Pills and Skills Recovery with Dr. Chris Maria

I talk extensively about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on my show. One way to prevent ACEs is for a responsible adult to supervise children at all times. But what if your child gets out of school at 3 pm and you don't get off until 5 pm or later? How do you ensure a responsible adult supervises your child at all times? Or,  What about when your child is on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or spring break, and you still have to work? How do you ensure a responsible adult supervises your child at all times? When I was teaching, I faced these challenges, and to ensure a responsible adult supervised my son at all times,  I enrolled him in the local YMCA. That was a great decision. Listen to learn how the YMCA can help with after-school care, drop-off during Thanksgiving and Christmas break, and more. Support the show

Today's show is Part 2 of 7 Signs of a Narcissistic Mother and How to Cope. Last week I went over 7 Signs of a Narcissistic Mother and they include: She doesn't respect your boundaries.She lacks empathy (or seems to turn empathy on and off)She seemingly competes with youShe gaslights you. She only treats you well in publicShe often presents as the victimShe takes advantage of othersToday I focus on  How to Cope with a Narcissistic Mother.  Educate Yourself on Narcissism Stop Blaming YourselfImplement Boundaries FirmlyPractice Grey RockingFind SupportStop Trying to Change HerConsider No-Contact.Consider Finding a Therapist.Listen to Learn more. 7 Signs of a Narcissistic Mother and How to CopeSupport the show

Today's show is Part 1 of 7 signs of a Narcissistic Mother and How to Cope.  7 Signs include: She doesn't respect your boundaries. She lacks Empathy (or Seems to turn empathy on & off)She seemingly competes with you.She Gaslights You.She only treats you well in public. She often presents as the Victim.She takes advantage of others.How to Deal with a Narcissistic Mother For today's show, reference an article by Choosing Therapy.Listen to learn more. Support the show

In today's episode, I share how Pills and Skills Recovery came to be.  I share how my weekly radio talk show ministry came to be, and finally, I share my vision for Pills and Skills Recovery. Listen to learn more. Support the show

In today's show, I share information about my upbringing and the role the Church played in my life.  Today, my mother joins me in the studio, and she and I walked down memory lane sharing about growing up in the church. Listen to Learn more. Support the show

Today I'm still talking about co-parenting, but I'm talking about how to reestablish a relationship when one parent has been absent, when there has been estrangement, or if there has been broken trust between the parent and child. When this has happened How do you begin to repair that relationship? One strategy to begin rebuilding or repairing that relationship is a type of family therapy called Reunification Therapy. This type of family therapy–Reunification Therapy– aims to reunite or reestablish a relationship between a parent and child. Reunification Therapy emphasizes attachment, promotes healthy communication, and works to heal injuries in the relationship. It aims to improve relationships within the family or treat alienation.This is what I'm talking today. Listen to Learn more. What is Reunification Therapy    --Very Well MindSupport the show

In today's show, I discuss one practical way to build a co-parenting relationship: A weekly Parenting Phone call, schedule at the same time and with agenda.  First on the Agenda should be all the good stuff that has happened with your child(red)-- that sets a positive tone for you and your ex to compromise and make decisions that are in the best interest of your children. Other topics to discuss as it relates to your child(ren) include: Medical issuesSchool related issuesActivities (what's coming up in activities? whose taking them or picking them up)Behavior issues either at home or at school, andScheduling –birthdays, holidays, and vacation, and more. Today I reference The Co-Parenting Survival Guide Letting Go of Conflict after a Difficult Divorce or if you were never married after a difficult breakup or separation. The Co-Parenting Survival Guide was written by Dr. Elizabeth S. Thayer and Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman –they are Co-Founders of Beacon Behavioral Services and the P.E.A.C.E. program –PEACE stands for - Parents Equally Allied to Co-parent Effectively. Listen to learn more. Support the show

In today's episode I continue my discussion on How to Help When in a Mental Health Crisis. Today I'm focusing on shame and how Brene Brown says the antidote to is empathy. I talk how group therapy and how that is a safe place to tell your story and it be met with those who demonstrate empathy.Support the show

In today's episode, I talk about how to get help if you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis. This first step is to go to your local behavioral health hospital for an ASSESSMENT and evaluation. Here in Greenville, there is The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health. The assessment will take roughly 45 minutes where they take a medical history and trauma history. During that time, they are trying to determine what is the best level of care to get you stable and your symptoms under control. There are 3 levels of treatment:Inpatient -- the most restrictive. If you are suicidal or in a state of psychosis, and you a danger to yourself or others, you need 24 hr. round the clock to get stable. Once you are, your= transition down to a lesser restrictive level of care.Partial Hospital Program (Also called the Day program) -- Mon. - Sat. 9-3pm. The you can go home. This last roughly 10 days and then your transition down to the least restrictive level of care. Intensive Outpatient --MWF 9-12 Noon. Listen to learn more about each level of treatment. This content is for informational purposes only. If you feel you need to talk to someone, please consult a medical doctor or a licensed professional counselor. If you are in an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you need help with suicide prevention, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.Support the show

In this episode, I share 5 tips for maintaining your recovery from Bipolar Disorder.Those tips include:Take your medicationWork with your treatment team (primary physician, psychiatrist, and therapist)Get adequate sleep.Use Coping Skills and Self CareManage your Stress level (at work, finances, relationships)Listen to learn more.This content is for informational purposes only. If you hear something you think might work for you, before making any changes, please consult a medical doctor or licensed professional counselor.Support the show

In today's show, I finish my series on How Trauma Affects the Body. I recap what trauma is and what makes and event traumatic. I recount what happens in the body when we experience a traumatic event. I talk about trauma-related disorders like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Dissociative Disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder. For today's show and this entire series I referenced the book, Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Lee Cori. Listen to learn more. Support the show

Today I'm continuing my series on How Trauma Affects the Body, specifically today, I'm talking about trauma related disorders or disorders we develop as a result of enduring a lot of trauma. Some trauma related disorders include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Addictions, and Eating Disorders. Today I'm referencing the book, Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Lee Cori. Listen to learn more. Support the show

In today's episode, Part 3,  I'm continuing  my series on How Trauma Affects the Body, specially today I'm talking about the footprints of trauma and how it shows up in our body and behaviors. Today's I'm referencing the book Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Lee Cori. Listen to more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In this episode I'm continuing  my series on How Trauma Affects the Body, specifically I'm talking the basic physiology of trauma and what the body needs to right itself. In today's show and the entire series I'm referencing Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Lee Cori. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In this episode I begin a new series on How Trauma Affects the Body. I provide basic facts about trauma and how it impact us so much. Trauma is by nature terrifying  and completely  overwhelming. Something is happening that you can't control, and it feels big enough to destroy you. It overwhelms you and by overwhelming you, it changes your physiology--it affects your nervous system, and it changes your experience of yourself, and your world.Listen to learn more. For this entire series, I'm referencing the book Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Lee Cori.Support the show

In this episode I talk about Black Women and Domestic Violence.  I recently did 2 shows on Domestic Violence and a statistic my guest gave on Black women and domestic violence really grieved me. That statistics was, nationwide,  the rate of Black women murdered by intimate partners is more than three (3) times that of white women. Today, I share my perspective on the issue of domestic violence and how  many (not all) Black men treat Black women. I then share why I think many Black men treat Black women the  they do, and I offer 3 solutions to the problems and how we can reduce the number of Black women murdered by their intimate partners as a result of domestic violence.Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.com www.drchrismaria.com Support the show

This episode is Part 2 in a 2 part series on Domestic Violence. The focus today is on getting help. I have as special guest representative from Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor a nonprofit organization providing safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the Upstate of South Carolina. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.comSupport the show

In today's show I begin a 2-part series on Domestic Violence. The focus for today is on explaining domestic violence. What it is, the different types, who's impacted, the legal issues involved, how to keep you and your children safe and how to prevent Domestic Violence.  I have as special guests, representatives from Safe Harbor, a nonprofit organization providing safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the Upstate of South Carolina. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I talk about when you didn't get what you needed from a mother to have a good start in life. For today, I'm referencing the book, The Emotionally Absent Mother, by Jasmin Lee Cori.  I cover what children need from a mother and elements of what Jasmin Lee Cori terms "the good enough mother." I go over certain messages a child needs to get from a mother--messages like "I'm glad you're here, " " I see you," "I delight in you." "I'll protect you," "I'll take care of you," "You can rest in me." Then I look at what happens when children don't get these messages from their mother: they are "under mothered." They received enough mothering to survive, but not enough to have a good start in life and so they could go out into the world and thrive. Listen to learn more.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I continue my series When You Didn't Get What You Needed from a Mother to Have a Good Start in Life. This is Part 4. Today I talk about the hole in a child's heart when a mother is emotionally absent. I talk about the effects of living with an emotionally absent--what you miss and don't get. I talk about the difference between emotional neglect and emotional abuse, and finally, I address what causes a mother to fail her child. In today's show, I reference the book The Emotionally Absent Mother by Jasmin Lee Cori.Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

On today's show I'm joined by Dr. Ginny Witte, a trauma educator, who educates groups (including churches) on trauma and trauma recovery. She shares her perspective on Why Become a Trauma Informed Church and What You Can Accomplish as a Trauma Informed Church. Listen to learn more and to learn more about Dr. Ginny Witte, please visit her website at Trauma Informed Churches | Ginny Witte, Ph.D. (ginnywittephd.com)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

Today I'm talking about Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church.  I'm going over what that means and what it looks like. I'm referencing a report by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm referencing their report on Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.I'm going over the 4 Rs of a Trauma informed Approach, the 6 Principles and 10 Implementation Guidelines. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I continue talking about Raising Awareness of ACEs in The Faith Community. In particular, today I cover How to buffer against the effects of ACEs -Adverse Childhood Experiences and How to Prevent ACEsListen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I talk about ACEs- Adverse Childhood Experiences and how it is to all our advantage in the faith community to learn as much as we can about ACEs - what they are, how they impact our children, how we can combat the effects of ACEs for our children and youth who have endured high doses of ACEs, and how to prevent ACEs with our children and youth. Again, it's to all our advantage in the faith community --from church leadership to congregants - Bishops, pastors, elders, Sunday School teacher, youth directors and choir directors to understand ACEs so we can better support our children and youth. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I continue my discussion from last week on Estrangement- when adult children cut off contact with their parents. Today I talk about Does Divorce Contribute to Estrangement and How Estrangement affects Grandparent.  Support the show

In today's show, I talk about Estrangement--when adult children cut off contact with their parents. I go over statistics about Estrangement and 4 common themes that occur over and over in commentary from adult children who cut off contact with their parents. Those 4 common themes include: You Weren't a Good ParentYou Still See Me as a ChildWe Don't Have the Same ValuesYou're a Toxic PersonListen to learn more. Support the show

Today, I'm talking about a gift trauma survivors can give themselves this Christmas. That gift is to practice Radical Acceptance. Radical Acceptance is a coping skill to use when you are having a hard time accepting a situation you have no control over. Radical Acceptance is not agreeing with the situation or saying it was right. Instead, it's saying this is my reality. I can't change it, so let me stop fighting reality, and accept the situation so I can move on. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I talk about ways to deals with a relative who drinks too much during the holidays.  Some suggestions are: Acknowledge your feeling and how their drinking makes you feel. Start a Conversation using "I Feel" Statement . . .I feel frustrated or embarrassed when you . . . I want you to . . . Manage Holidays and Celebrations - You have a right to choose not to invite a relative who becomes disruptive when they are drinking. Protect Others - especially childrenDecline Drinking Together and Seek Help Listen to learn more. Support the show

The holiday season is upon us. For many it's a time of celebration and reconnecting with family and friends. Some have dubbed it The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. But for many trauma survivors (especially those endured sexual abuse) the holiday can be difficult because they trigger painful memories. Some trauma survivors may choose not to spend the holidays with family may spend it alone. Today I'm offering 6 suggestions for dealing with loneliness during the holiday season. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I continue my series on Healing from Trauma. I talk about just as you must carefully choose the people you work with (to help you heal), so must you carefully consider the types of interventions to try.  I go over different types of interventions that include  Somatic Therapies (Body-based), Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other therapies. I talk about other types of interventions like self-help groups, residential treatment programs, medications and natural remedies, and other types of interventions. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I'm continuing my series on Healing from Trauma. Today specifically I'm going over how to choose the best helpers to help us heal. Heal like professional in the mental health field and the body work arena. For this series I'm referencing the book, Healing from Trauma, by Jasmin Lee CoriSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I'm beginning my series on Healing From Trauma. Today I'm  going over the journey of healing, specifically what we need along our journey, what tasks we have to complete along the way, and what resources will help us along our journey. In this series I'm referencing the book, Healing from Trauma, by Jasmin Lee Cori. Listen to more. Support the show

In today's show, I speak with representatives for a local Celebrate Recovery program. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I'm continuing my series on the mental health crisis in schools, specifically today I'm talking about teen depression.  II'm addressing this issue because school is starting back soon and many teen suffer from depression. This show is to raise awareness and help parents help their teens succeed this school. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

Today I begin a  series on The Mental Health Crisis in Schools. I'm sharing my perspective on an article by NPR (National Public Radio) on Mental Health in Schools: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Millions of Students. As student begin returning to school this month, this is an important topic to address.  Listen to learn morewww.pillsandskillsrecovery.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I talk about healing from an abortion. I'm discussing this topic because the aftermath of an abortion (feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and depression) haunts  women for years, having a detrimental impact on their mental health. But you don't have to live in emotional bondage. There is a way to heal from the emotional pain of having an abortion. Agencies in the community, like The Piedmont Women's Center located in Greenville, SC. can come alongside you and  help you heal.   Listen to learn more about the post abortive support services they offer. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.comwww.drchrismaria.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I talk about facing an unplanned pregnancy.  Facing an unplanned pregnancy can have a devastating impact on a teen girl or woman's mental health. It can be scary not knowing what to do. But you don't have to face your situation alone. There is help. There are agencies in the community who will come alongside you and support you. One of those agencies is The Piedmont Women's Center located in Greenville, SC.Listen to learn more about The Piedmont Women's Center and how they can support you if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy.www.pillsandskillsrecovery.comwww.drchrismaria.com Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I'm finishing my series on When You Didn't Get What You Needed from a Mother to Have a Good Start in Life. This is Part 5 the last show in this series. Today I talk about healing mother wounds. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I continue my series When You Didn't Get What You Needed from a Mother to Have a Good Start in Life. This is Part 4. Today I talk about the hole in a child's heart when a mother is emotionally absent. I talk about the effects of living with an emotionally absent--what you miss and don't get. I talk about the difference between emotional neglect and emotional abuse, and finally, I address what causes a mother to fail her child. In today's show, I reference the book The Emotionally Absent Mother by Jasmin Lee Cori.Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I go over a list of the 7 best ways to quit drinking.  This list was compiled by Very Well Mind, a trusted and compassionate online resource that provides the guidance you need to improve your mental health and find balance. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

Today's show is about smoke addiction and specifically the 6 Best Apps to help you quit smoking.  The reasons I'm talking about smoking addiction is mental illness and addiction often coexist.Listen to learn more about the 6 Best Apps to help you quit smoking. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I go over signs of codependency and examples. I cover why it happens, risk factors and characteristics, and ways you can identify if you are in a codependent relationship. Listen to learn more Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I talk about Codependency, specifically I answer the question: What is Codependency? I go over a definition of codependency and provide examples. I cover signs of codependency and why it's an unhealthy relationship dynamic. Finally I provide coping skills you can use to reduce your tendency to be codependent. Listen to learn more. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show I talk about toxic relationships. I cover what is a toxic relationship, signs of a toxic relationship. I provide examples of toxic behavior vs. healthy behavior, and I go over types of toxic relationships and how to cope with toxic relationships. Listen to learn more.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I talk about changing your behavior and specifically the 6 stages of behavior change. The 6 Stages of Change include the following: Stage 1 - PrecontemplationStage 2 - ContemplationStage 3 - PreparationStage 4 - ActionStage 5 - MaintenanceStage 6 - RelapseListen to learn more about each stage. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I continue my series When You Didn't Get What You Needed from a Mother.  Today, I specifically talk about Attachment --the bond between a mother and child. Referencing Jasmin Lee Cori's book The Emotionally Absent Mother, I go over what is secure attachment, why it is so important. how it affects brain development and self-esteem and I talk about several types of insecure attachment. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I'll go over 10 roles a child needs a mother to play. Roles like, being a nurturer, a cheerleader, a mentor, a protector and more. These roles and the function they play are important for a child's development--just like the messages they get (Discussed in Part 1). When any of these essential roles is missing, it leaves a hole in our development. And that deficit affects our feelings, beliefs, and behavior. In today's show I reference the book The Emotionally  Absent Mother by Jasmin Lee Cori.Support the show

In today's show, I talk about when you didn't get what you needed from a mother to have a good start in life. For today, I'm referencing the book, The Emotionally Absent Mother, by Jasmin Lee Cori.  I cover what children need from a mother and elements of what Jasmin Lee Cori terms "the good enough mother." I go over certain messages a child needs to get from a mother--messages like "I'm glad you're here, " " I see you," "I delight in you." "I'll protect you," "I'll take care of you," "You can rest in me." Then I look at what happens when children don't get these messages from their mother: they are "under mothered." They received enough mothering to survive, but not enough to have a good start in life and so they could go out into the world and thrive. Listen to learn more. www.pillsandskillsrecovery.comwww.drchrismaria.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's show, I talk about the 4 parenting styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive or Indulgent, and Uninvolved or Neglectful parenting. It is important to know your parenting style because the way you parent your children can affect everything from their self esteem to their mental health. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)

In today's episode, I talk about Emotional Abuse. I explain what it is, how to if you are being emotionally abuse, and types of emotional abuse. I talk about the impact of emotional abuse and tips for dealing with emotional abuse.Support the show

In today's show, I talk about Ways to Boost Your Self Confidence. I share 5 ways to boost your self confidence , to believe in yourself more, your abilities, and overall feel good about yourself.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TV3MC58KBYEML)