Articles By Brian Murphy

About Internal Family Systems Therapy

What is Harm Reduction?

Robin and the Cloud Man: One Person’s Journey to Healing

NEW! Towards a New Way of Doing Drug Treatment

NEW! The Not-So-Secret Helpers: Spirit Guides in Therapy

Online Information And Resource Locators

Harm Reduction Coalition: Helps people address the adverse effects of drug use. The site provides information on harm reduction principles and programs, along with health information. The “Safer Use” section includes straightforward brochures, especially those in the “Straight Dope Education Series”. It also has a North American resource locator for needle exchange, HIV/HCV, counseling, and other services.

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: Maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the locator includes private and public drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs that are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved for inclusion by their state substance abuse agency, as well as treatment facilities administered by the VA, the Indian Health Service, and DoD. It also provides phone numbers for English, Spanish, and TDD referral helplines.

Center for Self Leadership: Further information on the Internal Family Systems therapy model for professionals, clients, and the wider community. IFS offers a clear, non-pathologizing, and empowering method of understanding human problems, as well as an innovative and enriching philosophy of practice. The site includes a directory of IFS practitioners.

That Plus Peer Led Support Groups

HAMS Harm Reduction Network: HAMS (Harm Reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support) focuses on helping people reduce or eliminate harm caused by “soft” drugs. It is meant for those looking to use less or quit altogether, and those who want to reduce the risks associated with using. The site offers access to email groups, chat rooms, and live meetings, along with articles and a list of online resources.

Moderation Management: A behavioral change program and support group network for those wishing to drink in moderation. In addition to information about MM and its nine-step program, the site provides access to live MM meetings (worldwide), national and special interest MM listservs, a 24/7 MM chat room and numerous scheduled chats, self-help tools, links to online resources, and a state-by-state list of moderation friendly therapists.

Complementary/Alternative Providers

Acupuncture Healing and Pain Care Center: “Excellent acupuncture from a true healer.” Nan Yi Chun is a Licensed Acupuncturist who is Nationally Board Certified (NCCAOM) and an herbalist. She learned about healing from her Korean grandfather, an herbal medicine practictioner. After spending a year studying with Buddhist monks, she completed her education at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Non 12 Step Alcoholism Treatment: An intensive outpatient program located in suburban Los Angeles which offers effective, cutting-edge treatment (including anti-craving medications) for people with alcohol-related problems. The program is run by Dr. Mary Ellen Barnes and Dr. Ed Wilson, who believe nearly all alcohol problems exist within a context, and so do the solutions. Consequently they are always happy to work with the families or spouses of those coming for treatment – and towards any outcome they desire, whether abstinence or moderation. They offer programs for out-of-state as well as LA area individuals.

Recommended Reading

THERAPY, ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy: Richard Schwartz
    a client’s guide, available from the web site at www.SelfLeadership.org

Over The Influence: Pat Denning, Jeannie Little, Adina Glickman

Changing For Good: Prochaska, Norcross & DiClemente

Responsible Drinking: Rotgers, Kern & Hoeltzel

Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: Andrew Tatarsky

SPIRIT

Radical Acceptance: Tara Brach

The Living Buddha: David Brazier

The Places that Scare You: Pema Chodron

A Path With Heart: Jack Kornfield

Meditation for Beginners: Jack Kornfield (audio tape)