JonathanBenz.com

National Alliance on Mental Illness Monthly Meeting

If you are in the South Florida area, please join me/us this Wednesday January 13 at the monthly meeting of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Lauderhill.

From the NAMI website:

Announcing  our  January 13, 2016 Speaker Meeting

Our Speaker will be Jonathan Benz, MS, MCAP, ICADC, CDWF

Director Of Program Development And Outreach At Lifeskills South Florida

Jonathan Benz, MS, MCAP, ICADC, CDWF is a clinician, author, public speaker and ordained minister. He has served as a leadership consultant to various agencies in the U.S. and U.K. and has carried his message of strategic, spiritual living to 40 countries. Jonathan is a Certified Addictions Professional with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. He is also a Certified Daring™ Way Facilitator through Brené Brown as well as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate. He is the author of Live A Legacy: Spiritual Principles for Strategic Living, and The Recovery-Minded Church: Loving and Ministering to People with Addiction.

He will speak on Mental Health, Addiction, and the role of spirituality in the recovery/healing process.

Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Silver Impact Center, 7155 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313

Free event

All are welcome to attend

Light refreshments will be served

Reservations are not required

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Great Moments Knocking, I Answer

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A Recent Interview I did on Mental Health and Addiction

A recent interview I did on mental health and addiction with Riana Milne licensed mental health counselor and certified relationship coach...

 

Sex Addiction 101

I just returned from 5 days of extremely intensive training for certification as a sex addiction therapist. It's actually the first of 4 trainings I will have to complete to be fully certified. Right now I'm a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate through the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Professionals.

They say the reading we complete is equivalent to that of a PhD program. I believe it. It was like trying to drink water from a fire hose. Lots of information!

There's a lot of stigma and shame tied to any addiction, let alone sex addiction. I learned a lot about the changes in neurochemistry and neuroplasticity of the brain when that addictive switch gets "turned on" (pun intended).

Trauma and Attachment

I also learned a lot about trauma and attachment disorders because that's really much of the psychosocial conditioning that sets one up for neurological changes around arousal. These changes in the brain lead to uncontrolled compulsivity which may result in an intimacy disorder. Put simply, those who meet diagnostic criteria for sex addiction struggle in being emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually intimate with another human being.

As I find them, I'll be adding resources to this blog under the category "Recovery."

You might also notice it's been a while since I've blogged. I thought this topic a great way to kick off my re-entry into my very own blogosphere. A lot has been happening in my life this last year, and I'll do a better job in 2015 of keeping readers and those interested posted via this site.

What if you think you have a problem?

If you think you might have an issue with sex addiction, you can complete a simple survey by completeing this Sex Addiction Screening Test. The 20 short questions will only take a few minutes.

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Three Strands

Three Strands

The PR Release on the Addictions Program I direct...


Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) June 03, 2014

The Christian addiction treatment program at The Recovery Place announces its new name, Three Strands, a title rich with symbolic references to faith and recovery.

The name "Three Strands" evokes the Christian trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – as well as the three prongs of healthy, holistic living – mind, body and spirit. The theme of "threes" is also in harmony with the 3rd Step of Alcoholics Anonymous, which relates to turning one's will over to a higher power.

"The number three is a powerful symbol throughout Christian teachings as well as recovery," said Three Strands' director Jonathan Benz. "It represents many important concepts, including the relationship among counselors, the group and the individual – a reminder that by coming together with others, we strengthen ourselves."

The program naming is part of a broader goal to develop a truly differentiated treatment option for Christians in recovery. Whereas many Christian rehab programs are essentially a "track" within a standard treatment program that offers an occasional Celebrate Recovery group or transportation to a local church, Three Strands is a comprehensive, fully integrated faith-centered program. Clients participate in traditional therapies, including educational groups, individual, group and family counseling, and relapse prevention planning, but treatment also includes: 

Great Moments Knocking, I Answer

Last year I received a call from an executive director of a treatment center in Fort Lauderdale. I thought the call was about a new center their company was opening in the Palm Beach area.

It wasn't.

I was asked to interview for Director of the Christian Program. 

"Christian what?" I responded.

Initially, I wasn't too keen on being back in an exclusively Christian world. I really enjoy engaging people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. I also have never had a huge desire to live and work in Fort Lauderdale.

But I felt a knocking on my heart and knew I needed to respond.  I went through some interviews and was offered the position.

I am Director of Three Strands, The Christian Program at The Recovery Place in Fort Lauderdale. The Recovery Place is owned by Elements Behavioral Health in California. I have been nothing but completely impressed with the professionalism and high calibre of individuals working for this company. I am so grateful to be a part.

I have been privileged to develop programming that integrates spiritual principles with solid clinical therapy for individuals who are battling addiction and other co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Three Strands believes that everyone is welcome at the table of the Lord. We create an atmosphere where people can move into the light and receive nurturing and healing for the soul. We also welcome people of other faiths and even no faith to enter the program. I still believe the Christian faith, when released in the paradigm of the teachings of Jesus, offers one of the greatest invitations to spiritual experience and transformation.

I recently received a huge compliment from a client who did about 40 days of treatment. He stated he entered somewhat agnostic, cynical and very mistrusting of religion. He said he left knowing that he can walk out his recovery following the teachings of Jesus and not having to be a dry, religious person. He said the days in therapy amounted to the greatest spiritual awakening in his life.

That made me smile real big. I feel blessed to be part of a healing center that honors both psychotherapy and spiritual renewal.

The Russian writer Boris Pasternak wrote, "When a great moment knocks on the door of your life, it is often no louder than the beating of your heart, and it is very easy to miss it."

Be attentive to the knocking on the door of your life today. It is probably quite soft and more a sensation than even a noise. If you follow it, it might have the potential to release you into a whole new phase of your life.

I know it has for me.

Living in Spiritual Abundance--a meditation

Today I remind myself that everything I have need of is near me; I only need access it.

I set my intention and release my faith to live from a place of abundance, even if I feel I'm surrounded by scarcity.

I embrace the moment knowing that really all I have is this moment. The future does not exist yet. So I need not fear or forbode it.

I understand that I don't have to solve every problem that comes my way. I can choose my battles. I can choose my projects too. I get to prioritize.

Sometimes it's best to sit and observe and then make a wise, strategic choice when I feel more confident. I don't have to choose under presure or distress. I can pause, breathe, collect myself and then re-engage.

That which I have need of comes to me.

Give me eyes to see, ears to listen, hands to work, feet to go the distance, and a heart that is always open to engage, receive, and give again.

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Welcoming Unpleasant Emotions

Oftentimes, we don't know how to engage dodgy emotions so we move into full-on avoidance.

In the end, this doesn't work because simply avoiding an internal, unpleasant feeling does't ensure that it will go away.

Like a beachball held under the surface of the water, unresolved issues will rise again--usually exploding with greater pressure and consequence than they would have otherwise.

Instead, welcoming emotion enables us to be more fully human, which in turn results in increased emotional and spiritual health.

The human psyche as a guest house is a great metaphor for engaging emotion. We can welcome emotions as temporary house guests, recognizing the they will come and go and that we only need entertain them for a little while.

In fact, it's only when we experience them that they lose their grip on our soul.

So today have a little compassion on your soul. Feel what you are feeling, and let it go.

 

THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi

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The Violin and the Dark Night of the Soul

I watched this TED video earlier this week on a flight from NYC to South Florida and was so inspired. It took me to a deep place in meditation. I encourage you to listen to her talk, her violin, and flow with it. It is very healing to the soul.

"But now it's your turn. Changing your perspectives will not only transform you but also the whole world. Just play your life with all you have and share it with the world." Ji-Hae Park

 
 

It's Time to Live Your Legacy!

You are on this planet for a purpose.  Finding your purpose and then living it is probably both the greatest challenge and greatest reward you may ever have.

On Saturday March 16, I'll be hosting a seminar on Living Your Legacy NOW, according to your core values, purpose, and mission.

The information presented will empower you to:

·   Become more proactive.

·   Get what you want out of life.

·   Determine your core values, life purpose, and mission.

·   Learn to think strategically.

·   Set realistic goals.

·   Analyze your strengths and limitations.

·   Manage your time better.

·   Refine your priorities.

·   Live life intentionally.

·   Fulfill your dreams.

·   Live the life you were born to live.

Registration by March 14 is only $30. After March 14 and at the door, it's $40.

Coffee and pastries will be served. Cost covers instruction, exercises, materials, and group interaction.

We'll convene at Covenant Centre, 9153 Roan Lane, Palm Beach Gardens from 8:45 a.m. to 12 Noon.

If you are ready to get on with things, change your life, enjoy your journey, or re-evaluate your progress up to this point, I invite you to come.  

A great adventure awaits you.  You can do it.  You are the answer to your hopes, dreams, and prayers.

Register with PayPal or send me an email.

 

Live Your Legacy Registration

By 3/14/13 $30.00 USD After 3/14/13 $40.00 USD

 

"After experiencing the loss of my husband to sudden death I was left feeling lost and without a sense of purpose or direction. My Doctor recommended I hire a life coach. I didn't know what to expect but I did know who to call, Jonathan Benz. I have just completed his workbook and have been amazed at the transformation that has taken place in my life. Working through his workbook has helped me to understand myself better and has given me a clear sense of purpose and direction.  Even my friends comment that they see a great change in me for the good. The value I have received from working with Jonathan is far greater than anything money can buy." 

--Renee G., February 2013