Individual counseling

The Destructive Dilemma

Being pulled in two directions and running out of good options soon turns into being trapped between a rock and a hard place.

Well-meant advice becomes criticism, and suggestions become ultimatums. Previous experiences can be taken out of context and weaponized.

At this point “checking yourself into a program” may get brought up. This may conjure up images of being told you’re “sick” or “wrong” or even “attack therapy.”

Is there a compromise that “treats to heal” and leaves your authentic self intact?

The Inner Conflict

You know what to do, yet you keep choosing not to do it. Maybe it’s not even a choice; it just happens.

The addiction lets us talk ourselves into doing things that clearly aren’t in our best interests, so why keep doing it?

Friends, family, and employers have had about enough of it (if they are aware). If they are unaware, then it’s just a matter of time until they find out.

Being on the fence about reaching out for help, giving yourself one last chance to figure it out on your own, is a dangerous limbo with a predictable result.

Enough attempts at trying to quit on your own can cause you to doubt your own abilities, and even have convincing yourself that the whole idea is a lost cause. This doesn’t have to be the case.

Being Seen and Heard

Counseling is a proven process that teaches people how their minds operate. It helps them re-relate to their thoughts and feelings to change behaviors, improve relationships, and become their ideal selves.

I’ve found that I can solve my own problems, up to a point; but I get better, faster results when I ask for help.

Books, friends and the Internet are usually enough. But at some point, an expert who can take an objective view of the situation is going to be your best bet. Counseling is usually the quickest, most effective, safest route to address drug and alcohol problems.

The Therapeutic Alliance

The best predictor of a good counseling outcome is the relationship (alliance) you have with your counselor or therapist.

Reliable studies demonstrate that degrees, models, and methodologies are less important than the quality of the connection you have with the person you’re paying to help you.

Bottom line. Do some basic research and trust your instincts with what feels right, but don’t put it off any longer.

A Learned Philosophy

Resistance to change shows up in the oddest places. In 1999, my addiction had run its course. I wanted to be done beyond the shadow of a doubt, but my resistance took the form of subtle disagreements with what my counselors said and what felt like conflicting messages in the recovery community.

I never used again, but the path to healing was slower than it could have been.

As I developed in my clinical work, I always encouraged clients to question expert opinions and supported their expertise in their own lives.

The result was a better relationship and no hidden agendas in the process. Since clients (not patients) are the experts on their own lives, they aren’t dependent on me or anyone else for their own well-being.

Group vs Individual Treatment?

Group and individual counseling are generally considered to be equally effective. Still, there are some people who just feel more comfortable discussing things one-on-one. There are pros and cons of both methods, and I’ll list some below.

Modern treatment groups can and should be a compassionate, professional way to heal with peer support and minimal guidance by trained staff.

If that has not been your experience with groups, or you have your own reservations about discussing problems with other people, you are certainly not alone. Then one-on-one counseling is probably a better match.

Working together on an individual basis gives us the freedom to set our own pace and only discuss what matters specifically to you.

Feel Better Than You Have in Years

Let go of the troubled past and move toward the creation of an alcohol- and drug-free future. Shame and blame are off the menu, and you’re no longer concerned anymore about “what-might-happen-ifs.”

Exchanging inner conflict for peace of mind is one of the greatest gifts of recovery. Give it to yourself today.

Call (916) 382-2412 today for a free 20-minute consultation, with no obligation.

Call me as soon as you get done reading this.