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Today's Date: Monday, September 6, 2010
Addictions

Addictions, the craving for a substance or activity that bears negative consequences beyond the original benefit, can destroy careers, relationships and lives. Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are common substance addictions. Gambling, shoplifting, overspending and impulsive sexual conduct are common activity addictions.

The urge to repeat the particular experience is an extreme state of uncomfortable tension that is relieved only by acting on the craving. The pleasure of an addiction may be the positive mood it creates, like feeling relaxed or high. However, for many people, addiction is a way of coping with negative feelings by blocking them out or replacing them.

There are many available treatments that are successful in dealing with addictions. Each person has a unique set of circumstances that has resulted in his or her addiction. Therapists help each person find the approach that will provide the best long term solution.

Professionals Serving Adults - Professionals Serving Children


David Schaffer, MSW, LICSW, CCAC, LISW
Clinical Social Worker and Addictions Counselor

David enjoys helping individuals, families and couples live meaningful lives instead of lives that are controlled by their problems.

David's practice includes working with people to address anxiety, addictions, depression, life transitions, trauma, and anger issues. He has a special interest in obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, behavioral addictions (gambling, pornography, sex, affairs, shopping, eating), chronic pain, post-partum depression and attention deficit matters. David particularly enjoys working with care-giving professionals such as clergy, social workers, and those working in medical and mental health fields. He is comfortable working in a non-judgmental way with people who have harmed others.


Harvey West, MSW, LICSW
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Harvey has experience working with adults and children in private practice and community mental health settings. He provides crisis intervention, individual therapy, and group therapy. He works with children, beginning at age 6, and adults of any age (including geriatric). He works with individuals who experience problems with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness, abuse issues and other mental health problems. His special interest is working with anger management and behavioral issues. Harvey is trained to help individuals who have gambling problems and addictions.


JoAnne F. Vrabel, Ph.D.
Psychologist

A practicing Psychologist for over 15 years, Dr. Vrabel provides psychotherapy and counseling, as well as psychological testing and diagnostic assessment for individuals ages 6 and older.


Priscilla Leavitt, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Dr. Leavitt is a counseling psychologist with special training and certification in marriage and family counseling, grief and bereavement, hypnosis, stress and Christian counseling. She speaks and conducts seminars, offers EAP services to business and does counseling and Executive Coaching in addition to the extensive individual and group counseling she does at the Center.



David Schaffer, MSW, LICSW, CCAC, LISW
Clinical Social Worker and Addictions Counselor

David enjoys helping individuals, families and couples live meaningful lives instead of lives that are controlled by their problems.

David's practice includes working with people to address anxiety, addictions, depression, life transitions, trauma, and anger issues. He has a special interest in obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, behavioral addictions (gambling, pornography, sex, affairs, shopping, eating), chronic pain, post-partum depression and attention deficit matters. David particularly enjoys working with care-giving professionals such as clergy, social workers, and those working in medical and mental health fields. He is comfortable working in a non-judgmental way with people who have harmed others.


Harvey West, MSW, LICSW
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Harvey has experience working with adults and children in private practice and community mental health settings. He provides crisis intervention, individual therapy, and group therapy. He works with children, beginning at age 6, and adults of any age (including geriatric). He works with individuals who experience problems with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness, abuse issues and other mental health problems. His special interest is working with anger management and behavioral issues. Harvey is trained to help individuals who have gambling problems and addictions.


Shibu Kuncheriah, MD, R.Ph.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist

Dr. Kuncheriah is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist as well as a pharmacist. Dr. Kuncheriah received his pharmacy degree, Magna Cum Laude from Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, and then went on to receive his medical degree from Temple School of Medicine. He completed his adult psychiatry residency from West Virginia University School of Medicine and his child and adolescent fellowship from the University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine. He is board certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is also board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

  • Although he sees adults, Dr. Kuncheriah is currently prioritizing services to children, due to the limited psychiatric resources for children in our area.

    Dr. Kuncheriah is also a professional/motivational speaker and is available for talks and seminars on various topics. His special interests are autism, asperger’s disorder, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and Christian based psychiatry.


  • JoAnne F. Vrabel, Ph.D.
    Psychologist

    A practicing Psychologist for over 15 years, Dr. Vrabel provides psychotherapy and counseling, as well as psychological testing and diagnostic assessment for individuals ages 6 and older.


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