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!

About

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 better serve LBGTQ+ individuals. She is 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.

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.

December 3rd and 4th

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

Two Part Training

California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions

Peer Support Essentials: A Comprehensive Workshop For Peer Support Specialist

More information coming soon

FREE

Date: October 21, 2024

Time: 2pm - 3:30 pm (Central Time Zone)

Contact Hours: 1.5

People in the helping profession must always be mindful of the ethical standards of their profession. Standards change from time to time; therefore, it is important to refresh on the commitments they are responsible for upholding as a professional. It is also our responsibility to be culturally compliant in the services we provide. Race, ethnicity, and cultural background may influence a client's identity and life circumstances. Other factors, such as gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, and ability may also play into the context of a given client's mental health, and relational or personal issues.

This course blends didactic material with interactive and small group exercises to help understand your ethical responsibility while delivering services to diverse communities. We will review relevant ethical standards, discuss common issues and missteps, and give you opportunities to test your knowledge.

Darla’s Blog

October 4, 2024

The LGBTQ+ Community and Substance Use Disorder: A Historical Overview

As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, it's important to reflect not only on the incredible progress the community has made, but also on the challenges that continue to affect LGBTQ+ individuals today. One such challenge is the high prevalence of substance use disorders within the community—a result of decades of discrimination, marginalization, and trauma. Understanding the historical connection between LGBTQ+ experiences and substance use disorder can help shed light on why this issue persists and emphasize the need for compassionate, affirming care in addressing it. This blog explores the historical forces that have shaped the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and substance use disorder, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of a community that continues to fight for equality and well-being.

The LGBTQ+ community has a history of resilience, but also one marked by discrimination and marginalization. This history has contributed to higher rates of mental health issues and substance use disorders within the community.

For much of the 20th century, homosexuality was criminalized and labeled a mental illness. LGBTQ+ individuals often faced harassment, forced psychiatric treatments, and rejection, leading many to use alcohol and drugs to cope with isolation and shame.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. The trauma and loss from this crisis led to increased substance use as a way to manage grief and fear.

LGBTQ+ individuals face chronic stress from societal discrimination, family rejection, and violence, increasing their vulnerability to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which are often linked to substance use disorders.

LGBTQ+ nightlife, especially bars and clubs, has long provided safe spaces for the community, but it also normalized heavy alcohol consumption and, at times, drug use. These social settings have contributed to the prevalence of substance use disorders.

Despite social and legal progress, disparities in mental health and substance use disorders remain. Transgender individuals, in particular, continue to face high levels of stigma and violence, leading to elevated rates of substance use.

Culturally competent, affirming treatment is essential for addressing substance use disorders in the LGBTQ+ community. Trauma-informed care that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals is crucial for promoting healing and recovery.

Understanding the intersection of LGBTQ+ history and substance use disorders is vital to offering compassionate and effective support.

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.