who this episode is for: Individuals interested in personal development, those struggling with self-esteem issues due to comparison, and anyone looking to understand the psychological effects of social media on self-image.

Highlights from “The Impact of Self-Comparison”:

Related content: Digital Age Mental Health | Instant Access to Bad News and What to Do About It

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer a wide range of counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that emphasizes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans that are tailored to individual needs, which also include leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. Derek, with a rich background in both athletics and mental health, brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post The Impact of Self-Comparison appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

About this episode: This episode discusses the challenges faced by those supporting a loved one through recovery, emphasizing the balance between offering support and managing personal emotions.

Who this episode is for: Family members, friends, and caregivers of individuals in recovery looking to understand how best to support their loved ones while also caring for their own emotional well-being.

Highlights from “Family and Friends’ Role in Supporting Recovery”

Related Content: Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery | Intensive Treatment Program–3A

Connect with us:

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer a wide range of counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that emphasizes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans that are tailored to individual needs, which also include leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. Derek, with a rich background in both athletics and mental health, brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Family and Friends’ Role in Supporting Recovery appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.

About this episode: Derek and Oren discuss maintaining post-treatment progress and how 3A provides specialized support to manage recovery successfully.

Who this episode is for: Individuals in recovery, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in understanding personalized recovery paths.

Highlights from “Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery”:

Connect with us:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer a wide range of counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that emphasizes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their approach is comprehensive, aiming to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans that are tailored to individual needs, which also include leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. Derek, with a rich background in both athletics and mental health, brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The post Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.