What are Families Anonymous Meetings?

When a person is addicted to drugs, they are not only hurting themselves; they are hurting those around them. Their families and loved ones must learn how to deal with the person who is addicted to ensure their own mental health is not negatively affected. They must also think of the best ways to get their loved ones the help they need. 

Because addiction hurts families, they are often included in the therapy process. Families are brought in to help their relatives cope with their dependency issues, and they are provided with advice to aid their own wellbeing. 

However, there are times when the loved one refuses to get help. In these instances, friends and relatives will still need assistance to get by. Families Anonymous meetings are ideal because people can attend any time they require support. 

This article will provide information on Families Anonymous meetings and how they can provide families with support during dark times.  

What are Families Anonymous Meetings?

Families Anonymous Meetings are free group meetings that are available to the families of people dealing with dependency issues. They are meant to offer support to parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, significant others, other family members, and friends of people who are dealing or have dealt with drug and alcohol addiction. They offer relief from feelings of anxiety and depression caused by witnessing a loved one engage in destructive behavior associated with addiction. 

Like Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings, Families Anonymous Meetings are based on twelve steps to healing from addiction. They focus on twelve traditions to be integrated into the healing process. They educate families about drug abuse and introduce the concept of the four destructive forces that can get in the way of recovery. 

Families who participate in meetings may remain anonymous.

While Families Anonymous is typically offered in an in-person format, video conference meetings are available during the pandemic. 

Why It’s Important for Parents of Addicts to Get Help Themselves

When a loved one is dealing with addiction, it can negatively affect the mental health of the people they are close with. It is distressing to watch them suffer and throw away their lives. They may also lie and steal from their family and friends, which can take an emotional toll and be a financial burden. 

Furthermore, it’s essential to know how to communicate with an addict in terms of helping them recover. You should be nonjudgmental and speak to them in a caring manner. If they refuse to get help, consider breaking ties with them. The hope is that they will reach rock bottom and be forced to seek out the care they need. 

How the Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help

It is especially painful for parents to see their children struggle with addiction. The Adolescent Wellness Academy offers services that aid with teen recovery. 

The Adolescent Wellness Academy understands the struggles teens are going through. We take an approach that is suited to their age group and developmental level. We provide customized and innovative therapies that help teens overcome addiction and its underlying causes. 

Treatment at the Adolescent Wellness Academy is convenient for teens and parents. We offer an after-school program that includes transport from school and back home. Our early treatment ensures patients are on the right path when it comes to maintaining sobriety throughout their lives. 

If you are dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Families Anonymous can provide you with the support you need, while Adolescent Wellness Academy offers therapy to teens to overcome drug dependency issues. The combined services will help your family move towards a happier, healthier future. For specialized care in South Florida, explore our Miami-Dade location or call us at 1-866-548-8677.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.