Focus Treatment Centers offer help and hope

As the holiday season nears, for many it can be a difficult time. Many suffered loss or loneliness that has manifested into other problems including substance abuse disorders. At Focus Treatment Centers, we believe addictions and eating disorders are chronic and progressive, and recovery is possible at any point in the life cycle of the disease. Focus Treatment Center has been a part of the Chattanooga community for more than 12 years and has provided hope and recovery to thousands of people.

Each patient is engaged in weekly individual therapy as well as days filled with skill development and process groups focused on mindfulness practices, self-compassion, shame reduction work, nutrition support, spirituality, relapse prevention and a variety of expressive and movement therapies designed to strengthen and heal the whole person

"Every patient that comes through our doors has value and is most deserving of the opportunity to recover," explained Susan Kerr, RN and Executive Director of Focus. "For many, the prospect of a joy-filled life is difficult to imagine. Treatment can offer our patients a new way of life. It is so exciting to see the changing faces as hope returns and recovery begins."

Focus Treatment Center is comprised of a multidisciplinary staff including specialized physicians, psychotherapists, Registered Dieticians, licensed nurses and program technicians many of which are walking their own path of recovery, sharing a passion and dedication to providing memorable and quality care to each patient. Treatment at Focus is individualized and holistic with a focus on reconnecting mind, body, and spirit and celebrating each person's unique life experience.

A warm and intimate environment of the center provides a place of safety for the exploration of underlying issues, practicing new skills, and building new, healthy relationships with personal accountability.

"We believe that recovery cannot be fully reached without the ability to establish these healthy relationships, both with others and with self, and our ultimate goal is to prepare and empower each patient to move forward toward those ideas that are most valued by the patient", Kerr added.

Focus Treatment Centers is more than just a "rehab." Our separate programs for the treatment of eating disorders and substance use disorders are designed specifically for each patient's individualized needs. Each patient is engaged in weekly individual therapy as well as days filled with skill development and process groups focused on mindfulness practices, self- compassion, shame reduction work, nutrition support, spirituality, relapse prevention and a variety of expressive and movement therapies designed to strengthen and heal the whole person.

We understand the disease of addiction is difficult for not just the patient, but the entire support system. While the needs of the patient fighting the battle are the top priority, "Family involvement is vital in the recovery process,"

Kerr said. "We work to educate and empower each family member to be a positive source of support for their loved ones while also addressing their needs."

Programming includes weekly family sessions as well as a monthly two-and- a-half-day family program. This program is comprised of an educational component and a series of interventions facilitated by trained professionals designed to help patients gain awareness about dysfunctional behaviors, find strategies to change those behaviors and promote healthy sustainable growth.

The setting of the center is equally important at Focus and the team has created a safe space for patients and families that encourages healing. Each room offers plenty of space and warm neutral tones creating a peaceful environment for those beginning the journey to recovery.

"Our website also offers additional tools and resources to help families identify if their loved one is struggling and where to begin the process for seeking help," Kerr shared. "If you think someone in your family is struggling with an unhealthy behavior, don't be afraid to reach out."

Focus Treatment Centers' Chattanooga campus provides residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services for adults for both substance abuse disorders and eating disorders. Focus Treatment Centers' Knoxville campus provides intensive and outpatient services for eating disorders for adolescents and adults. Each campus provides comprehensive and complimentary screening and assessments to help each patient find the level of care this is right for them. Compassionate professional staff is available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-675-2041

Noteworthy: "Every patient that comes through our doors has value and is most deserving of the opportunity to recover." Susan Kerr, RN Executive Director.