SMART Recovery® Support Group

BRADEN CENTER IS NOW HOSTING WEEKLY MEETINGS IN SYCAMORE!

Welcome to SMART Recovery®, a science-based addiction recovery support group—where participants learn selfempowering techniques to aid their recovery through mutual-help face-to-face and online meetings and services. No matter what your addiction, SMART Recovery® tools and techniques can help you overcome the behavior.

How Does SMART Recovery® Work?

SMART Recovery® uses tools based on scientifi cally-proven methods for addiction recovery such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and motivational interviewing.

The SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program

Building and Maintaining Motivation
Coping with Urges
Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
Living a Balanced Life

Some of the tools used in the program are outlined to the right in “Some Specifics.”

What Makes SMART Recovery® Different?

SMART Recovery® advocates choice, so that those seeking recovery can choose what works best for them from a variety of options.

The SMART Recovery® goal is for you to achieve a healthy, positive and balanced lifestyle and to “graduate” when you feel your addictive behavior is behind you, not to remain a permanent participant in the program. Upon graduation, many SMART participants volunteer as meeting facilitators or in another capacity to help “pay forward” the gains they achieved.

When Can I Start?

TODAY! Visit the SMART Recovery® website for introductory information, slide shows and videos, articles, meeting locations, online meetings, chat sessions, discussion message boards and much more. All the tools are there for you to explore. And . . . it’s all FREE.

SMART Meetings

SMART Recovery® conducts face-to-face meetings in locations around the world, plus daily online meetings. Click the “Meetings” link on the SMART Recovery® website for times and places most convenient for you.

Some Specifics

Here are some of SMART Recovery® tools that can help you in your recovery journey:

CHANGE PLAN WORKSHEET: This is a chart in which you list your goals, how you will attain them, the ways in which you will overcome obstacles and challenges, etc. The very process of completing a Change Plan Worksheet will clarify both your goals and the roadblocks to attaining them.

COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: Often called “CBA,” this tool is especially useful for increasing your motivation to abstain from your addictive behavior.

The ABC’s of REBT: This tool from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, founded by Dr. Albert Ellis, helps identify our irrational beliefs, which in turn lead to poor consequences.

DISARM(Destructive Imagery and Self-talk Awareness and Refusal Method): This tool exposes the thoughts and images which urge us to pursue our addiction as inaccuracies, excuses and rationalizations.

BRAINSTORMING: This technique is often used in face-toface and online meetings. A participant introduces a question or problem. Other participants then offer ideas and/or suggestions without any judgment involved.

ROLE-PLAYING/REHEARSING: This tool is used mostly in groups. An example would be rehearsing how to avoid addictive behavior at a wedding or other high-risk upcoming event with group members playing various roles.

BRADEN CENTER IS HOSTING MEETINGS
IN SYCAMORE

Thursdays 6:30PM – 7:30PM

CALL OR CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE INFO

What Our Clients are Saying.....

Braden Counseling Center

4.5

Based on 103 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

My counselor Christine K. is very helpful, easy to talk to, makes me feel comfortable, gives great feedback!!!

stacie dishman

16:30 20 Feb 24

Dwayne at Braden counseling goes above and beyond to help his clients. He is very professional and his priorities are all about his clients. I honestly, have to say that Dwayne is an amazing person, and I truly value our working relationships.

Todd Friedewald

00:31 12 Feb 24

David was incredibly great. Most people would feel very closed out and possibly shy as a client. However, David made me feel very comfortable and was very helpful and detailed in conversation while being very professional. I left very satisfied and looking forward to his services!!! Thank you David keep being great !!!

Natalie Hernandez

13:44 06 Feb 24

Highly recommend!

Joseph Dolcimascolo

02:12 31 Jan 24

Braden counseling is outstanding in the work they do Paul has changed my life and helped me so much in understand myself better and transforming me into a better person all around I recommend this center and Paul to anyone keep up the hard work and dedication!

Antonio Diaz

02:14 24 Jan 24

I appreciate the open dialogue allowing attendees to share their thoughts, which enriches the learning experience, but also to have the focused guidance of a counselor to ensure the point of topic.

Joe Freehill

15:18 23 Jan 24

Dwayne is awesome and a pleasure to work with! I will request him every time! Thank you, Dwayne!

Jen Rupp

20:06 15 Dec 23

Dwayne Johnson is very professional and understanding.. Great counselor.. very satisfying

Eva Thompson

01:25 30 Nov 23

I called so many other counseling office first, either no one answer the call or no confirmed days for class, with Braden, right away, walk me through the process, fees and needed information, able to set up appointment next day to do the testing and schedule me the class right way. very helpful, not like some other place asked me to fill out so many medical forms although just 10 hours DUI Risk Education.I am really happy with them, they are also not charge as much as other company.

Lan Hankes

22:56 03 Oct 23

Everyone was very professional and kind!

Cody Neuschwanger

16:49 18 Sep 23

Worked with Dwayne Thomas at the North Aurora location and couldn't be more satisfied with the respect and understanding he operated with. Really knows how to connect and convey the right message.

Bret Van Gampler

23:30 05 Sep 23

Very friendly and did a great job.

Matthew Quirk

21:41 18 Aug 23

I see Amanda Cimaglia and she is by far the most compassionate, respecting and caring counselor I've had. With all the craziness I'm going through she really keeps me grounded. Always listens to me and never ever rushes me but gives me time for her positive feedback.I've always had trouble trusting someone with my issues because I'd find out that the counselor did not go according to her perfession but listen to others to get something out of me. I never had once had that once with Amanda Cimaglia and she let's me work through things I need to at my own pace. And for that I thank her 😊 . She has my mental health at her best interest. Wish there was more counselors out there like her so others can have a safe spot to speak without judgment like I do.From the very bottom of my heart, thank you Amanada Cimaglia and Braden Counseling for having her on board. I'm sure all your staff and team members are just as compassionate ❤️

Maggie Opiola

19:52 26 Jun 23

David Jones is an outstanding counselor. I feel very fortunate to have him as our Lead on Saturday Morning group sessions.

John Boehm

06:31 24 May 23

Staff was amazing. Everything was explained and all questions answered.

Wanda Sutton

23:21 21 Apr 23

understanding compassionate reflextive knowledged tool based

happy holiday

20:10 09 Dec 22

Braden Counseling is a clinic we frequently refer to because of the clinical quality and comprehensive services. All interactions we have had with Braden have been very positive and helpful; excellent coordination of care.

Maggie Miilano

16:57 02 Dec 22

Braden counseling is very good at what they do. They do great things. I’ve been through there system more then once, I recommend them all day every day. Take your pick. I’d say choose one these guys. Very friendly, never mess up and very interactive. If you need anything they are there. I have met a lot of the staff and they all are true and gifted. Thank you Braden counseling for your great works!

Cody Bell

23:02 21 Sep 22

Dr.Braden is an incredible, sweet and motivating leader! I’m so blessed to have found her center to successfully get me through 10 years of care. Everyone should know if I overcame my many obstacles they can too! Work hard and put up a fight!

Lisa Tegeler

00:19 29 Jul 22

As an attorney, finding the right treatment center for my clients is critical to their success. I have been referring my clients to Braden Counseling for years. They are always hard working, professional, and accomodating.

Brian Mirandola

16:59 26 May 22

I love my therapist at Braden, I always feel listened to and I look forward to my visits. All of the staff I've interacted with has been super friendly and helpful, and the environment is very calming. Best therapy center I have been to.

Devon Buza

15:25 25 Jun 21

Very professional and they were extremely nice, I'm happy with my choice of going threw Braden counseling center for my classes!

gage butts

19:43 07 Feb 21

Amazing place

Ralph Burton

16:30 30 Jan 21

Braden Counseling’s staff is outstanding! The counselor conducted herself in a very friendly, courteous, and professional manner. I was treated with dignity and respect. I was put at ease and the evaluation went smoothly, and efficiently. I would definitely recommend Braden Counseling for all of your personal needs.😊

Gregory Link

17:16 21 Jan 21

Excellent first visit with Dr. Braden.

Gary Duffett

21:18 19 Dec 20

My son liked his first visit and is open to going back again.

Veris Nicole

22:36 12 Oct 20

Very friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommend

Jennifer Rosales

21:50 29 Jul 20

I could not be more satisfied with braden counseling with thier help. Very patient with clients in crisis and need of thier help.

randall nuckles

15:12 09 Jul 20

I truly got the help I needed here and I appreciate all the staff member for making it a comfortable environment to feel free to talk about what's on your mind and making sure you get the proper help you need.

Majah’s Mayhem

19:30 20 May 20

Love the staff .. came here for help and they definitely made a point to take care of all my paper work I needed .. would highly recommend them mostly Nikki shes a great help with anything .. always so cheerfull here 🙂

miguel tovar

00:58 17 Dec 19

All staff very nice, respectful, caring, patientWould definitely recommend

Zack Newby

01:23 18 Nov 19

One word....AMAZING !Very Comprehensive and Professional service. I would Highly Recommend to any one in need.

Joseph Perry

16:58 10 Jul 19

Dr. Jane Braden was absolutely wonderful and help me though my whole dui process, made it easy and help me understand.thank you some much DR. Branden for everything, your the best !!!😜

Sean Battersby

18:46 12 Mar 19

Friendly staff, very professional and results driven

Jeffrey Kerner

13:53 01 Aug 17

Caring staff. Dr Braden was extremely compassionate and supportive during a difficult time. Recommend to anyone!

T Anderson

21:54 06 Apr 16

Braden Counseling center has the finest professionals around. I'd highly recommend their services should a need arise.

Ndisox

03:03 29 Mar 16

Braden Counseling is amazing! Very kind, very friendly staff. Treated me as though I'd been family. I'd recommend them to anyone!

Jessica jorgensen

22:34 24 Mar 16

They have amazing staff. They listen and help out so much I would recommend them to anyone .

Brad Jorgensen

22:33 24 Mar 16

The staff is very welcoming and friendly and professional when you walk through the door!! I had been dealing with some anxiety for some time.... I am so glad I went to Braden counseling my first visit there I felt a sense of being welcomed and actually listened to!! Needless to say when I walked out the door I felt a weight off my shoulders I haven't felt in sometime!! So thank you to your wonderful staff!! I would highly recommend Braden counseling to anyone who is looking for a great counselor to talk with and help with your mental health!!

Deborah Mccoy

19:00 24 Mar 16

I was an emotional wreck when I first went. I was nervous and probably not making a lot of sense. The staff seemed to understand and immediately put me at ease. By the time I left, life just didn’t seem so bad. Thank you Braden Center for being there.

Pam Pascolini

15:57 24 Mar 16

The staff is friendly and courteous. I was amazed at how helpful they were. These people are top notch and very professional. I would highly recommend this office.

Tricia Hernandez

15:45 24 Mar 16

Braden Counseling Center has always been wonderful. Their front staff is very kind and helpful and Dr. Braden is nothing but professional during all encounters I have had with her. Their facility and staff care about providing quality services to their clients. I highly recommend them.

Amanda Poturalski

13:56 24 Mar 16

Would give this place more then 5 stars if I could. I Highly recommend them. Staff is amazing there and so helpful .

Master Shake

21:57 23 Mar 16

I highly recommend Braden Counseling. All the staff there is amazing and very sweet 🙂

Melissa Stathis

21:48 23 Mar 16

Highly recommend this place. Very helpful and always courteous. Ms. Rogers is the best and has excellent skills with people to help them through a multitude of problems.

Sarah Schuyler

20:37 23 Mar 16

Amazing place! The counselors have helped me through some of my lowest points & the girl at the front desk, Cindy, is always super helpful, kind & courteous. Highly recommend!!!

Jennifer Alexander

19:54 23 Mar 16

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