Friday, April 15, 2011

An Invention of a Word

So far no one I have asked has heard of the shortened version of "It is not OK."

Ready...its "nok" or "nokay"

Let's see if it catches on...

Monday, March 28, 2011

Latest Trainings

Here's the heads up on some of my upcoming trainings. This Wednesday, on March 30th, I will be presenting "Caught in the Web: Cybersex, Romance, and Fantasy Addictions. The training will be a part of IADAPCA's Spring Conference in Itasca IL. For more information: http://www.iaodapca.org/pdfs/2011_springBroch.pdf

On May May 6, 2011, at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL, I will be presenting two trainings through AATP. "The Continuum of Self: Understanding the Relationship Between Narcissists and Codependents" is a new training resulting from my work with codependents, narcissists, and addicts. AATP's website: http://www.aatpofillinois.com/Seminar_Schedule_Springfield_IL.html


THE CONTINUUM OF SELF: UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CODEPENDENTS AND NARCISSISTS
This workshop explores codependency from a new and unique perspective. Codependents and their addicted and/or narcissistic partners are best understood within the context of a dynamic, fluid and self-correcting system in which each partner's opposing personality attributes (codependency or narcissism) interact in a manner that binds their dysfunctional relationship. Mr. Rosenberg will show how the codependent and the addict/narcissist are drawn to each other and why it is difficult for the codependent to escape this painful, enduring and self-perpetuating relationship pattern. This viewpoint ties together the complex web of underlying psychological forces of this common relationship pattern. With an understanding of the "Continuum of Self" model, clinicians will better understand the unique struggles of their codependent clientele and learn helpful and effective counseling strategies to aid them in addressing this challenging problem.

ETHICS IN THE 21st CENTURY
The emphasis of this seminar is on how the explosion of computer and internet technology has stretched our awareness of the new ethical challenges therapists have to face. Texting, emailing, voice mail messages, social networking sites, and on-line counseling all raise new ethical concerns. Also presented: professional ethics for the therapists that focus on the clinical relationship between counselor and client. Issues of counselor self-awareness and the health of the therapist will be addressed as well the issue of the range of one's competencies.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LGBTQ Bullying / Michael Anthony's Documentary

Michael Anthony's generously invited me to participate in his film/documentary about LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) teen bullying. I was interviewed because of my experience providing counseling to these kids. The film is bravely addressing how dangerous bullying has become for the LGBTQ community. Michael Anthony production/movie/documentary will pave new ground and create more consciousness about this under-reported and stigmatized topic.

To prepare for my part in the film, I interviewed 3 high school GSA (Gay Straight Alliances) coordinators, went to a Stevenson High Schools GSA meeting, interviewed two LGBTQ teenagers, interviewed an expert LQBTQ therapist. The help I received from Buffalo Grove, Stevenson, and Hersey high schools was invaluable to my research efforts. I am most grateful to the teenagers who opened up their lives to me to share their stories. I have never been so inspired!

Now the wait for the finished product!

Here is a video from Michael explaining the story behind the idea of the movie

Monday, March 14, 2011

Introduction to Victories of the Heart

I am passing on information about an important organization to which I belong. The Break Through Weekend offered by Victories of the Heart is an empowering and life changing event. It is through my participation with Victories, I have become the man that I am now. I cannot speak more highly of this organization

You are cordially invited to a presentation on programs offered by Victories of the Heart—Celebrating 25 Years of heart centered experiential based programming.
Victories of the Heart is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men of all backgrounds build stronger relationships with others, greater acceptance of themselves, and increased satisfaction in their lives.

We offer weekend and group experiences that assist men in making positive life transitions through education that emphasizes emotional awareness and healthy communication.

Our programs are built on a solid foundation of accepted theory and practice, reflecting a commitment to the principles of responsibility, integrity, safety, and support.

Our goal is to provide men with an authentic and enriching personal experience as a catalyst for significant personal growth.

Our programs can enhance a man’s ability to access and express his inner life, and lend effective support and complement the services a man receives from his mental health professional. In fact, the great majority of our participants come to us through referrals from professionals in individual, couples, and family practice.

Please tell your colleagues about this opportunity and any adult male clients, family or friends who you may feel will benefit

PRESENTATION FOR THERAPISTS & GENERAL PUBLIC FIRST TIME IN FOX VALLEY AREA
Introduction toVictories of the Heart Weekend Retreats for Men
Friday, April 15th
10:00 – 11:30 am
311 N. Second St., Ste 303 St. Charles, IL 60174

Hosted & Introduction by
Robert Jackman, LCPC,
St. Charles-based therapist

Presenters
Paul Kachoris, M.D., and BreakThrough Weekend Leader
Kevin FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW, and BreakThrough Weekend Leader
Followed by Q & A with attendees

For further information, contact Peggy Cicero
admin@victoriesoftheheart.org
312.604.5013
Videos & More Info About Victories
www.victoriesoftheheart.org

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sexual Addictions Group Therapy Resource

Even though there are many different sex addiction behavior types, all sex addicts share similarities. Typically, sex addicts are disconnected to their feelings, confuse or substitute sexual acting out with emotional intimacy and have poorly developed personal relationships. Typically men in our society are not connected to a social group in which they can explore their feelings. The problem is compounded for male sex addicts. Therefore, group therapy for male sex addicts is the most sensible and effective treatment approach.

Typically, recovery from sex addiction begins with a thorough assessment. From the assessment, treatment options are recommended. The most restrictive treatment approach is residential treatment. Less restrictive approaches include intensive outpatient treatment. For sex addicts who are not in need of intensive and structured treatment, individual, family, relationship and/or group therapy are often recommended.

Group therapy is known as an effective treatment modality for sex addiction. Also, group therapy may be provided in conjunction with other therapies. For many sex addicts, group therapy can serve as the primary outpatient therapy modality. Group therapy is not the same as a 12-Step group.

The 12-Step group, although an important and at times vital component of sexual addiction recovery, approaches sex addiction differently than individual and group therapy. For more information about 12-Step groups click this link: http://www.help4sexualaddiction.com/12-step-groups.html

Research has shown that group therapy for sex addicts (and other type of addictions) is among the most powerful and effective therapy / counseling approach for this debilitating addiction.

CCC is offering group therapy for men who are struggling with Sexual Addiction or Sexual Compulsivity. This includes cybersex/internet porn addiction and romance addiction. Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, and other CCC qualified staff will be facilitating this important treatment option for male sex addicts. This therapy provides a safe and effective place for men to address the multi-layered aspects of their addiction: relationships, family, work, friends, self-esteem, finances, etc.

Ross is considered an expert in the field of sex addictions. He provides comprehensive treatment and assessment services for sex and internet addicts and their partners as well as professional consultation and training services.

Because of the demand for this group, there will be two separate sessions scheduled. The first group will be on Wednesday nights at 5:30. The second group will be scheduled in mid-April. The group sessions will last 90 minutes and cost $60. Many clients have a group therapy benefit with their mental health insurance coverage. Each group will meet once a week.

All referred clients must agree to an initial interview/diagnostic session during which Ross will evaluate the appropriateness of group therapy, as well as the level of sexual addiction. Group therapy is not recommended for sex addicts who are in the beginning stages of recovery and is not appropriate for sex offenders who are mistakenly diagnosed as sex addicts.

If you have any questions about the group, please call Clinical Care Consultants for more information. http://rossr61.snappages.com/mens-group.htm

Friday, October 15, 2010

Preview of my Training: Caught in the Web: Cybersex, Romance, and Fantasy Addiction

This is a preview on my upcoming training on Caught in the Web: Cybersex, Romance, and Fantasy Addiction


Negative Aspects of Internet Romance Addiction
• Deterioration of personal boundaries
• Seeking multiple and simultaneous romantic partners
• Starting “relationships” with virtual strangers
• Going on a string of dates to find the “trophy”
• Texting, chatting or phone calls that never seem to end
• The need for instant gratification creates “instant dates”
• Premature sexual dialogue/experiences
• Early eroticization of the relationship
• Planning for early sex
• Culminating in cybersex
• Erotic fantasy sexualizes the courtship process
• First encounters culminate in sex
• Dishonesty
• Hiding profiles to avoid recognition of true identity
• Lies and misrepresentations increase desirability
• About dating history or dating patterns
• About intentions
• About age, weight, body type
• About marital, job, career or financial status
• About STD’s

Emotional Consequences
• Pervasive feelings o Negative Aspects of Internet Romance Addiction
• Excessive Spending/Costs
• Dating site memberships
• Cost of dates (drinks, dinners, travel, trips, etc.)
• Travel Costs
• Lifestyle costs (clothing, jewelry, cosmetic surgery, etc.)
• Loss of time
• Living dual lives
• Decreased amounts of sleep
• Chats and telephone calls become consuming
•Loss of Loved Ones
• Family, relationships, marriage, friends, etc
• Loneliness
• Retreating into a make-believe world
• Making low self esteem lower
• Creating anxiety and/or depression
• Risk of harm or violence (i.e., date rape)
• Power and control differential
• Exploitation of personal information (Identity theft)


Love or Romance Addiction

• The euphoria of a new relationship numbs pain (problems go away)
• Obtaining “fix” requires endless hours of searching
• The “fix” is temporary, resulting in a cycle of despair
• New relationships “medicate” the pain of last failed relationship
• The need to feel normal or stop the pain fuels the addiction
• Love addicts need the rush of “new love” or limerence
• Love addicts maintain their fix by:
• “Hooking” partner through seduction, control & manipulation
• Recreating excitement and euphoria
• Through sex (the binding force)
• Through drama or chaos
• Constant searching
• Endless intrigue, flirtations, sexual liaisons & affairs
• Results in negative consequences



Signs of Romance Addiction
• Thinking you are in love despite just meeting the person
• Mistaking sex or romantic intensity for love
• Constantly seeking a romantic partner
• Short, intense, and conflict based relationships
• Pattern of failed relationships
• An inability or difficulty in being alone
• Using sex, seduction and intrigue to "hook" or hold onto a partner
• Using sex or romantic intensity hide or cover (“medicate) problems
• Needing a relationship to feel safe, happy and optimistic
• “Dating” abusers, narcissists, addicts, & emotionally unavailable
• While in a relationship, flirting and/or having an affair
• Pattern of broken promises to stop the pattern of behavior
• Sacrificing time with friends or family to pursue romantic interests
• Avoiding relationships to control the addictiond/or decreases stress.

Friday, September 17, 2010

I Am Presenting at the IAODAPCA Fall 2010 Conference

On October 27, 2010, I will presenting at IOADAPCA'S 2010 Fall Conference.Download the complete brochure. I will be presenting a 3 hour training entitled: Entangled by the Web: Sex, Romance, Porn and Fantasy Addiction. This training covers a vast area regarding porn addiction, cybersex addiction, romance addiction, internet dating addiction, Facebook addiction, virtuality site addiction, online gaming addiction, and other related topics. This training is similar to the July 23 AATP training. More information will be forthcoming.

Download the full brochure