 |
| |
Telephone Sessions Available - Click Here |
|
|
 |
Addictions
Addictions are maladaptive behaviors, and include food, alcohol, drugs, sex, money, and gambling. During the progression
of the disease, addicts and those around them become impaired in their thinking, feelings, and actions. I believe
that therapy must address the addict’s conditions at all levels-cognitive, affective, and behavioral.
“Recovery is a journey not
a destination”
In therapy I encourage my clients
to examine their thought processes. When addicts become consciously aware of their thoughts, they are better able
to make healthier choices for themselves. Therefore I engage my client’s intellect, and encourage them to explore
the positive and negative consequences that will likely result from continuing to indulge their addictions. With
regard to alcohol and drug use, I teach addicts how to monitor themselves and recognize drug cravings early on,
and to identify high-risk situations for use. I also help them to develop strategies for coping with and avoiding
high-risk situations and the desire to use.
 I also assist clients in breaking out of the denial around
their own or another’s addictive behavior. Since addicts often engage in addictive behavior to escape painful feelings,
I pay special attention to their feeling states, and subsequently assist them in letting go of all-consuming anger,
grief, loneliness, and fear. Clients are challenged to not only give up their addictions, but also to take responsibility
for making improvements in their emotional, marital, parental, vocational, social, and financial functioning.
Read my article on Depression >
|
|
 |
