Work With Us: Seeking Part-time or Full Time Child Psychiatrist.
Orenstein Solutions is seeking a board certified child psychiatrist to join our innovative, thriving group practice in the heart of Cary. Our practice provides a wide array of mental health services to meet the needs of the whole family, including children, teens, young adults, and adults. The psychiatrist will provide consultations, medication evaluations and medication management to children, teens and adults.
Avoid the hassles of managed care, call, and administrative duties. We take great care of our clinicians so that you can focus on providing quality care.
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Susan Orenstein, Ph.D. at 428-2766 ext. 1 or susan@orensteinsolutions.com.
FAQs about the Treatment of Substance Abuse with Cognitive Behavior Therapy
FAQs about the Treatment of Substance Abuse with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Who is appropriate for this type of substance abuse treatment?
Individuals who are experiencing life problems due to their drinking or drug use are appropriate for this type of outpatient, weekly therapy. The substance use may be impairing relationships, job performance, health, or a general sense of well-being. For those who require detoxification due to withdrawal symptoms, it is essential that a period of closely monitored inpatient treatment and/or a period of residential treatment be completed prior to outpatient therapy.
Do I have to go to AA meetings while in therapy?
That is completely up to you! Many individuals state that AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) meetings are helpful when trying to stop drinking, as they provide a positive support group. However, AA is not for everyone and is not a requirement while in therapy at Orenstein Solutions. We can recommend other supportive, psycho-educational groups for those interested, such as First Step, a family approach for teens with substance abuse issues.
What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and how can it treat substance abuse problems?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, is a widely studied approach that has been found to be effective in treating a variety of problems. It is relatively straight forward approach to therapy that involves the development of skills that can help individuals cope more effectively and improve relationships. There are many different individual techniques within the CBT system, some of which are particularly useful in treating substance abuse. These include: Cognitive Restructuring or Disputing Irrational Beliefs, Emotion Regulation, Mindfulness Practice, and Moderate Drinking Training for Problem Drinkers. Other helpful skills for substance abuse problems include Relaxation, Communication Skills Training, and Relapse Prevention.
How long will I have to be in therapy?
The exact number of therapy sessions needed for treatment success varies from one person to the next. However, once a person enters the Action Stage of Change, therapy does not need to last for months and years. In fact, clients can purchase self-help manuals for problem drinkers and after a specific plan has been developed and started with therapist guidance (3-4 weeks), maintenance sessions can be scheduled for once every two or three weeks and tapered down as needed.
How will I know if I’m in the Action Stage of Change?
Assessment of a person’s readiness for change will be part of initial therapy sessions at Orenstein Solutions. This approach is based on Motivational Interviewing practices (another technique considered part of Cognitive Behavior Therapy), which are guided by the Transtheoretical Model of Change. It involves five stages: 1. Precontemplation stage (person does not see the behavior as a problem), 2. Contemplation stage (person is considering behavior change), 3. Preparation stage (person has decided to change the behavior), 4. Action stage (person has actually engaged in behavior change), and 5. Maintenance stage (actions are taken to avoid relapse).
Once my drinking (or drug use) is under control, will my treatment be complete?
This question again depends on each person. For some, the substance use is the primary problem, and relationships, job performance, and overall mental and physical health improve once that is under control. For others, the drinking is an unhealthy coping skill or “self-medication” for underlying issues of depression, anxiety, and general problems with regulating emotions. These issues can also be addressed with coping skill development from Cognitive Behavior therapies, and they will be treated along with the substance abuse issues, as treating one will have a positive effect on the other.
Is there any hope for me to have lasting behavior change?
Yes! It does take hard work and a willingness to practice strategies outside of the therapy session, including journaling, monitoring of behavior, and challenging your own “self talk;” however, there is research that demonstrates the effectiveness of the above behavior change strategies. Relapse prevention strategies and periodic therapy “booster sessions” can increase one’s change of success even more.
Focus on Men: Anger Management
Most of us have moments throughout our day that leave us feeling tense, overwhelmed and angry. Is it wrong to feel angry about other drivers getting in our way, children refusing to follow house rules or co-workers not following through on projects?
Read this most recent article from Dr. Julia Messer, published in Cary Magazine.
Read “Focus On Men Anger Management” in PDF form.
Solution-Focused New Year’s Resolutions
We are all familiar with the experience of excitedly setting New Years Resolutions only to be disappointed when they don’t come true. Many of us avoid feelings of dejection by stopping resolutions altogether. A better way is to make sure you have the skills you need to attain your goals this year. Mastering resolutions is really a skill set derived from goal-setting skills. We can look to the experts on how to set goals effectively. Here is some information gleaned from years of studying the experts and helping people set goals:
1) Convert wishes, hopes and dreams into defined, specific, attainable goals.
2) Make sure to put your goals down in writing, using concrete, realistic language. Several studies have found that those who take the time to write down their goals greatly increase their chances of success. So seriously get out a pen and paper and start writing.
3) Create a recipe for success. This recipe is an action plan. Make sure the action plan involves small, specific, concrete steps. Write down steps like you might if you were writing down a recipe or giving yourself an instruction manual. The more detailed, specific steps you have, the better you’ll be able to get and stay on track.
4) Practice resiliency by preparing for setbacks. Recognize that change often occurs with two steps forward and one step backward. Ask yourself what can I learn from that setback so that I’ll be less likely to do that again? Then pick yourself up and keep moving.
5) Reward yourself along the way. Notice any sign of progress and give yourself credit for small steps as they occur.
Our psychologists at Orenstein Solutions would like to be a resource for you to help you reach your goals. Using a collaborative approach, we help you turn your dreams into concrete, practical goals by helping you explore your values, priorities, feelings, and needs. Then we work with you to develop an action plan, with concrete steps along the way, so that we can identify progress and setbacks, and make revisions as necessary. We will also coach you so you’ll have the necessary information, mindset and skills you need for success.
Some examples of our clients’ goals:
- develop a diet and exercise plan to lose weight and lower cholesterol
- become more organized and focused at work
- improve one’s social life and begin dating
- increase warmth and trust in one’s marriage; have more fun and intimacy together
- reduce anger outbursts and feelings of resentment
- improve parenting skills in order to better manage children’s behavior
Call (919) 428-2766 to schedule an appointment and begin attaining your goals. Maybe next new year, instead of writing down your resolution, you will be living it.
Dr. Orenstein Quoted in Carolina Parent and WRAL blog
Dr. Orenstein was quoted on Carolina Parent’s blog and the blog post appeared on WRAL’s blog as well.
Here is an excerpt from the article
If you’re thinking that intimacy with your spouse is a luxury that’s detracting from time with the kids, think again. It’s part of the cement that holds your marriage together. In Nurturing Your Relationship, local psychologist Susan Orenstein, Ph.D., says having an intimate relationship is a gift that parents can give their offspring.
“It is important for the intimacy of the couple to be healthy, not only for the sake of the marriage, but also for the children,” she says, adding, “The parents need to model a good relationship to instruct the children, and also need to be a team separated from and in charge of the children.” In that article, Triangle parents also offer their time-proven tips for strengthening marital relationships, such as giving your spouse a compliment during everyday interaction. After all, who doesn’t like to feel appreciated?
Here are links to both places
Carolina Parent’s Blog: http://carolinaparent.com/blogs/blogs.php?domain=&category_id=6
WRAL’s: http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/family/blogpost/5689328/
Making Tough Parenting Calls
by Robin Whitsell, Carolina Parent Magazine.
How to stand your ground when enforcing difficult decisions. Dr. Abra Nardo is interviewed for this article.
Different Dynamics: A Look At Modern Empty Nesters
by Kate Turgeon, Pinehurst Magazine.
Empty nest syndrome and how it affects your marriage. Dr. Orenstein comments on the life changes associated with children leaving the home.
High-School to College: Making the Leap
In an interview with Sheryl L. Grant, Carolina Parent Staff Writer, Dr. Orenstein addresses some of the common concerns and pitfalls that college-bound students face.
Life After the College Application Process
It’s your senior year and you’ve finally completed the grueling college application process. Your guidance counselor and well-meaning friends and family tell you to Sit Back and Relax because your fate and happiness now rests in the hands of college admission officers. . . NOT!
Staying Connected to Your College Bound Teen
College students today are undergoing overwhelming stress, most marked during their first year away from home. Recent statistics show that thirty percent of students drop out their first year. Learn ways to help your son or daughter ease this transition to college life while maintaining strong family ties.
