I’m excited to have a conversation with Jarell Myers, PhD, who shares insights on the Invitation to Change Approach (ITC), its benefits for families, and an upcoming training opportunity.
Welcome, Jarell!
Click below to view the interview and learn more about Dr. Myers.
Here are my key insights:
1) Can you describe the Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) and its benefits for families dealing with substance use issues?
We aimed to translate the scientific knowledge psychologists have gathered over time about self-kindness and compassion toward others during tough times into a practical method for everyday use. This approach is meant to assist families facing the challenges of a loved one dealing with substance use.
We incorporated elements from CRAFT, such as Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, blending them into a single comprehensive approach.
The goal is to foster an environment where family members can encourage and motivate their loved ones to reassess their behaviors and consider healthier alternatives to substance use.
ITC is based on four core principles:
- Enhancing understanding
- Boosting self-awareness
- Communicating effectively and recognizing supportive vs. non-supportive behaviors
- Practicing these skills
By learning and practicing these skills, families can better support their loved ones in making positive changes, benefiting both the individual and the family as a whole.
While substances may temporarily ease distress, they come with numerous negative consequences.
Using substances can lead us away from our core values.
Our aim is to help individuals discover alternative methods to fulfill their needs, even if these methods are not as instantly rewarding but still align them more closely with their values.
2) Anxiety seems to be more common today. Can you discuss the relationship between anxiety and substance use disorders?
Fear is a fundamental human emotion that has been a part of our evolution and can be beneficial for survival.
However, when fear lingers and is linked to situations that aren’t inherently dangerous, it develops into anxiety. This can hinder our ability to perform normal, everyday activities.
Due to our complex brains, we can start to associate anxiety with abstract concepts, leading to excessive worry about future events.
In some cases, anxiety might lead someone to avoid situations altogether or experience stage fright.
The objective of treating anxiety is to empower individuals to confront their fears. I want people to regain the ability to engage in activities they’ve come to fear.
Experiencing fear shouldn’t dictate the decisions we make. It’s crucial to recognize that fear is only one aspect of the decision-making process. It shouldn’t solely determine whether we act or withdraw.
Instead of viewing anxiety as an absolute barrier, it should be seen more as a sign to pay attention.
Fear and substances
Everyone has faced anxiety and fear, and it doesn’t feel pleasant. That discomfort can lead us to seek substances for relief or distraction from our anxious thoughts.
Many have gotten used to using substances as a coping mechanism for anxiety or fear, creating a complex relationship between the two.
It’s essential to encourage young people to confront their fears, even though it can seem contrary to what we feel is best for them.
If we view fear as something to change, we want them to gravitate towards facing those fears despite the challenge it poses.
We want them to train their minds and bodies to recognize that, while facing fears may be difficult, they are capable of handling it.
Taking that initial step, followed by subsequent steps, is crucial.
3) What is harm reduction, and how can it be applied to substance use?
When someone comes to see me, I don’t assume they’re ready to change their relationship with substances. Instead, I see them as curious about potential new perspectives.
They might not be ready to commit to change but are interested in discussing a harm reduction approach.
Some individuals may want to continue using substances but wish to avoid the negative consequences they’ve experienced so far. They aim for safer usage practices.
My goal is to support individuals who choose this path, meeting them where they are in their journey.
If they want to continue using substances, I want to ensure they come to appointments regularly and stay safe during this process.
We’ll work together to create a safe plan for their continued use.
4) Can you share details about your upcoming ITC Family Workshop and the objectives for participants?
On June 24-25, we’ll hold a workshop aimed at family members interested in diving deeper into the Invitation to Change approach.
We’ll focus on the four key principles mentioned earlier: understanding, awareness, action, and practice.
Participants will learn how to better comprehend their loved ones’ behaviors and motivations as caregivers, parents, or family members.
- Enhancing their awareness of their role in the change process.
- Understanding that caring for themselves is crucial for effectively supporting their loved ones and recognizing the complexities involved.
- Learning how to improve their interactions to foster positive change.
- How to improve my communication with my teenager.
- How can I encourage positive behaviors while discouraging negative ones?
- What methods can I use to practice these strategies?
- What resources and tools are available to assist me?
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This initiative is aimed at family members and anyone interested in gaining insights into our approach and learning more about what we offer.
Find out more about the upcoming Family Training here.
5) Any final advice for parents worried about their teens or young adults?
During a discussion with a colleague, someone asked, “Is there a moment when I should lose hope?” This question resonated with me because I recognize that feeling of helplessness—trying various solutions but seeing little progress.
I responded by saying, “Absolutely not. It’s never too late to provide support. There are always options available.”
The key is to maintain hope and to believe that there are resources to assist both you and your loved one through their struggles. Remember, as their caregiver, you also deserve support.
Keeping that hope alive over time is crucial for everyone involved.
It’s essential to prioritize your own well-being to foster that hope while also taking the necessary steps to aid your loved one.
There isn’t just one path to help someone function better; everyone’s journey is unique.
We must be willing to recognize that what I desire for my loved one might not align with their personal aspirations. However, if we guide them towards a place where they can thrive while staying true to their values, it leads to meaningful progress.
Stay motivated. Keep advocating for your loved one. Encourage them to pursue positive change in constructive ways.
Jarell R.O. Myers, PhD is a clinical psychologist licensed in New York and Massachusetts, specializing in cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies. He completed his doctoral studies in clinical psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University and underwent an APA-accredited internship at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, focusing on children and adolescents. Additionally, Dr. Myers finished a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in child and adolescent psychology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, concentrating on anxiety treatments. He later applied this experience at McLean Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he assisted children and adolescents with Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in an intensive outpatient setting. Dr. Myers has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults facing both anxiety and substance use disorders and follows a harm reduction approach when applicable.
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