Williamsville Wellness

08/15/2025

Meet Allison! 💛

As an Admissions Specialist, Allison has the privilege of witnessing incredible transformations firsthand - from that initial call to watching clients graduate with renewed hope. Her perspective on recovery is truly inspiring:

"Over the years, I have seen hundreds of patients come through these doors at some of their lowest points. Finding the meaning in recovery extrapolates to finding meaning in life, and it's wonderful to see people leave after 28 days with a new lease on life."

08/05/2025

Anger in recovery? Totally normal.

When you stop numbing emotions, they hit different. That's actually progress, even when it doesn't feel like it.

Quick tip: When you feel anger building, try 4-7-8 breathing. Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, breathe out for 8. It actually works.

The goal isn't to never get angry. It's learning what to do with it.

See our blog on the topic here:

Learn techniques for anger management in addiction recovery. Master breathing exercises, DBT skills, and coping strategies for lasting sobriety.

08/01/2025

Meet Jenny! 🧡

As our Director of Operations, Jenny helps guide families and individuals from that first important phone call all the way through to beginning their treatment journey. Here's what drives her work at Williamsville:

"My motivation to work at Williamsville stems from our approach to treatment. No two days are the same here, the same way no two patients are the same and the ability of our staff to provide this unique and individualized care keeps us all on our toes and ready to do the right thing for each patient."

07/29/2025

Feeling nervous about your first therapy session? You're not alone! 💙

That mix of hope and anxiety before your first appointment is completely normal. Our latest blog breaks down everything you need to know to walk in feeling confident and prepared.
✨ What to expect in your first session
✨ Practical prep tips that actually help
✨ Common worries (and why they're totally normal)
✨ Questions to ask your therapist

Taking that first step toward better mental health is incredibly brave. Let us help you make the most of it.

Read the full guide:

Learn essential tips for preparing for your first therapy session. Reduce anxiety and maximize benefits with preparation strategies.

07/25/2025

How do you help someone who doesn't want help?

If your loved one refuses treatment, our latest blog shows you:
🗣️ How to talk without pushing them away
⚖️ Boundaries that actually encourage change
💪 Supporting without enabling

You don't have to face this alone. 💙

Learn effective strategies for when someone refuses addiction treatment. Approach resistant loved ones and support recovery without enabling.

07/12/2025

That first week without drugs? It's tough, but it's also when real healing starts.

We wrote a new blog breaking down what actually happens day by day - from the physical symptoms on day 2 to when your mind starts clearing up around day 4.

If you're thinking about getting sober or know someone who is, this might help you know what to expect.

https://williamsvillewellness.com/the-first-week-you-stop-using-drugs/

Questions? Give us a call at 804-655-0094.

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Understand what happens during the first week you stop using drugs. See a day-by-day withdrawal guide with safety tips and support options.

07/11/2025

Meet Melody! 💜

Melody's passion for transformative client care is evident in her dedication to each person's journey from day one through discharge. Here's what she shares about her experience at Williamsville:

"Working at Williamsville has given me the opportunity to impact clients in a tremendous way. I enjoy seeing the progress that clients make from day one of their treatment until the day of their discharge. Williamsville, and every client I have worked with, has inspired me to continue to strive to be the best clinician that I can to ensure a positive, holistic, and life changing experience. Williamsville has a special place in my heart because of the clinical care we provide and how many lives we touch and change."

07/10/2025

Just dropped a new podcast episode! 🎧

Billy and Stephen get into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and how it can especially help with the ACA Laundry List traits covered in past episodes.

Stephen, an EMDR specialist, breaks down what it's actually like as a patient - how memories surface, and why it might work better than talk therapy for some people.

What's cool is how EMDR can address problems without all the heavy talking that usually comes with therapy. Stephen walks through the different EMDR methods including: eye movements, vibrating paddles, and even sounds through headphones.

If you're an adult child of an alcoholic or just curious about EMDR, this one's worth a listen.

P.S. We now have all our podcast episodes on our website with links to YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts all in one place!

Check it out: https://williamsvillewellness.com/williamsville-wellness-podcast/

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Williamsville Wellness Podcast: Expert insights and recovery stories for addiction treatment. Listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

07/10/2025

💧 Your Body & Mind Need Extra TLC This Summer 💧

Did you know that even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy levels, and ability to cope with stress? During these hot summer days, staying hydrated isn't just about physical health - it's a crucial part of your mental wellness routine.

Simple summer self-care reminders:
🥤 Start your day with a full glass of water before your coffee
🍉 Snack on water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges
💆‍♀️ Take cool showers to reset your nervous system
🌬️ Practice deep breathing exercises in your coolest room
😴 Keep your bedroom cool for better sleep (your brain needs that rest to process emotions!)
📱 Set phone reminders to drink water throughout the day

Sometimes the simplest acts of self-care make the biggest difference in how we feel and cope with life's challenges.

How are you taking extra care of yourself this summer? We'd love to hear your favorite hot-weather wellness tips!

Need support with your wellness journey? Call us at 804-531-3325 to learn how we can help.

07/09/2025

🧱 A Story About Perfection 🧱

We came across this incredibly moving piece about a monk learning to lay bricks. What starts as a simple story about construction work becomes something much deeper - a profound lesson about how we see ourselves and our lives.

Without giving anything away, let's just say this: we think many of you will recognize yourself in this monk's experience. Especially if you've ever been your own worst critic.

At Williamsville Wellness, we know how hard it can be to step back and see the bigger picture when we're focused on what feels wrong. Sometimes we need a completely different perspective to shift everything.

Watch this when you have a few quiet minutes. We'd love to hear what resonates with you. 💙

Credit: Zakaraka and Imaginomics

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby998 Good Bricks · Zakaraka & ImaginomicsInstinct℗ 2014 Zakaraka & ImaginomicsReleased on: 2014-11-21Auto-generated by YouTube.

07/05/2025

Are you worried about changes in someone you love? 💙

Recognizing the signs that a loved one needs addiction help can be overwhelming, but understanding these warning signs could save their life.

Our latest blog post breaks down the critical indicators every family should know:

🔍 Physical & behavioral changes that often appear first
💭 Emotional & mental health shifts that signal deeper problems
💰 Financial red flags that indicate addiction is taking control
🎯 Substance-specific signs for different types of addiction
❤️ How to approach your loved one with compassion and care

Early intervention makes all the difference. You don't have to navigate this alone.

Read our complete guide: https://williamsvillewellness.com/signs-your-loved-one-needs-help/

Recovery is possible. Help is available. Hope is real.

Recognize the signs your loved one needs addiction help. Here you'll find a family guide to warning signs, intervention, and recovery help.