Identity Transformation Model (ITM) Individual Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Identity Transformation Model (ITM) is dedicated to the prevention, education and treatment of substance use disorders disorders and behavioral health issues. Our unique model integrates the Disease Model of Addiction with The Success Principles, Founded by Jack Canfield by utilizing Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) (McGovern, M.P. et al (2010) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and (DBT) (McKay, M. et al. (2007) skills reinforcement. The Disease Model of Addiction” (DMA) is the foundation for our treatment. DMA describes an addiction as a disease with biological, neurological, genetic, and environmental sources of origin. (McLellan et. al. (2000). ITM interpret’s the DMA through the lens of The Biopsychosocial Model (BPS) Engel, G. L. (1977) which attributes disease to biological factors (genetics, heritability), psychological factors (mood, personality variables, behavior), and social factors (cultural, familial, socioeconomic).  ITM’s treatment understands that while the cause of one’s addiction may be one, or a combination of this aspects- what we do know is that each of these components must be adequately addressed in treatment. For instance, a biological component may include ingestion of drugs or alcohol or even tolerance (needing more of the substance to receive the same desired effect) or physical withdrawal. Psychologically, anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, low self-esteem or a desire to numb, escape or avoid reality influences substance or alcohol use. Socially, one’s work, school, peers and relationships may influence and contribute to drinking or using. Lastly, many recovery programs understand addiction as a “spiritual disease” or a “sickness of the soul” which ought have a spiritual solution. To this end, ITM  has included a forth component to our treatment- Spiritual. It is our belief that treatment and recovery adequately, equally and simultaneously to address all of these areas of a person’s life for sustained sobriety and integrative healing. Our program’s foundation is therefore divided into these four sections: 1. Biological; 2. Psychological; 3. Social and 4. Spiritual and is termed: Identity Transformation Model or ITM. Integrated into ITM are “The Success Principles” (Canfield, J. 2005) to support our client’s treatment foundation and application. The Success Principles. How to Get from Where You are to Where You want to Be” (10th Anniversary Edition) (Canfield, J. (2005). Canfield’s inspiring work assists our clients with how to increase their confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize all of their ambitions at the start of your recovery journey; “Success” equals “sustained sobriety”.  We will utilize Canfield’s Fundamentals of Success (Principles 1-24) and integrate two Principles, in sequence, per Passage, or week, See Table 1. The application and integration of these two models will be presented via assessments, psychoeducation lectures, didactic groups, group psychotherapy and individual psychotherapy and our Family Recovery Program. Customized weekly workbooks will focus on treatment tasks, derived from our program’s goals; treatment tasks integrate cognitive understandings, affect (emotion), experiences and beliefs. The ITM’s treatment and recovery philosophy recognizes that addiction is a primary, chronic, progressive and fatal disease which affects the body, mind, social and spiritual aspects of a person’s life- as well as the lives of their families and others whom they love. With respect and dignity for the individual, ITM’s emphasis is on full reintegration into a sober life and sober living. It is our belief that the understanding and integration of these aspects can be identified, healed and recovered. Our exclusive ITM reflects this belief through medical theory, evidenced based skill application and the human potential understanding of behavior, belief and experience. In turn our treatment and reintegration into life and recovery emphasizes transformation from the “addicted identity” to the “recovery identity” primed with principles for successful and sustained sobriety.