Celinda Jungheim, Board President, Recovery International

Could you provide an overview of Recovery International and its current focus?

At Recovery International, we focus on cognitive behavioral training to help individuals gain greater insight into their lives. Many people go through life reacting to irritations and frustrations without truly understanding the toll it takes on their well-being. Our program equips participants with practical tools to navigate life with greater peace and productivity.

I joined years ago while struggling with serious health issues, and I’ve witnessed many individuals who are overwhelmed by stress—often about things that never come to pass. Our volunteer-led groups offer a supportive environment where leaders, experienced in the program, guide participants. Recovery International emphasizes that we are perpetual learners; there are no masters, only apprentices.

The tools we teach are straightforward but require consistent practice, much like any skill. Group sessions allow participants to practice these methods and receive gentle corrections as needed. A key philosophy we embrace is, “If you can’t change the situation, you can change your attitude toward it.” Another fundamental idea is that not every thought deserves acceptance. For me, this was transformative, as I realized I didn’t have to entertain every negative thought that crossed my mind. Our organization has been cultivating emotional intelligence through these principles for over 85 years.

What would you identify as the key factors contributing to the success of your program?

For those who are committed to change, our program serves as a roadmap to recovery. I personally didn’t know how to manage stress until I was taught to practice these skills. Recovery is not a quick fix; it’s a journey that requires dedication and consistent effort. Dr. Abraham Low, our founder, emphasized this principle. Over time, participants internalize these skills, helping them address both physical challenges, such as nervous fatigue or anxiety, and mental hurdles, like fear, anger, or frustration.

Everyday irritations—spilled milk or a stained blouse, for instance—can accumulate and leave people feeling overwhelmed. We teach strategies to handle these frustrations, fostering a more peaceful life.

What distinguishes Recovery International from other mental health organizations?

I consider us one of the best-kept secrets in the mental health field. While some may perceive our methods as overly simple, our structured self-help approach has proven effective for decades. What truly sets us apart is our emphasis on fostering self-reliance and resilience, which complements professional care in a unique and impactful way.

Could you explain the experience and methodology involved in your program?

New participants are encouraged to attend introductory meetings, where sessions typically begin with readings from Dr. Low’s works to establish a foundation. The cornerstone of our program is the Four-Step Example:

1. Identify the trigger. What situation caused the upset?
2. Recognize the symptoms. Were they physical (jaw clenching, stomach tension) or mental (thoughts like “Why me?”)?
3. Apply the tools. This involves identifying temper—whether fearful or angry—and shifting perspective using tools like, “People do things that annoy us” or “There are always two sides to a story.”
4. Self-endorsement. Acknowledge your efforts, even if imperfect, and recognize progress.

The process concludes with reflection, contrasting how situations were handled before joining Recovery International with how they are managed now. This practice has profound implications for both professional and personal life.

Can you share a specific example of an individual who benefited from the program?

I currently lead a caregivers’ group, and one participant, who drives a van for individuals with disabilities, comes to mind. He often anticipates difficult interactions with certain passengers, which previously led to frustration and anger. Through our program, he has learned to approach these situations calmly, adopting a mindset of, “Let’s see what happens.”

As a result, he manages challenges with composure, ensuring better care for his passengers. By maintaining his own calmness, he creates a more peaceful environment for everyone. A saying we use often is, “Calm gets the client calm, and temper begets temper.” His transformation is a testament to the program’s efficacy.

My own journey is another example. When I joined Recovery International, I was severely ill and institutionalized. The medical model wasn’t effective for me, but the tools I learned here enabled me to change my mindset and behavior. This program empowers anyone willing to practice.

What message would you offer to those considering becoming volunteer leaders in your organization?

Every new participant has leadership potential, even if they don’t realize it initially. Many come in saying, “Me? A leader? I don’t think so.” But with time and guidance, they grow into the role.

We offer a leadership training program on a national scale, with new groups starting regularly. Volunteers don’t need to be perfect; their role is to model Recovery principles and help others apply the methodology. Our hybrid approach—via Zoom, telephone, and in-person meetings—offers flexible ways to engage with the program.

What would you say to potential donors or supporters considering contributing to Recovery International?

While we never turn anyone away, we rely on donations and grants to sustain our efforts. Contributions—whether from participants, families, or corporations—are critical to our work. The return on investment is significant, as we operate efficiently with minimal overhead.

Our primary expense is a small staff that supports hundreds of groups nationwide. Every dollar ensures the continuation and expansion of our services.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Recovery International?

My hope is that these tools become part of everyone’s life skills, starting in schools. If children learn these principles early, they could avoid many challenges later in life.

With the accessibility provided by Zoom, our reach has expanded dramatically. I encourage anyone curious about Recovery International to attend six meetings before deciding if it’s right for them.