Substance Abuse
This website has many interesting current articles on topics specifically related to mental health and substance abuse as it pertains to the workplace. It is highly credible; part of the American Psychiatric Association.
http://www.workplacementalhealth.org/Topics.aspx
If you are concerned about your drinking, this is a good self-assessment test from the Mayo Clinic.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-use/MH00123
My current favorite resource for anyone in relationship with someone with an addiction or really any other problem is called Beyond Addiction, by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, and Nicole Kosanke. The also wrote the Beyond Addiction Workbook, which introduces the Invitation to Change approach. Here is a link to their website:
If you are trying to reduce your drinking, I recommend Sunnyside. Look it up:
Sunnyside Mindful Drinking App
Self-help resources
Here is a link to AA and Al-anon meetings in the Mid-Willamette Valley:
http://www.aaoregon-district21.org/
Here is a link to online meetings all over the world, happening all day and night:
This link is an information sheet about AA: the types of meetings and what it does and doesn’t do:
http://www.aa.org/pdf/products/f-2_InfoonAA.pdf
Here is a link to Smart Recovery, an alternative to AA:
Resources for couples
John Gottman is unique in having a "scientifically-based" approach to working with couples. His book, "The Seven Principles for making Marriage Work," is a classic. His latest book, "What Makes Love Last" is also very helpful. A lot of practical information and resources here:
Susan Johnson has developed an evidence-based therapy for couples based on attachment theory called Emotion-Focused therapy. She has two excellent books:"Hold Me Tight." and "Love Sense." Her website:
Terry Real is another relationship expert. I highly recommend his audio course called Fierce Intimacy
For another explanation of attachment theory as it pertains to couples, "Attached," by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller is very practical. This is a great book if you are single and trying to understand relationship patterns.
Mindfulness/Meditation links
Research shows that meditation can help relieve symptoms of distress for many of the issues you bring to therapy. I find it invaluable to help what you will learn and practice in therapy. There are many resources available to help you get started.
A simple way to start a meditation practice is by using an app on your phone. Not only is it convenient and gives you structure, but it also educates you about what meditation is and some of the key principles. These start at 5 minutes: can you spare 5 minutes a day? They do cost money after a trial; you will know after the trial if it seems worth it to you. There are a few free ones, like Insight Timer. I recommend either of these:
https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
or
https://www.10percenthappier.com/
Watch this entertaining cartoon for a simple explanation of why mindfulness is a good thing for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6T02g5hnT4
Another cartoon to introduce meditation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqoxYKtEWEc
You don't have to be sitting to meditate! Read this article about walking meditation.
Here is a very useful link to Tara Brach's weekly podcast Each week she provides an informative talk on a subject related to mindfulness, and then also provides a meditation that connects to the content of the talk. Really helpful for keeping you on track. You can follow links from there to more meditation resources.
http://www.tarabrach.com/audiodharma.html
Other Helpful Resources
Building on the most recent research, there are excellent resources, a few of which I have read and find helpful. I will add to this list as I review resources:
Kelly Mcgonigal wrote a book called "The Willpower Instinct." On her website, she has a very informative video about willpower, based on research and neuroscience. http://kellymcgonigal.com/willpowerinstinct/
Jonathan Haidt wrote a book called, "The Happiness Hypothesis," which I appreciated for the way it summarizes wisdom about how to achieve happiness. His "rider and elephant" metaphor is one I will not forget. http://www.happinesshypothesis.com/
Brene Brown is a self help star for good reason. Her book, "The Gifts of Imperfection," which springs from her insightful research on shame, is probably worth reading for everyone. She has several good books and TED talks. You can get links to TED talks and other videos of her on website: http://brenebrown.com/
Kristin Neff is the expert on self-compassion. She has written a book about it, and has an excellent website with videos and simple ideas about how to practice self-compassion. http://self-compassion.org/
Russ Harris writes very accessible books about a therapy approach called ACT, which incorporates mindfulness, behavioral skills, and values clarification in a very practical and helpful manner. His books The Happiness Trap and The Confidence Gap are both worth reading. https://www.actmindfully.com.au/