Provider Portrait: Cynthia Galaviz
Watch a provider in action. Cynthia Galaviz of the Children’s Program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center presents strategies for supporting children whose parents struggle with addiction.
Before watching the video, read what Cynthia Galaviz, a counselor at the Children’s Program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center, has to say:
As an adult who vividly recalls being a ‘voiceless’ child, I have come to realize my mission is to help empower children hurt by addiction to find their own voice. As a Children’s Counselor, I accompany a child, who for the first time, is about to share his feelings of guilt and shame towards his mother’s addiction. Sitting on the floor next to him, I admire his courage to be open and honest about the disease that has impacted his family. The best part is that mom is listening. In the Children’s Program, I’m able to be a beacon of hope for children impacted by addiction. They learn, they play, and they understand that their voices matter. By helping them find their voice, they in turn have helped make mine stronger.
Then, watch the video and consider how might you use the “bag of rocks” activity, or how you might you include art and writing in your work with children.
Supporting Whole Family Recovery with Sesame Street
A heartfelt and practical discussion on what it means to reunify as a family after treatment for addiction.
Plan and Protect
An article about planning for safe caregiving when dealing with substance use.
Guest Post: When Plans Don’t Go As Planned
When routines and plans get interrupted, there are ways to talk with children and show them that they’re still safe and loved.
Routines at the Ready: Weekly Schedule
A printable tool for keeping up with routines.
I Can Take Good Care of Myself
A printable page to remind children of all the ways they care for themselves.
Thinking Ahead: A Care Plan
A printable page to help plan for children’s care in case of unexpected challenges.
All About Karli: A Story About Reconnecting
A story about reconnecting after a parent and child’s time apart during recovery from addiction.
