Mindful Family Recovery

11/23/2025

So true!!

11/21/2025

A federal bankruptcy judge approved an agreement settling the thousands of lawsuits against Purdue and the Sacklers for their role in the opioid crisis....

A federal bankruptcy judge approved an agreement settling the thousands of lawsuits against Purdue and the Sacklers for their role in the opioid crisis.

11/14/2025

Every week, I meet families who feel powerless in the face of their loved one’s opioid struggle. So when new research truly moves the needle, I pay attention.

A Rutgers Health clinical trial just showed that adding mindfulness-based training to standard opioid addiction treatment:

✨ Cut dropout rates by 59%
✨ Reduced relapse by 42%
✨ Even lowered chronic pain

This wasn’t “just meditation.” It was Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) - a structured, evidence-backed program that helps people reconnect with pleasure, regulate cravings, and feel at home in their bodies again.

This research validates something many of us in the recovery space already believe: Mindfulness helps people stay, heal, and choose recovery — not just once, but over time.

For families, this is hope. For clinicians and coaches, this is a call to action. And for the recovery field, this may be a glimpse of the future.

If you’d like the link to the study or want to talk about how mindfulness fits into family recovery, I’m always happy to connect.

Rutgers Health trial shows mindfulness training during treatment reduces dropouts and relapses.

11/04/2025

Transforming Family Drama: The Empowerment Dynamic. An inspiring guest expert interview with Jill Prevas, professional BALM® Family Recovery Life Coach. Learn how to break free from the "Dreaded Drama Triangle"
Host: Colleen Bertolinto, Family Recovery Life Coach from Recovery Practices, LLC link to join in comments

10/08/2025

There's still time to join!! DM if you're interested!

NEW BRITAIN — Families and friends of people struggling with addiction will soon have access to a free program that teaches new ways to support recovery.

10/06/2025

The Center for Motivation and Change believes families are the most powerful, untapped resource in addressing the addiction crisis.

Their Invitation to Change approach equips families—and those who serve them—with science-based, compassionate tools to support recovery with understanding and effectiveness.

I’m honored to be trained by CMC to lead an 8-week Invitation to Change workshop, beginning tonight (Oct 6) at the New Britain Public Library.

📅 Registration remains open until October 20 (the library will be closed Oct 13).
💙 Sponsored by the New Britain Public Library — this will be the last time I offer it for free.

This series is ideal for families impacted by addiction and a valuable educational resource for treatment providers seeking to strengthen family engagement and support.

If you’d like to join or learn more, please reach out to register.

This is "CMCFFC Promo Video Temp" by CMCFFC Digital on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/04/2025

Have you heard about Toivo? It’s one of Connecticut’s most inspiring resources for healing and recovery.

Toivo, a program of Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., is a holistic, peer-led wellness center rooted in lived experiences with mental health, substance use, and trauma. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to make mind-body practices accessible to everyone, regardless of background or financial circumstance. Every offering is donation-based, and no one is ever turned away.

What makes Toivo unique:

✨ A vision that every person has the inner capacity to heal and live with purpose

✨ A focus on recovery-oriented, trauma-responsive, culturally humble practices

✨ Co-creating transformational spaces where people reconnect—with themselves, others, and their communities

✨ Multiple pathways to recovery, supported through flexible and responsive resources

I’m honored to begin teaching a gentle, mindfulness-based yoga class at Toivo this month:

📍 Toivo, 1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford, CT
🗓 Thursday 10/9 at 9:30 AM
💙 Donation-based (everyone welcome, no one turned away)

If you’re looking for a supportive community and a welcoming space to explore healing, Toivo is truly special. I invite you to come as you are, experience a class, and discover the many other resources available here.

Share this resource so more families know about it.

10/02/2025

I've joined the team at CT Addiction Counseling and Coaching, bringing something that's often missing in addiction treatment: dedicated support for family members.

Research proves that when families get the right guidance and tools, their loved one's recovery outcomes improve. But too often, families are left out of the conversation - desperate to help but with no idea how.

That's where I come in.

While my CTACC colleagues provide excellent care for individuals in recovery, I work exclusively with family members on things like:

👉Effective communication strategies
👉Setting boundaries without the guilt
👉Guilt-free self-care
👉Being part of the solution

What I offer:

✨ Family recovery coaching using proven methods like Invitation to Change, CRAFT, and SMART Recovery tools
✨ Trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness for stress relief
✨ Workshops on boundaries and communication
✨ Support groups

Available in-person in Cheshire Connecticut or online - because getting help shouldn't depend on where you live.

Family members: If you're exhausted, confused, and don't know what to do next - reach out. You don't have to navigate this alone.
Therapists and counselors: Let's chat! I'd love to learn about your work and share how I support families. Coffee? Real or virtual.

08/31/2025

Saturday on the Meriden Green the Overdose Awareness community event brought old friends, new connections, and so much hope.

From the live DJ and amazing giveaways, to FREE Narcan and the beautiful sound healing of Kelvin Young - this event was filled with both joy and purpose.

A big thank you to Ana Gopoian for inviting me to join the TriCircle table, where we shared vital resources and support for individuals and families impacted by addiction.

💜 Together we are stronger 💜

08/27/2025

For families impacted by addiction, the fear of overdose is real and constant - and here’s a chance to come together to take action.

Overdose Awareness Event | Temple Street, New Haven, CT | Friday, 8/29/25 | 12–3pm

✅ Addiction education & community resources
✅ Harm reduction supplies & support
✅ Entertainment for all
🕯️ Remembrance Ceremony at 2:30pm to honor lives lost

If addiction has touched your life, you belong here. Come as you are. Leave reminded that you’re not alone.

08/27/2025

Join us this Friday, August 29th at Elmridge Park Pavilion in Rocky Hill from 5–8pm for a powerful evening of connection, awareness, and family-friendly fun.

✅ Food Trucks & Games
🎈 Bounce Houses for the kids
🎁 Giveaways + Community Resources
💜 Info on overdose + substance use prevention

Stop by the TriCircle table to say hello — we’d love to meet you, share resources, and talk about the work we’re doing to support individuals, families and communities.

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make a difference. 💪