I’m excited to dive into Intentional Recovery with Paul Krauss MA LPC. Paul is the driving force behind Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids, also recognized as The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Wearing multiple hats, he is not only a dedicated private practice psychotherapist but also an esteemed EMDRIA Consultant and Certified Clinician. Beyond his clinical work, Paul hosts the "Intentional Clinician" podcast and stands as the visionary behind the National Violence Prevention Hotline and the Intentional Clinician Training Program for aspiring therapists. 

Paul's commitment to enhancing the field is evident as he offers weekly EMDRIA consulting sessions for therapists and has developed valuable resources like the online course for Parents of Young Adults. Although he occasionally practices as a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI, most of his energy is poured into training the next generation of therapists, aiming to uphold Health for Life Counseling as a paragon of excellence in therapy practices in Grand Rapids. With a special expertise in EMDR therapy, Paul is a beacon for individuals grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in the West Michigan region. We dive into getting intentionally sober and fixing your mental health. We all know it doesn’t just happen.  

• [04:30] People need to put intentional effort into getting sober and recovery. Doing something that you've never done requires help.

• [05:48] Paul shares how he developed a passion for helping teens with substance abuse problems.

• [07:08] He began learning a program that would help teens. It was called The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach. Many situations turned around in 4 to 5 months.

• [08:50] Mandated treatment programs do not prevent people from achieving recovery. It doesn't matter how they get there. It matters if it sticks.

• [12:35] This approach emphasized early intervention with family therapy, personal therapy, trauma therapy and more. It also focused on getting them into positive activity.

• [17:23] Therapists also work on reducing triggers so people can go into things clear headed.

• [19:07] We talk about when parents should discuss drug and alcohol use with children.

• [22:32] Be honest according to your kid's age development level. Then as they age keep the conversation going.

• [29:36] Treat people with respect and dignity. The punishment and consequent needs to be appropriate for the crime.

• [33:09] Parents shouldn't expect their children to just grow out of drinking and drugs. 

• [33:55] Anyone who starts drugs and drinking before the age of 18 is at massive risk of addiction. Genetics and stress also have a lot to do with it.

• [37:55] Having an intervention begins with immediately cutting off the source. Part of the treatment plan is also to get the kids involved in pro-social activities.

• [42:30] The more time that the parents spend in therapy and get involved, the more likely the kid will not be an addict for the rest of their life.

• [43:20] Parents also need to do their own therapy because this process is so stressful.

• [44:41] When there's addiction in a family, it's an "us" problem.

• [46:57] If people are cynical, that's inside of them.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Camelback Recovery

• I Love Being Sober YouTube

• The Intentional Clinician Podcast w/ Paul Krauss

• Paul Krauss – Clinical Director

• Paul Krauss LinkedIn

• For Parents of Young Adults: What do we do now? (Parenting)