Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2495

Tonight's special guest is Melody J Anderson, LCSW, from Los Angeles and New York City, a child abuse survivor with 28 years in private practice in Westwood and Manhattan. "I grew up in an alcoholic home," Melody reports. "My father suffered from many addictions, including gambling and alcoholism. Sadly, he never sought treatment and died at 55." She goes on, "My mother dealt with her depression from my father’s drinking by isolating and neglecting her role as a mother. My older sister and I were left to raise ourselves." Their grandmother rose to the occasion, and ".. gave us the peace to experience that we children were not truly alone in the world." Melody was beset with nightmares, believed she could not trust anyone, and made poor relationship choices. Her confusion has left her with life-long economic anxiety. Fortunately, she found help through Al-Anon and therapy. "Over a quarter of a century ago, I made the decision to pass on my experience, strength and hope to others who knew this pain, by returning to school and becoming a licensed therapist in addiction and trauma." Melody specializes in treating individuals, couples and families coping with addiction, trauma, life changes, mental illness and more. Among other things, she created and was the Coordinator of “The Intensive-Outpatient Program” and “Family & Friends Program” at Hazelden New York. She has facilitated groups for the dually-diagnosed in Los Angeles and is the Clinical Director at 'Friendly House', an all-women’s, in-patient treatment facility.