The Millennium Counseling Center Podcast Millennium Counseling Center

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness podcast series, Sarah Meister and Lilly Wehman discuss what it is like to transition away from college sports. They focus on how your athletic identity continues in your everyday life. They also touch on how to harness your athletic attributes and use them to your advantage in your next stage of life. It takes a conscious effort to recognize that you’re allowed to operate in a space that is not measured by an all-or-nothing mentality. It’s about giving yourself permission to be okay with things being and feeling different. It’s a massive shift that will take time. Give yourself grace during the transition period of life after sport while focusing on being intentional with your time and curious about discovering a new driving purpose that aligns with yourself.

Related Content to ‘Life After Sport’: Sarah Meister | From Division 1 Volleyball to Sports Performance Therapist | Post-Playing Career with Derek Bylsma

About Millennium Athlete Wellness:

Millennium Athlete Wellness provides a holistic approach to mental health and performance enhancement for athletes. Our team consists of both sports psychology experts and clinical mental health professionals, dedicated to helping athletes at all levels achieve peak performance and overall wellness. Each athlete we work with is connected to a licensed counselor, many of whom have personal experience as Division 1 athletes. This unique insight ensures a deep understanding of the challenges athletes face, both on and off the field. Our mission is to support athletes’ mental well-being and performance through expert guidance and empathetic care.

Connect with the hosts:

Millennium Athlete Wellness: Website

Sarah Meister: Millennium | LinkedIn

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn

More About Millennium Counseling Center: 

At Millennium Counseling Center, our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized support for individuals facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, relationships, and trauma. Our dedicated and diverse staff works to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people from all walks of life. We are committed to fostering a program and treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to your needs and who you are as a person, helping you find a path to healing and growth.

This episode explores “trusting the process” in addiction recovery. We look at how openness, curiosity, and accurate assessment can aid in making better life decisions. 

Topics Discussed in “Trusting the Process”:



* Understanding the importance of “trusting the process” in recovery

* The challenge of blind faith in early recovery and building trust with therapists and support groups

* Encouraging openness and curiosity in recovery rather than a fixed mindset

* The significance of assessing the costs and benefits of behaviors and decisions

* The role of loved ones in supporting and understanding the recovery process

* The need for patience and recognizing progress over perfection

* Balancing diligence in decision-making with grace during setbacks to maintain momentum in recovery



Who this episode is for: Individuals in recovery, those interested in mental health improvement, and supporters of people in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of the process. 

Related Content: 3A | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences | Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery 

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program 

3A was developed by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. 3A offers extensive support and wrap-around care for individuals during critical transitional times of their recovery, including the time between leaving inpatient care and transitioning into everyday life. 

Personalized Attention: 



* A dedicated therapist creates and manages a specialized program of wrap-around care tailored to the individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven methods in addiction treatment. 

* Counseling sessions for the client and their core group of family and friends to establish roles within the client’s recovery support network. 



Continued Accountability: 



* Daily individual counseling sessions. 

* Inclusion in a recovery group that meets weekly. 

* Accountability to a Millennium counselor seven days a week.



Radical Acceptance: 



* Homework assignments and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a deadly disease and keep recovery first. 

* Counseling sessions introduce how addiction has impacted everyone and the need for continued support for the whole family system. 



Benefits Include: 



* Continued momentum towards success in recovery. 

* Expert counselors with years of experience treating addiction. 

* Proven methods of developing personal support networks and new lifestyle routines. 

* Comprehensive knowledge of the Chicago recovery community complementing an individualized recovery plan. 



Connect with us:



* Millennium Counseling Center: Website

* Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

* Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn



More About Millennium Counseling Center and Our Hosts: 

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention,

This episode features a special interview with Ann Foster, the founder of Millennium Counseling Center. We discuss Ann’s journey of starting Millennium Counseling, her vision for the company, and its incredible impact over the past 20 years. Ann shares her insights on building a successful practice, the importance of connection in recovery, and the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction treatment.

Topics Discussed in this episode featuring Ann Foster, The Founder of Millennium Counseling Center



* Ann’s journey of starting Millennium Counseling Center in 2004

* The story of a solo practice becoming a thriving counseling center

* The importance of making Millennium Counseling about quality care rather than a single individual

* Strategies for finding and retaining high-quality therapists

* The expansion of understanding various forms of addiction and mental health issues

* The role of Ann’s personal background and family history in shaping her approach to counseling

* The significance of training interns and maintaining a cohesive team

* Ann’s decision to transition leadership and her continued involvement with Millennium

* The legacy of Ann’s parents and their influence on her path in mental health and recovery work



Who This Episode Is For: Individuals interested in building a successful counseling practice. Those working in mental health that seek insights on managing and growing a practice. People interested in the evolving understanding of addiction and mental health treatment. Supporters and loved ones of individuals in recovery that are trying to understand the importance of connection and community. Anyone inspired by stories of personal growth, professional development, and positively impacting others’ lives. Anyone who wants to learn more about Millennium Counseling Center.

Related content: Understanding Recovery | Embracing Change and Uncertainty

Connect with us:



* Millennium Counseling Center: Website

* Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

* Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn



More about Ann Foster:

Ann has earned two Master’s degrees; one in theology from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University and the other in counseling from National-Louis University. She is a clinically licensed counselor in Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio, as well as a licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselor Level II (LADAC) in Tennessee. She holds certifications in alcohol and drug counseling, sex addiction, and multiple addictions. She’s also a certified Daring Way™ counseling facilitator (CDWF) and is fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

Ann now lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, and does most of her sessions virtually. Her practice consists of individual and group counseling. She also facilitates intensive individual and group workshops. Her main objective is to offer the recovering individual a safe place to express feelings and heal traumatic wounds.

Ann sat on the Advisory Board for the International Institute of Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP) for many years. IITAP oversees the CSAT/CMAT certifications and its curriculum, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, author and pioneer in sex addiction treatment. She also received certification from Brené Brown’s organization,

This episode is about understanding the role of the 12-step program in addiction recovery. We discussed its benefits, alternatives, and the importance of finding a recovery path that works for everyone. 

Topics discussed in Beyond the 12-Step Program:



The debate over the necessity of the 12-step program for sobriety and overall recovery. 

Benefits of the 12-step program: self-reflection, community, routine, structure, and a proven roadmap. 

Alternatives to the 12-step program and how to incorporate its benefits into other recovery methods. 

The importance of genuine engagement and curiosity in the recovery process. 

Addressing resistance to the 12-step program and finding personalized recovery pathways. 

The significance of finding the right sponsor and recovery community. 

Understanding recovery statistics and their variability. 



Who This Episode is For: Individuals in recovery, those interested in mental health improvement, and supporters of people in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of the 12-step program and alternatives.

Related Content: Understanding Recovery | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program





















 























3A was created by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. It provides extensive support and care for individuals during crucial transitions in their recovery, especially when moving from inpatient care to everyday life.

Personalized Attention:



* A dedicated therapist designs and manages a specialized care program tailored to each individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven addiction treatment methods.

* Counseling sessions for the client and their close family and friends to establish supportive roles in the recovery process.



Continued Accountability:



* Daily individual counseling sessions.

* Weekly recovery group meetings.

* Daily check-ins with a Millennium counselor.



Radical Acceptance:



* Homework and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a serious disease and prioritize recovery.

* Counseling sessions to understand addiction’s impact on everyone involved and the importance of ongoing support for the whole family.



Benefits:



* Continued progress in recovery.

* Expert counselors with years of experience in addiction treatment.

* Proven methods for building personal support networks and new lifestyle routines.

* Comprehensive knowledge of the Chicago recovery community, enhancing the individualized recovery plan.

























Connect with us:



* Millennium Counseling Center: Website

* Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

* Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn



More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling,

This episode is all about embracing change and uncertainty. We discuss the complexities of change and transitions in life, exploring how individuals can work through these shifts with a balanced mindset and an open heart. We get into the emotional impact of change, the importance of being present, and strategies for managing uncertainty. 

Topics Discussed in “Embracing Change and Uncertainty”: 



* The emotional impact of significant life changes and transitions. 

* Strategies for staying present and avoiding the trap of future anxieties. 

* The importance of avoiding judgment and remaining open-minded about outcomes. 

* The concept of familiar vs. comfortable and how change disrupts these states. 

* How to balance the known and unknown when making significant life changes. 

* The role of curiosity and openness in navigating transitions. 

* Differentiating between stages of change and recognizing the middle phase as the hardest. 

* The analogy of life’s stages to the three-part script of media: introduction, crisis, and resolution. 

* The concept of control and focusing on the controllables in the face of change. 



Who This Episode is For: Individuals experiencing significant life changes and transitions. Those struggling with anxiety about the future. People interested in improving their mental and emotional well-being. Anyone looking to develop a more balanced and open-minded approach to life’s uncertainties. Supporters and loved ones of individuals going through major transitions and seeking to understand and provide better support.

Related content: How Tightly Are You Holding Onto Things? | Understanding Anxiety

Connect with us:



* Millennium Counseling Center: Website

* Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

* Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn



More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their comprehensive approach aims to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.

The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With an athletics and mental health background, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.

Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions,

This is a discussion about understanding recovery and what it entails beyond achieving the obvious end result. It explores how recovery helps regain innate qualities like honesty, enhances self-esteem and self-worth, and emphasizes the importance of living in the present to improve personal well-being.

Topics discussed in Understanding Recovery:



* The broader definition and benefits of recovery, including regaining qualities like honesty.

* The relationship between self-esteem, self-worth, and recovery.

* Living in the moment as a key recovery practice to enhance personal well-being.

* Understanding the three lives we live—public, private, and secret—and addressing the burdens of the secret life in therapy.

* The problematic nature of “I should” thinking and how it impacts happiness.

* The worthlessness of worrying and how recovery can help mitigate it.



Who This Episode is For: Individuals in recovery, those interested in mental health improvement, and supporters of people in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of the process.

Related Content: 3A | The Truth About Recovery and Client Experiences | Maintaining Post-Treatment Progress with 3A | Addiction Recovery

About 3A, Intensive Treatment Program























3A was developed by Ann Foster, Derek Bylsma, and Oren Matteson. 3A offers extensive support and wrap-around care for individuals during critical transitional times of their recovery, including, but not limited to, the time between leaving inpatient care and transitioning into everyday life.

























Personalized Attention: A dedicated therapist is responsible for creating and managing a specialized program of wrap-around care tailored to the individual’s needs using Millennium’s proven methods in addiction treatment. Counseling sessions for the client and their core group of family and friends to establish roles within the client’s recovery support network.







Continued Accountability: Daily individual counseling sessions. Inclusion in a recovery group that meets weekly. Accountability to a Millennium counselor seven days a week.





Radical Acceptance: Homework assignments and exercises to help clients accept addiction as a deadly disease and keep recovery first. Counseling sessions introduce how addiction has impacted everyone and the need for continued support for the whole family system.

















Benefits include Continued momentum towards success in recovery, expert counselors with years of experience treating addiction, proven methods of developing personal support networks and new lifestyle routines, and comprehensive knowledge of the Chicago recovery community complementing an individualized recovery plan.

 





















Connect with us:



* Millennium Counseling Center: Website

* Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

* Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn



More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction...