Making the decision to send your child to teen rehab is emotionally complex. It takes great courage to pick up the phone and ask for help when your family is in crisis. Harder yet is the process of following through and accepting the help you are given. A suffering teen, who is spiraling quickly down the rabbit hole of addiction and mental health isn’t exactly a pillar of willingness; parents are sure to be confronted with resentment and resistance. The truth is, a teen who is in trouble more than likely won’t look at going to a teen rehab as a viable option, let alone a necessity. For some, however, it is a life-saving necessity.
As we enter into our second decade of service, we want you to know you have a safe refuge to turn to. At Visions, we have built a treatment facility ready to provide you with the tools to heal from the wounds of addiction and mental illness, while providing you with the skills to love without crossing the boundaries into co-dependence. We have two residential houses: one that caters to mental health issues and one to addiction. We also have an outpatient facility, a day school, and a young adult program, and gender specific sober living facilities. The varying levels of care we provide are broad. Teen rehab need no longer be considered a frightening place to send your adolescent, but rather a refuge for your teen to heal and rediscover a space of emotional and physical safety.
Curious about whether or not your child needs teen rehab? Check for these warning signs:
Is your child away from home for long periods of time and unable to communicate where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing?
When they do come home, do they beeline for their room, making no eye contact or conversation?
Is there a profound change in behavior: is your child especially angry or easily agitated or are they showing signs of depressions or apathy?
Are their grades suddenly dropping?
Has their social circle suddenly changed?
Have they radically altered their appearance in some way?
Are their moods markedly changing?
Has there been an abrupt change in weight?
Some parents are fortunate enough to have a child who attempts transparency and who tells them they have been using. Keep this in mind: if your child does tell you they’ve tried drugs or are doing drugs, you more than likely need to multiply the amount by 3, if not more. Teen rehab isn’t just about your teen; it provides a space for the family to heal as a unit. A teen using drugs and alcohol, cutting, or starving themself is voicelessly begging for help. As parents, we have to step outside of that place of blame and anger to help our teen step on a path to recovery. Teen rehab can facilitate that process.
Honestly, what can I say about Stan Weinstock, the man that literally keeps me on my mathematical toes, makes the best bad jokes, is my lunar calendar comrade, and who is one of the most genuinely kind human beings I’ve ever met? There simply isn’t enough space. Before I met Stan, I was told that he was THE Laker fan. I shrugged it off, until I saw his car and I was sure, absolutely dead positive, it belonged to a Laker staff member. I was wrong; it was Stan’s remarkable yellow and purple, 4-wheeled homage to our beloved Los Angeles Lakers. He was serious. He is also serious about Excel formulae, of which I lack any real comprehension. I wonder, who will check my math now and make sure I get paid? I’ll miss Stan, who is affectionately referred to as “Stan the Man” here in V-Town. He’s been a part of the Visions fabric since our inception. We are losing a huge part of our family, but the world is gaining an incredible man. No more deadlines, Stan! Awesome!
Stan the man, the LAKERS fan — funniest dude at the Vis, and that’s a tough title to earn! The first person I met here after Chris, Amanda and Fi, Stan put a (super-)-human face and perspective on all the paperwork around here. LOVE him! –Jesse Engdahl
Stan the Man! Things won’t be the same without him. He is a fixture at Visions, and in the midst of our chaos he has never been too busy to help out. Most of all I will miss his mastery of the well-placed pun. – Patrick Schettler
Stan has consistently bent over backwards to help the employees of Visions, he is the quiet Bodhisattva of our company. His patience in explaining 401k plans, and health insurance has saved me from many panic attacks. Everyone at Visions will sorely miss him and his quirky attachment to Windows products. I wish him all the best in his retirement, he deserves it! Go Lakers! – Joseph Rogers
Stan really is the man! He is so patient and helpful, whether it is a paycheck question or a technological dilemma. He will be missed as will his purple and yellow Lakers Lexus! – Heather Colligan
What can I say…. Don’t go! You are funny, smart and so very considerate. I know you go the extra mile to pay me right away. Thanks. You will be missed. Stay in touch. and of course, “Go Lakers” – Susan O’Connor
Stan is special in so many ways, and I mean that in a good way!! Make sure you listen to everything he says, there is often a disguised, inappropriate joke in there somewhere! Oh, and I think he likes the Lakers a little, but I could be mistaken. – Katie Mason
Stan’s the man. He has significantly helped foster an era of banter, puns, bad jokes, good jokes, irony, simile and off the wall observations.
That’s not all–he works here too! We will miss our cheerful and wise employee advocate. It simply won’t be the same place without him. – Roger L’Hereault
What can be said about Stan that hasn’t already been said? Stan is the man! Visions won’t be the same without him. His steady kindness and impeccable work ethic are second to none. He is a man of strength and integrity. Most people don’t see it, but Stan has a fiery side, which he uses to fight against the injustices of evil insurance companies. Stan has amazing patience and he can multi-task like a seven-armed madman. I don’t know how he does it, but he makes time for everyone’s demands and gets the job done with unparalleled tenacity and thoroughness. That’s all I have to say about Stan, and even though I’m fairly sure it’s already been said, it bears repeating! Thanks for all of the paychecks and Go Lakers! – Daniel Dewey
Stan has been around since almost day one. Stan is always willing to be a team
player and help out with most anything needed.He implemented our simple IRA and made it relatively simple for everyone. Stan has become a bit of an institution
around here and will be dearly missed. — Bill Hoban
I have had the privilege of working with Stan for the past 8 years or so. Stan is an important part of the Visions family, and his unique sense of humor and view of the world is always refreshing. Stan is constantly helping Visions staff to stay on track and on time so we can get paid. Stan has a heart of gold and is always concerned about others. Thank you Stan for your hard work and commitment to Visions. — John Lieberman
Stan, we will miss you! After “about” 10 years as our Controller, Stan, “The Man” Weinstock is retiring. From the beginning, Stan has helped us stay on budget, get our paychecks, get us paid and bought the best Holiday Party gifts anyone could ask for! He has helped so many of our staff look at their finances, explained insurance stuff (mind boggling :), all the while fitting right in with the rest of us quirky folk. Stan has been our go-to computer guy, and we already miss the funny emails that he sends! Stan’s Laker Mobile will be missed in our driveway. We are grateful that we had so much time with you, but guess it’s Lori and the dogs’ turn. Thank you so much! — Amanda and Chris Shumow
Time for those quirky questions. What, you thought Stan would escape those? No way! Read on:
1: Were you always good at math?
I guess. If I remember, there were 48 bars on my crib.
2: Phil Jackson or Mike D’Antoni? Why?
That’s easy, has to be Phil Jackson. At this point, the Lakers record since D’Antoni is 4-8. But they haven’t lost a game under Phil Jackson so far this season. But seriously, because this IS serious, how do you not go with the guy who won all the titles?
3: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In & Out. Oh, you probably mean travel? Maybe Patsy’s Pizzeria in NY.
4: Did the Lakers sponsor the custom paint job on your truck?
Is a “Cease and Desist” order like a sponsorship?
5: What superhero best represents you?
The Silver Surfer, one of the noblest (but tormented) cosmic entities in the Marvel universe. He often sacrificed his liberty for the greater good. Although he is from the planet Zenn-La, and I’m not, we are both trapped here on earth.
6: Top 5 favorite Visions’ moments over the last 10 years?
Handing out the prizes at the company holiday parties.
The time it snowed – I wasn’t there but I heard it was amazing!
When the neighbor’s herd of goats came to visit at Mulholland.
That time I managed to reconcile the bank account.
Changing gears here – every time I’ve read a letter from a parent thankful for the work Visions has done to help and heal their child and their family.
7: What will you miss the most about Visions?
All the truly nice people I’ve worked with over the years. And the meals.
8: What will you miss the least?
The 3:00 pm deadline for submitting payroll. It’s taken years off my life, or at least hairs off my head.
9: Do you have any big adventures planned for your retirement?
Just the usual, nothing major – end hunger, bring peace to the world, stop global warming, read a book, take a nap.
10: Why did you choose to work for Visions?
Goes back to question 5 – sacrificing liberty for the greater good. And question 7.
Brian Wildason is a Visions superstar. He has been with us since 2005, working with our teens and their families with wholehearted dedication. Brian has a wry sense of humor, which seasons his professionalism and interactions with the staff and clients in a wonderful way. He’s always the first one to help if and when help is needed. One of the things I always notice about Brian is his ability to remain calm amidst the hubbub of treatment. Brian is extremely reliable and is always, and I mean, ALWAYS, the one willing to do the most unusual of jobs. Got an alligator in your tub? B-dubs is the man to call. The staff couldn’t agree with me more. Read on:
Brian, a.k.a. B-dubs, is an amazing coworker and moreover a close friend. I don’t want to inflate his ego, but it should be said that he is one of the most integral people working at Visions. He works magic with the kids that are fortunate enough to receive his counseling. He’s always striving to be better at his job and keeps everyone on their toes with his wit and wisdom. If he was as good at golf as he is at his job, he’d be on the PGA tour leaderboard every weekend. – Daniel Dewey
Brian is unbelievably good at what he does. I hear from parents and alumni all the time who are eternally grateful for his compassion and dedication to the process. He is a true professional and a great friend. He is also the Undisputed Ping Pong Champion of Visions, having turned away countless challengers. – Patrick Schettler
Brian is the American all-star of Visions. He can handle anything and is always there to smooth out a problem. – Heather Colligan
My first recollection of Brian was as a Program Aid. Brian was always the first to raise his hand to volunteer for interesting jobs and extra shifts. Brian is the first to help and the last to leave. – John Lieberman
Brian Wildason, lead counselor, and mentor to staff is a life changer. In addition to being Amanda’s work husband (Chris has John, so it works out), he is truly one of the driving forces behind our program. He has an incredible ability to intuitively know what the clients and the staff need within moments of speaking to them. He has been a leader in creating new programming, the first to adjust to the electronic charting system and overall has helped Visions maintain the highest level of integrity when it comes to providing what we say we provide: the best treatment for adolescents and their families. Brian has helped change the lives of so many clients. By putting their needs above all else, he provides the steady, positive influence that so many of our clients need when they’re in treatment. Brian also remembers to make sure the kids are having fun, which is so critical to adolescent treatment. Thank you, Brian, for all you do. We appreciate it more than you know. – Amanda and Chris Shumow
Read on for Brian’s answers to the usual series of silly questions behind these anniversary blogs
1: What inspires you to do what you do?
Remembering when I was a lost teenager and not knowing where to turn. I try and offer support and encouragement for struggling teens and families.
2: You are always of service, what do you do to ensure self-care?
Sit on the porch with my dog and enjoy the silence. Golf and cigars is always good also.
3: If you could say one thing calm a frightened parent, what would it be?
I wish there was something to say to make it better, I think offering a kind smile goes along way. Also I think its important to remind parents to Breathe…repeat….repeat… You are not alone, there is hope
Adolescent residential treatment can seem like a daunting place to send your child, even if the situation warrants it. We know how overwhelming adolescent addiction and mental illness is to the family and friends of the person or people suffering. There is fear, anger, shame, love, fury, disappointment, numbness, and depression, among other things, which typically surface in a family affected by addiction. That’s where a safe container for healing is necessary, and it is also where adolescent residential treatment comes in.
Visions adolescent residential treatment is unique because we make every effort to provide individualized treatment for our clients. We understand there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction and mental illness and we also are aware that no two clients are the same. For example, a client suffering from trauma will participate in an expressive dance class to encourage the trauma to exit their body. Or a surfer who looks to the ocean for spiritual growth will surf as part of their treatment plan. If someone comes into our adolescent residential treatment facility with mental-health issues or their primary addiction is gaming or love addiction, we modify our step-one packet to meet their specific needs. For example, we might take some of our clients to a local Buddhism in Recovery group (in addition to the usual 12-step groups) where they are able to confront their addiction issues and find cohesive support in a different but safe setting. We essentially provide options above and beyond the normative curriculum in many adolescent residential treatment facilities.
Student-led groups are encouraged. They not only empower the clients, they teach them to walk through their fears while honoring their process of recovery. We offer art therapy with the amazing Susan “the Art Lady” O’Conner, equine therapy, music groups, nutrition counseling, and we have both eating disorder and trauma specialists available. We will do whatever we can to meet our clients needs while ensuring a solid foundation of recovery. Visions adolescent residential treatment is a safe place to begin. We have created an environment that honors the client, supports the family, and offers the greatest opportunities for adolescents and their families to heal. We know that addiction and mental health are family issues.
We have an absolutely phenomenal team of recovery professionals. They happen to be some of the most dedicated people I’ve ever come across. They are particularly skillful at finding the many ways to laugh in the face of adversity. The Vteam, as we so lovingly call ourselves, understands the healing capacity of laughter and the deep need to let it all go. How often does someone come into treatment barely “holding it together,” right? Another incredible asset of our team is the amount of alumni that have come back to work with us. Note, I said “with” us not “for” us. That right there is a key factor of being part of this team. To quote Patrick, who says it beautifully, “Our staff is unmatched. We have the perfect blend of compassionate, hard working, fun-loving professionals in the Western Hemisphere. Everyone here loves this work and it shows.” So, is adolescent residential treatment a death sentence? Nope! It’s more like a prescription to “get your life back in order.”
Can you be addicted to anger? Does the adrenaline rush of being angry dictate your response to the world? Better yet, are you even aware this is happening? Or have you become so used to the rage response, it’s become part of your normative behavior.
We know anger is a natural occurrence, but for some, it becomes so deeply problematic, it devolves into an addiction. When we become our anger (or any emotion, for that matter), we disable our ability to communicate. In those moments when we are lost in the rage and its resulting dissension, our hearts are frozen; our eyes are blinded; our tongues are tied. No good can come from this. But what can we do? How can we change this innately negative response to our frustration?
Anger management courses and other therapeutic modalities teach and use various methods in which one can learn to recognize the emotional and physical response to anger and rage. By first recognizing what is happening, one is allowed to begin to shift their response. First, we must familiarize ourselves with the addictive anger cycle itself:
1: You find yourself becoming uncomfortable or you aren’t getting something you want or think you need. You may be subconsciously or consciously reminded of feelings from long ago (childhood, for example), which are bringing untouched emotions to the surface.
2: You feel like no one understands you: “No one gets it. They just don’t get it.” “I’m all alone.” “Whatever. I’m fine.” “No one listens to me.”
3: The frustration is building internally, but talking about it isn’t an option because you always deal with your anger and frustration alone. In fact, talking about it with others feels too difficult.
4: Stress begins to builds until you blow up. Someone or something is usually caught in the crossfire and they get hurt, either emotionally or physically. There is the part of you that doesn’t want this, but you have lost control. The guilt and shame begin to build.
5: You feel better after the explosion, perhaps even a bit relieved, until you look around and see the wreckage of your presence.
6: Now the guilt and shame really sets in. You find yourself ardently apologizing and promising not to repeat the behavior. Unfortunately, those on the receiving end may not accept your apology. What? Once again, “No one listens to me” becomes the inner mantra.
7: You internally justify your anger; it was really their fault anyway, right? (Wrong!)
8: You feel no better than before the explosion. In fact, the discomfort and frustration are still there, gnawing at you from the inside.
Processing anger like this is similar to releasing pressure from a pressure cooker while leaving it on the heat. Sure, some of the steam is released, but there is still steam building within. This technique is tantamount to placing a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. It’s just not large enough, or effective enough to alleviate the problem. This circular pattern of frustration à anger à explosion à remorse is ultimately a dead end. What is really needed is a salve for the anger: a calming, healthy way in which to release the pressure.
1: Learn to understand and take care of your needs: Holding your emotions in cannot be an option.
2: Find a good therapist who can help teach you how to touch upon the things that trigger your anger and help you devise a healthier way to allow it to dissipate.
3: Learn ways to let go of your anger which are healthy and non-harmful. Rather than beating a pillow, which only adds coals to the fire, discover how to gently cool the anger: take a walk, take 10 deep breaths, write, drink some water.
3: Ask for help. This may be difficult, but you can do this! You are not broken, you are not a bad person. You are struggling with an overpowering, difficult emotion and it is OK to ask for help.
4: Laugh. Laugh for no reason, just laugh. It not only opens your heart and softens your belly, it helps you see the ridiculousness in many things.
At some point, instead of your anger controlling you, you will learn to control your anger. Developing a practice of self-care will be paramount to paving a new path and changing the face of your addiction to anger. Discovering ways to recognize the triggers to your anger and how to respond to them skillfully is going to be key. Remember, recognizing there is a problem is the first step to finding the solution. It takes time, and work, but it’s worth it. You can recover.
Jesse Engdahl came to us a little over a year ago when we began our Launch program. With him came quite the bag of tricks: Jesse holds several degrees, he is an incredible writer and extraordinarily skilled at managing college applications, something many folks lack. Because Jesse has persistently continued his education, it has allowed him to hold a bevy of information and build broad skill set, including the ability t0 facilitate peer mediation, run groups, and act as a writing coach. More than anything, though, Jesse Engdahl is a great example of someone in recovery who is always of service. If you need something, I’m sure that Jesse will be there in a heartbeat. He’s kind, funny, and walks with an open heart.
The staff rained some beautiful accolades on Mr. Engdahl. Check it out:
“Jesse is the best work husband ever! Kind thoughtful hard working, makes my life so much easier… Also a dear friend.” – Noelle Rodriguez
“If I need something done for a client that is outside the box, Jesse is the man I send them to see. He seems to have an inexhaustible source of unique ideas for difficult problems, and quite frankly, he knows everyone. He is willing to stick with our clients through the most difficult of problems and doesn’t ever give up on trying to find a way to help them. Jesse is the guy I would go to if I ever needed something to do on a Friday night; he’s the concierge of sobriety.” – Joseph Rogers
“Jesse joined us about a year ago with the Launch of Launch. 🙂 His good-natured and creative approach to engaging the client has truly helped us to become a more well-rounded program. Jesse has a special way of finding what “clicks” with a client when it comes to the tricky work-school-life balance needed as our kids get busy with their new lives. He is an advocate for the child when it comes to figuring out what they need to satisfy their goals.” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
And now for Jesse’s answers to the 10 questions we cooked up for him:
1: You have several academic degrees, which do you find fits you the best and is the most applicable to your life?
Undoubtedly, I’ve mastered the fine art of critical theories.
2: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Peter Fonda in Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry
3: Are you a coffee or a tea guy?
I don’t abide tea-drinkers.
4: Yoga or Pilates?
Aren’t you a yoga teacher? (*No, Jesse, at least not yet!*)
5: If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Lighten up, boy …and learn French.
6: What is your favorite weather?
Santa Ana winds blowin’ hot from the north….
7: If you were a Muppet, which one would you be?
Hate to admit I’m probably Bert … but I want to be Ernie.
8: Why did you choose to work an adolescent/young adult population?
My surplus of teen angst.
9: Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Shopping with Noelle …but that’s just the tip of a glacier.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
It’s next to Belwood Bakery! … and I wanted to learn from the best staff on earth.
Nich Willard has been with Visions since 2007 and is an incredibly valuable part of the Visions team. Nich brings his wry sense of humor, laid back nature, and sober experience to the clients, making him remarkably relatable and effective in his job. Perhaps it’s because Nich got sober in his teens or the simple fact that he’s a cool cat: either way, the kids adore him. In case some of you don’t know, there was also the moustache period, where Nich had the craziest, coolest moustache; he even went so far as to create an alter ego for it on Facebook. Come to think of it, I think we were FB friends—the moustache and I. That right there is a fine example of wacy, sober fun. Like many of us at Visions, Nich also has a creative talent. He has a film background and is quite the talented filmmaker. You never know, we may have the next Wes Anderson in our midst!
Check out what Nich’s coworkers have to say. He is truly a well-loved member of our team!
“Nich is awesome! Nich is one of my favorite coworkers and hilarious. His seemingly laissez faire approach and sense of humor is so disarming that he is able to make an impact in the most difficult of scenarios.” Roger L’Hereault
“Which Nich? The one without the mustache has an amazing way of being real with the kids, and holding them accountable while showing them how to have fun. The Nich with the mustache is his evil twin…no?” – Katie Mason
“Nich! Thank you for always holding up the couches! Your ability to make us laugh has truly saved our minds over the years! From Tech to iPod guy to meeting timer to recovery mentor to van guy, you always do your job with Visions’ best interest at heart. You are an amazing mentor to the males at Visions, both staff and clients alike. I will miss you when you finally get into your dream job full time! The film world will be lucky to have your energy and commitment that we have been blessed to have over the past years!” – Chris and Amanda Shumow
Last but not least are Nich’s answers to our bevy of questions.
1: What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an Astronaut or an actor when I grew up.
2: What is the one thing that never fails to make you laugh?
When dogs scare themselves by sneezing or barking to loud I LOSE it.
3: Favorite meal, the one you can’t live without?
My favorite meal that I cant live without is burgers haha like quimby.
4: What is the best advice you’ve ever received in recovery?
Somebody told me that I never had to be serious about anything except for my recover, and that I could do anything with my life as long as i did the work and could accept the consequences.
5: Your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was realizing that instead of burdening those around me I actually benefited the world around me, that was huge for me.
6: Do you REALLY hate ice cream?
Ice cream is stupid! It’s all a bunch of hype. Ice cream is literally like having a bunch of freezing cold milk ice and salt in your mouth except all mealy. uhg gross…I don’t like cake either most of the time.
7: What do you value most in your friends?
In friends, I value honesty and the ability to laugh at themselves.
8: What do you wish you could do better?
I wish I could remember more. I have a bad short-term memory; this is probably a result of drug use during the developmental stages. Also, I wish I waz a better speller.
9: Morning person or night owl?
I am most definitely a night owl Mornings are RUFF for this guy.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I work for Visions because helping adolescents find recovery is something that I believe in. I found recovery in an adolescent rehab and it started me on a path that not only gave me something to live for but also led to a great life. The “vision” of Visions is so close to my own that I am proud to be a part of it.
Stepping onto a path of recovery and beginning the removal of toxicity from one’s life is an arduous, often painful, but beautiful process. But I like to believe that some of our greatest lessons come from our difficulties. Those are the times that provide us with the most insight into what is actually going on with us. Take for instance your relationships with others. Is there a pattern? Have you continued to add links to an unhealthy chain be it consciously or subconsciously? Are you happy?
When there is a history of toxicity in one’s life, particularly when it’s introduced at an early age, what is considered “normal” tends to become skewed. For example, someone raised in a home with an abusive parent may inadvertently seek out relationships with similar personality types. This isn’t a conscious act but rather a direct result of being taught how to be in this world through violence (emotional, physical, visual, etc.). It feels familiar and therefore “normal” to be around toxicity. The question is, how do you break the chain? How do you make new, better choices that are healthy and nurturing? How do you place yourself in environments that celebrate you for who you are instead of those that persistently denigrate you?
The 12 steps are a brilliant start. They allow us to begin the process of unpeeling the layers of the onion by asking us to turn our eyes inward and check out what’s going on in our minds and in our hearts. That oft-dreaded fourth step tends to help identify a pattern, particularly if we are honest with ourselves when we write it. Personally, I’ve always liked that process because it feels like I’m stripping the layers of emotional dirt off of me. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s worth it. Frankly, it hurts like hell to look at ourselves and at our lives with a magnifying glass, but dang it, it’s liberating. You just don’t need to carry that stuff around anymore. Twelve-step work is just the start. If it were only that easy, right?
Taking a clinical approach is incredibly beneficial, especially when dealing with trauma, addiction, and mental-health issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), to name a few, are invaluable tools to help identify the psychological triggers and hooks we have embedded within us.
But you know what really seals the deal for me? Creating space for Spirituality. I can’t emphasize enough how invaluable it is to develop a spiritual practice. It is the very thing that will feed your soul. No, I’m not selling you religion or a canon of idealized thought. I am, however, urging you to find the calm in your breath, the grounding notion of having your feet planted to the earth, and the healing weight of your hand on your heart. You can break the chain of abuse. You can shut out the tapes that play in your mind, telling you you’re a piece of crap, a failure, not enough, stupid, fat, ugly, useless. You can take your power back. It takes work, but it’s worth all the sweat and tears. Trust me. Be patient. Understand that this process of recovery takes time. Nothing and no one is perfect.
I’ll leave you with this. I was involved in a series of abusive relationships growing up. I was doing the same thing, expecting different results. I eventually discovered I was continuing the pattern of emotional denigration established in my childhood and nurtured in my adolescence. When I finally smashed through that chain several years into my recovery and only after working tirelessly with a therapist, meditation, yoga, 12 steps, I was free. This doesn’t mean the trauma or triggers went away. It means I finally learned to identify them, and have garnered tools to help me respond to them differently. When I met my husband, I quickly discovered he was different. For one thing, he showed me unconditional support, which I hesitated to believe was true. It took me almost two years to accept the fact that I had, in fact, broken that chain and was capable of having relationships that were built on trust and respect. I realized I could believe someone; something this traumatized gal was never able to do. This was proof that I had redefined my “normal” and surrounded myself with a healthy, loving new family. In fact, I redefined my response to the world and its triggers, not just within my family, but also in my life. Ultimately, I took my power back. You can too. You just have to do the work!
Los Angeles outpatient facilities are typically where one goes in order to transition from the intensive setting of being in an inpatient treatment facility to the wide-open world. The outpatient setting is the perfect environment for clients to reintegrate themselves into their new mode of living a life in recovery. On occasion, outpatient can also be the first place one goes to get help when an inpatient facility seems like too much and trying to recover on his or her own has been futile..
At Visions’ Los Angeles outpatient facility, we focus on the entire family, ardently continuing the work that was begun at inpatient. We not only work with the clients but with their families in order to provide a continuum of support. We do this via schooling, team-building activities, therapeutic support, 12-step meetings, and various process groups. We address building and refining communication skills as well as nurturing the spiritual well being of our clients, all of which helps them understand how to be in recovery. We teach our families problem-solving skills, and help them develop new, healthy friendships. We host a variety of alumni and unity events, all of which foster a better relationship to being in recovery. The beauty of these events is, they naturally build community among the clients, showing them that they have sober support and a recovery community. Additionally, we encourage relationships with 12-step sponsors and participation in 12-step meetings, which inspires clients to be active participants in the continuum of their recovery.
In addition to our Intensive Outpatient program, we also have Launch, which is a wonderful Los Angeles outpatient program geared toward young adults transitioning out of adolescence and into adulthood. Launch is a life-skills program focusing on vocational, educational, and social skills.
Outpatient provides an amazing opportunity for our families: it’s the stepping stone between being in the controlled environment of a facility and interacting with the world at large but with the helping hand of a skilled support team. Entering recovery is frightening. It’s new, different, and at times overwhelming, but nothing is impossible when you have a support team guiding you along.
Patrick Schettler is one of the most profoundly helpful people I know. He has his finger on the pulse of Visions and is able to jump in and be of service whenever and wherever necessary. Patrick’s adventures at Visions started out with him working as a program aide in 2006. He later moved on to hold various positions of leadership over the years: He’s been our Lead Program Aide, held the position of Educator, and he currently holds the position of Operations Coordinator. In truth, Patrick epitomizes service in the most genuine way. He doesn’t do it because he has to; he does it because he wants to. To boot, Patrick is so much more than an administrative genius. As it turns out, he apparently plays a mean guitar. Hm. Maybe there’s a Visions band in our future!? Now that could be interesting!
Of course, the staff has some truly amazing things to say, so read on:
“P-trick, as I affectionately refer to him, is an all-around ninja. He has been tech, teacher, tech supervisor, para-clinical, administrative fire-putter-outer, late-hour working, and foundation at Visions. He keeps his cool, while others might flip out in stressful situations. Aside from all of this professional praise, I can also vouch for the fact that he is a bad-ass guitar player.” – Daniel Dewey
“He’s the best ‘mini-me’ John Lieberman could ever hope for!” – Katie Mason
“Patrick is the calm in the storm. He is committed to our Visions Team. Patrick helps make the unmanageable manageable. We work back to back I can’t think of another person who could put up with me…with no way out.” – John Lieberman
“Schettler knows there’s no ‘I’ in team. He’s always willing to step outside of his job description to create a first-class environment at Visions. I depend on him for a lot due to not working on campus. Patrick’s drive for success and his compassion to help makes everyone’s job at Visions easier on a daily basis. He also has the ability to pull off purple sunglasses…not a judgment…just noticing.” — Christina Howard
“‘Apartrick’! Thank you for picking up every random call and question from every tech, doctor, insurance agency, parent….and us. You have stepped up time and time again and have proven yourself to truly be a managing member of this team. We can trust you to take care of every crisis–big and small–and know you will handle it with grace–minus the dreaded insurance guy who denies coverage, and whom you yell at with our blessing. 🙂 You have been an amazing sounding board for all of us. Part of our office joy radiates from your end of the building and during the stressful times, we can always count on you to laugh or make some kind of joke to make us smile. Thank you for showing up at all hours of the day or night, you have eased some of John’s stress (ours too!) and for that we thank you!!! — Chris and Amanda Shumow
Without further adieu, let’s hear what Patrick had to say when we asked him our usual wild and wacky questions:
1: What is your guilty pleasure:
I’m a sucker for reality TV shows on the food channel. I will drop everything to watch the newest episode of Chopped.
2: Do you prefer acoustic or electric guitars?
Both. Gotta have an acoustic for the late-night sessions.
3: You’re stranded on an island: name three things you couldn’t live without.
My dog Trane, a hammock, and some good hot sauce.
4: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Call me crazy but I actually like it here! I could not live without Mexican food, period. Plus we have the Lakers, Dodgers, great weather, my family…you get the idea.
5: Favorite genre of music to listen to and/or to play?
I love all of it. I enjoy playing loud rock n’ roll with the band, but I also really like to play classical guitar. Hearing John Williams for the first time was a spiritual experience for me (nerd alert).
6: What’s your most relatable pop culture reference?
I’m just excited that Shark Week is finally upon us.
7: Mountains or beach?
Beach, which happens to be surrounded by mountains in most of California. Bam.
8: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Extrovert.
9: How do you maintain your cool, calm demeanor
Good genes probably. That’s where I get my modesty too.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
It’s the people. Speaking of which, I love your work, Sarit. Where’s your shout-out blog, huh?
