Author: Medical Reviewer | Dr. Deena Manion, PsyD, LCSW

Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.

Westwind Recovery Assists Veterans with PTSD and Depression.jpeg

Veteran’s Day: Addressing Depression and PTSD in Veterans

Most people know Veteran’s Day is a national holiday because banks and government offices are closed. But do you know how Veteran’s Day originated?

Originally Armistice Day, Veteran’s Day began on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of World War 1. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance. On November 11, 1938, it became a national holiday.

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cognitive behavioral therapy

Manipulation in Relationships

Manipulation in relationships is a pervasive and complex issue that can deeply affect the emotional and psychological well-being of the involved individuals. Manipulation can take many forms and manifest in various ways, making it challenging to identify. This subtle form of control, hidden under the guise of care or love, can distort a person’s sense of self; the distorted perspective of the self leads a person to question their feelings, instincts, and sanity. It’s essential to understand the signs of manipulation to safeguard one’s mental health and foster healthier, more balanced relationships.

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mental health treatment center in los angeles

12 Ways to Handle Mental Health During the Holidays

The holiday season poses a crucial time for managing mental health. A 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association reported elevated stress levels during the holidays. Such stress can result in physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. These statistics highlight the significance of prioritizing mental health during the holidays, particularly when faced with stressors such as time constraints, financial pressures, the tradition of gift-giving, and family reunions.

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cptsd triggers

Complex PTSD Triggers in Relationships

Have you ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain relationship issues or feel like past traumas are affecting your current relationships? You may be experiencing complex PTSD triggers. Complex PTSD is different from regular PTSD and stems from ongoing trauma, often in childhood, rather than a single traumatic event.

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opioid addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Short-Term Effects of Opioid Abuse

Opioids and the opioid epidemic as a whole have garnered a significant amount of attention over the years throughout the news and in other media as well. By now, most people have a general idea about what opioids are, what they do from a medical perspective, and how they often come with a high risk of abuse and addiction.

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Westwind Recovery can assist with Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a type of psychotherapy that aims to improve a person’s motivation to change. People who enter into self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse are frequently uncertain or have little motivation to change those behaviors. Even though they freely acknowledge the negative impact it has on their family life, social functioning, and health.

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