By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
With expertise in helping people deal with addictions, Erin D'Orio has opened Windsong Marriage, Family and Personal Therapy Inc. in Lucerne Valley.
A drug counselor for 12 years, D'Orio previously served for 6 years as a counselor at nearby Pine Ridge Treatment Center, a residental treatment center off of Crystal Creek Road in Lucerne Valley.
Striking out on her own, D'Orio now has even more flexibility to create a therapy approach best suited for each individual client. Payment on a sliding scale is available.
"I want to treat people the way I want to," D'Orio says. "If I want to see someone for an hour and a half, I can."
She also can use a number of therapy modalities to make a difference. They include hypnotherapy, classic cognitive therapy, Reiki and other traditional and non-traditional approaches.
"I use whatever fits the person."
Besides treating drug and alcohol addiction, D'Orio can help people to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, multiple personality disorder and others. And, as her professional designation suggests, she also provides marriage, family and other personal therapy.
"There's a lot of need here," she says. "I'm ready for whatever walks in the door."
To help those with addictions, D'Orio helps them the client through key steps.
"The first part of dealing with one's addiction issue is awareness. If it causes problems in your life, it's a problem."
Next, a person needs to seek help. Some will benefit from an in-patient recovery program, such as the one offered at Pine Ridge. Nearly all will find hope and assistance by participating in a 12-Step program.
"Most people can't do it on their own."
It is often necessary for a person to get out of an environment to get rid of triggers to their addiction, she says.
"A personal has to be really ready to change. They also have to go through a lot of pain. It's a complex thing. It's not always successful either. It depends on a person's willingness."
Whether a person needs help to deal with an addiction or working with a couple through a difficult stretch in the marriage, D'Orio believes she can help.
"Most of the time it's about me and them and developing trust. Sometimes it's just about being heard."
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Erin D'Orio at 760-885-0231.