Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

By Joyce Willis, Therapist at The MeadowsMindfulness is the innate ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing while not being overreactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around us. Mindfulness meditation allows you to slow down racing thoughts, release negativity, and connect with… Read More

Peeling Away the Layers of Trauma: Survivors II

By: Dr. Georgia Fourlas, LCSW, LISAC, CSATClinical Director of Workshops, Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows There is an undeniable link between childhood trauma and the ability to cope with adult trauma. Traumatic experiences seem to build upon one another and not in a good way. Read More

Setting Healthy Boundaries

By Caileigh Smith, MC, LAC We often try to motivate ourselves through should statements: “I should’ve done better.”“I shouldn’t have said that.”“I should only have one cookie.” The only thing that’s guaranteed from should-ing on ourselves is the emotional consequence of guilt. This is also the case when other people… Read More

Helping Therapists Healing from Their Own Trauma

The Meadows has been facilitating its signature workshop, Survivors, for more than 30 years. Many people’s lives have been changed by the opportunity to confront the deep emotional impact of their childhood trauma. Read More

The Real Impact of Rape Culture and Sexual Trauma

When bystanders pulled Stanford University swimmer and Olympic hopeful, Brock Turner, away from the woman he was sexually assaulted behind a fraternity house dumpster, he laughed. When the judge in the resulting sexual assault trial handed down a sentence much more lenient than the recommended six years of jail… Read More

Picking Up The Pieces

Theresa had reached a point in her life when she felt she was in a downward spiral. Her therapist recommended that she go through the Survivors I workshop at The Meadows, a five-day intensive that addresses childhood trauma. It prompted her to make a lot of… Read More

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, The Meadows Senior Fellow, Releases New Book

The Meadows sets itself apart from other trauma, addiction, and recovery treatment centers with its clinical leadership that is guided by world-renowned Senior Fellows who are thought-leaders in their fields. This is exemplified by the just-released new book by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, “The Body Keeps… Read More

Treating Military Members for Sexual Addiction

Over the past several years, news stories about sexually addictive behaviors in the armed forces seem to be increasing at an alarming number. This is calling greater attention to the issues arising between the men and women who serve our country. A quick Google search using the terms “Sexual Addiction… Read More

Don’t Underestimate Your Middle Circle Behaviors

Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW, PCC, CSAT, Often, when men or women attend 12-Step meetings or therapy, they’re instructed to do the 3-circles exercise. The circle exercise involves drawing a three circles diagram representing three types of behaviors in an addict’s life. The outer circle represents healthy behaviors, the middle… Read More

Emotional Freedom Technique in Trauma Treatment

By: Joyce Willis, MC, LPC This article will introduce the EFT therapy technique. You’ll learn what EFT is and how it’s used at The Meadows to enhance therapy. What Is EFT? Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is a treatment method that’s essentially acupuncture without needles. It focuses on the body’s meridian… Read More