Philosophy about Addiction Counselling

There are many models for treating addictions. I approach counselling with the following understanding:

  • When you become negatively addicted to a substance (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, etc.), a physical activity (gambling, eating, sex, etc.) or an emotional activity (worry, drama, negative thinking, catastrophizing, etc.), you always have the power within yourself to change that behaviour if you so choose. There are also strategies and tools that can assist you to successfully follow through on that choice.
  • The activity that you engaged in that led to the addictive behaviour was your best attempt to get your underlying needs met. Even when you recognize that your addictive behaviour is not meeting your needs and is negatively affecting your life, you will likely find it difficult to stop indulging in that behaviour. It takes strong determination to change once cravings have a hold on you.
  • All addictive behaviour is a symptom of an underlying problem (low self worth, unresolved trauma, metabolic imbalances, etc.).
  • Each individual is unique. As such, planning for change must be unique to each individual.

Development of self awareness and mastery over your thinking:

  • Counselling is geared to assist you to develop a depth of self awareness that encourages mastery over your own thinking and actions. With this empowerment, you have the capacity to liberate yourself from addictive behaviour that interferes with enjoying a happy life. See Professional Help for Long Term Recovery.
  • Addictive behaviour within families impacts the family as a whole. Each family member employs behaviour in their best attempt to meet their needs within the addictive system. An example of this would be the husband who tells his wife’s employer she is sick with the flu and cannot come to work when actually she is exhausted after spending the previous 24hours on a cocaine/alcohol binge. Covering for the addict is common in addictive systems.
  • Family involvement in the change process allows for the family systems to be thoroughly explored. The family can determine which aspects of their interrelating work and which don’t. With this increased awareness, each individual can learn to choose to employ new behaviours that may prove more successful in getting their needs met within the family environment. Instead of enabling the addictive behaviour, this leaves the addict to take full responsibility for their own behaviour.
  • All persons have the capacity to change if they so choose. It is a matter of developing heightened self awareness, mastery over your own thinking, the development of new brain circuitry, and strong determination to make the changes that you feel are right for you. Counselling provides an environment to assist you in determining your goals and then planning to help you to achieve your goals for positive change where you are free from addiction.

A holistic approach for overcoming addictions heightens success. This includes development of self-awareness concerning the body, mind, and spirit and taking action where action is needed to promote positive change. See Professional Help for Long Term Recovery for more information about Barbara’s therapeutic approach to addictions.