Our Significant Other Group is a Key Component of Recovery

At Freedom Institute, decades of experience have taught us that families get overlooked in the recovery process even though support for families and loved ones is often critical to the journey.

We also know that substance use problems often interrupt family health. In our relational family work, we seek to use these struggles as opportunities to strengthen relationships and build stronger support systems for loved ones in recovery. Connection is an essential element of healing, and compassion, empathy, and love must be nurtured and sustained and made resilient to be impactful throughout the course of the change process of recovery.

In our family work, we take a uniquely holistic approach, always trying to understand individuals within the context of their families and relationships. Just as important to us is that family members, significant others, and loved ones receive the support they may need. Addiction is a disease of isolation and connection is not only the best prevention but reconnecting with the people who are the most important to us in our lives is a key component on the path towards healing not only the individual but the community of family, immediate and extended.

Our clinical foundation integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Relational Family Therapy, an approach only offered at Freedom Institute. Our family systems therapists guide families and significant others in exploring the widespread impact of addiction on their relationships. We also help identify family and couple patterns that provoke and perpetuate substance abuse, so there is a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved. 

One of our most popular therapeutic groups has been our Significant Other Group, which offers discreet support for loved ones rather than focusing on their questions or struggles as an extension of the spouse's or partner’s addiction. Freedom Institute is pleased to announce we have relaunched this group as a Telehealth session via our Zoom platform. Our SO group is for spouses and partners (current or former) of anyone struggling with substance abuse (active, in recovery, in treatment, etc.). This space provides a safe place to discuss how addiction is affecting their relationship as well as how it has impacted other relationships in their life. The group offers community and connection by sharing and learning with others who have experienced similar situations. The discussions offer an opportunity for growth, learning from life events that may feel like struggles and losses, but often are building blocks for improved and fulfilling relationships. 

"Healing happens through relationships. Recovery happens in a community,” says Frank Wells, Freedom Institute’s Director, Family Services. “This group is a space for spouses and partners to recover and heal, to access some of the support THEY deserve. You do not need to have a spouse or partner in treatment at Freedom Institute to participate in this group. It is helpful for anyone who is impacted by a loved one with a substance abuse issue.”

The Significant Other Group is facilitated by Allison Nelson, LCSW, CASAC, a clinical social worker, specializing in family and couples therapy.  Allison joined Freedom Institute as a family therapist in 2019. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and has completed post-graduate training in Family Therapy from the Ackerman Institute for the Family. In addition, Allison has training and experience in trauma focused treatment and is a certified EMDR therapist.

“This group is a reflective space to process the impact of addiction, both individually and relationally,” said Allison. “Through a connection to a supportive and judgment-free community, you can learn from other members' experiences to provide greater insight and healing into your own.” 

The Significant Other group meets once a week on Thursdays from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm and the cost is $100 per person. Please call 212-838-0044 or email info@freedominstitute.org for more information and to register for the group.