Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)
CRAFT is a counseling approach designed to help the "concerned significant others (CSO's)" of people with substance use disorders, even those who are refusing treatment. CRAFT works with the family, creating lasting systemic change without ultimatums or detachment. It is an effective alternative to traditional "interventions", with two decades of peer-reviewed research behind it.
No one has better information about the substance user's behavior patterns than a close family member. CRAFT teaches the CSO how to use this information in a motivational way to promote family well-being and increase the chances of the substance user engaging in treatment. Research has shown that almost 7 out of 10 CRAFT clients have success in having their substance user attend treatment.
Contact me today to learn more about how CRAFT can help you.
Substance Use Therapy
Substance use harm reduction therapy is a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that help people develop strategies and skills to more effectively cope with their mental health concerns and better understand their relationship to substances and other risky behaviors. It focuses on promoting safer, more responsible, health-affirming behaviors, rather than insisting on abstinence.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help improve thought patterns, develop better emotional management skills, and learn mindfulness practices and strategies to help work through difficult situations. I also embrace Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) approaches in my work, which empowers people by shifting from “reacting” to stress in unproductive ways to being proactive and being better able to utilize more helpful coping skills.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is also a part of my treatment approach. MI is a person-centered, non-confrontational method of helping people to explore and resolve the uncertainties they might have about making positive changes. It’s a collaboration where people are encouraged to identify the barriers that have prevented them from changing problematic behaviors.
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Most clients begin with individual sessions to solidify their treatment plan and establish an Initial foundation for ongoing treatment. Partners and/or family members may be included in treatment if it is an agreed upon part of the treatment plan.
Many parents with teenagers and young adults who are unwilling to start therapy can benefit from starting therapy without their child to help get a better handle on their child and related family issues and to develop a plan to proceed with making an effective intervention.
My couples and family therapy approach, as mentioned above, is CRAFT-informed and can be integrated into my work with you and your family.
Contact me today to schedule a consultation or your first appointment , and take a crucial step towards a healthier and brighter future.
Transform Your Life:
Telehealth Therapy for Healing and Growth!
Take the first step towards a brighter future today. Contact me to schedule a personalized telehealth appointment and embark on your journey towards healing and personal growth.
Please note: I am a 100% telehealth practice. While I do not participate in any insurance plans, some plans may reimburse patients for a portion of the cost of therapy. See my Fees page for more info.
“Dr. Barry Lessin is almost singular in his ability to relate to ordinary families with innovative, clear-eyed solutions to family issues. Rather than blaming family members for emergent problems, Dr. Lessin finds operable ways for the family’s members to work together and to find new ways to think about and to solve problems. A family will feel fortunate having the chance to work with Barry.”
Stanton Peele, Ph.D
“I know Barry Lessin both through his policy and advocacy work (on behalf of families) and as a colleague in clinical practice; I can confidently recommend him as a psychologist for families and children seeking guidance. Barry Lessin, for his part, fully embodies the principles of a client-first, compassionate, realistic, and forward-thinking therapeutic model.”