Choices Counseling Center was founded in 1985 by Maureen R. Traynor, who directs it today. Following a long career in an inpatient mental health setting in upstate New York, Maureen became a family systems therapist, working with Sharon Wegsheider-Cruse, a nationally known pioneer in treating the families of alcoholics.

In 1985, in a strong commitment to her work with the families of addicts, Maureen moved to Florida and began treating a small number of clients in a weekly group. "It really was just a commitment to those first clients, who wanted help," she has said. "I just did the next thing in front of me, and out of that came Choices." Today, Maureen is recognized nationally as a leader and innovator in the field of addiction. She believes that the secret of Choices' success is that "I have always recognized the underlying condition of addiction as inner pain and emptiness; and I feel enormous compassion for people who suffer from this. I believe it is the work of this generation to turn inward for self worth, spirituality, a connection with others, and the restoration of community. As I have learned from 12-Step programs, no shallow, self-centered solutions are going to last or be truly satisfying to people."

Maureen directs a "full service" counseling center with four professional staff members, with over a hundred weekly clients, and Weekend and Five Day Intensives which have been attended by thousands of people from all over the world. Maureen and the Choices staff strive to assist clients in reaching the highest functional level possible in all areas of their lives: in relationships, family, work, finance, and - the core of the others - within the self, emotionally and spiritually.

Many, local and from afar - stayed. Over a long period, Maureen has been able to observe the issues that come up for people after they have established initial sobriety. She has been able to create solutions that worked at each stage. "I feel a special satisfaction in the work we have been able to do with people who have spent years in 12-Step programs, but have not been able to identify or take the next step in their lives", she says.

Choices' expansion and stability is all the more phenomenal with the fact that it has occurred in an era of forced retraction of mental health services nationwide. Beginning in 1985, the year choices opened, over two hundred fifty treatment centers per year have closed their doors. (1). Choices, and the thousands of people who have been helped by the program over the years are thriving.

Maureen attributes the continued growth of Choices to several factors. She herself is an example of dedication and caring; and incorporates this philosophy into all aspects of Choices, teaching and inspiring generosity and commitment in others. Today, a newcomer who needs it can get help with a daily schedule, finding a job or housing, getting on a budget, communicating with family members, and reaching out from isolation to a full social life. It is this recovered sense of community and in-depth commitment to change which distinguishes Choices.

Having referred over time to Choices Weekend and Five Day programs, therapists in other parts of the country are establishing community-based recovery programs that work.

"I have had the privilege of seeing people change during the early stages of my own recovery," Maureen shares, "and they gave me hope and courage. I strive to provide my clients with hope for changing their lives, and the tools for doing so, as the greatest gifts they could receive from therapy."

"To this end, I regard my commitment to continuing growth for myself and my staff as our greatest asset in helping other people. Choices has attracted a clientele interested in lasting change, and long term improvement in the real quality of their lives. This requires that we as therapists continue to grow and to strive toward fulfillment in our own lives."