Darla Belflower LLC

Belflower Training and consultation

Services

Training-Coaching-Consultation-Speaking

Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health Expert

Peer Support, Co-occurring Disorders

Trauma and Substance Use Disorders

Ethics

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Recovery Language

Harm Reduction

Narcan Administrating Training and Distribution

Rewiring Your Brain with Gratitude

Supportive Housing

LBGTQ+

Leadership Coaching

Team Building

Clinical Supervision for Social Work in MO. and KS.

Supervision for Substance Use Disorder Certifications in MO.

Darla Belflower

Founder and CEO

Book Launch

July 19, 2023

I Am Not Anonymous

By Darla Belflower

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported me for my company and book launch! Stay tuned for what is next!

Darla Belflower has worked in leadership in the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields her entire career. She operates her own training and consulting company covering a variety of behavioral health topics, including peer support, diversity, equity, inclusion, recovery language, harm reduction, co-occurring disorders, and how to serve LBGTQ+ individuals better. She serves as the Clinical Director at Healing House, a substance use disorder recovery organization.

Darla's influence extends beyond her professional roles. She is the Vice Chair of the Kansas City Recovery Coalition, a board member of the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers, and a member of The Missouri Department of Mental Health State Advisory Council. Her active involvement in these organizations is a testament to her dedication and the respect she commands in the field.

Darla is a Clinically Licensed Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas, a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas, a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Missouri, a Certified Peer Specialist, a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a trainer and educator of Narcan distribution. She obtained her MSW from the University of Kansas, and she has a BS in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Studies from Missouri Valley College. She has made presentations at numerous professional conferences, seminars, and trainings at the local, state, and national levels.

About

Trainings

October 15th and 17th

10:00 AM -2:00 PM Central Time Virtual

Two Part Training

California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions

Co-Occurring Disorders

An Overview of Prevalence, Assessment, Client Engagement and Treatment Interventions

Individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis have varying lifetime prevalence rates for developing a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, individuals with co-occurring disorders face numerous challenges, such as an increase in the severity of symptoms, lower treatment adherence rates, higher dropout rates, an increased risk of suicide, and a greater chance of relapse. To help providers better understand this population, this workshop will provide education on the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, assessment tools, engagement strategies with specialized populations, and treatment interventions.

Darla’s Blog

July 26, 2024

Understanding PTSD and Substance Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Overview

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are often interconnected mental health issues that significantly impact individuals and society. PTSD is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts, and heightened reactions. SUD involves an uncontrollable urge to use substances despite harmful consequences, with symptoms including cravings, loss of control, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing tolerance and withdrawal.

The relationship between PTSD and SUD is bidirectional, meaning each can increase the risk of developing the other. This connection exacerbates the symptoms of both disorders. Individuals with PTSD may use substances to cope with their distressing symptoms, while substance use can lead to risky behaviors that increase the likelihood of experiencing traumatic events.

Effective treatment for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and SUD requires an integrated approach. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), help process traumatic memories and reduce PTSD symptoms. Substance use treatment, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), CBT for SUD, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), can manage substance use. Combining these therapies ensures a holistic approach supported by mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress reduction techniques.

Addressing both PTSD and SUD simultaneously can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with these disorders, seeking professional help is crucial. Recovery is possible, and support is available from resources such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Affairs (VA) PTSD Treatment Programs, and local treatment centers.

Therapy

Seeking therapy can be a beneficial and transformative experience for many people. As a therapist, I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore and understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected to your well-being. I help clients identify their goals, and together, we develop a plan to reach them. I will provide support and guidance as you create new coping strategies, improve communication skills, and work through past grief and trauma. I will help you understand your patterns and make positive life changes. Whether dealing with substance use disorder, mental health issues, struggling with life transitions, grief and loss, sexual orientation or gender identity issues, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can provide invaluable support and empowerment.