I think back fondly to one of my favorite twelve-step meetings when I was in early recovery. The meeting focused on meditation. After introductions, group members turned off the room lights, closed the doors, and drew the curtains shut, creating an atmosphere of complete darkness. A...
Addiction can manifest itself in individuals through both behaviors and substance/alcohol use. Some of these behaviors are well accepted in society and can be considered healthy behaviors, such as drinking a glass of wine with dinner for heart health or taking medication prescribed by your...
"If I told somebody I was a recovering alcoholic, people would applaud and celebrate," complains my client. "But I’d get stares and judgment if they knew I am a recovering sex addict!" Many individual and group clients have either verbally or silently grumbled something to that effect...
Less than one percent of the population has run a full 26.2-mile marathon. I used to think that those who do so were crazy. Recently, I signed up to run a half-marathon. I guess that makes me half crazy. :)Curiously, though, I had a blast running 13.1 miles! As I was rounding the bend on...
I appreciate the practicality of the tools used by 12 step-groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Sex Addicts Anonymous. The tools help in establishing consistent sobriety, which is the basic foundation upon which all subsequent growth depends. How important are these simple tools...
I remember the day that my mother-in-law instructed me how to best connect to my sister-in-laws, who are substantially younger than me. My mother-in-law stated that it is best to meet them on their own turf, reaching out to them via text, rather than any other archaic way such as having a...
So, I like to look at how addiction can manifest in our lives, kind of like a pet, a cuddly, furry, loving, adoring little pet. A pet that likes to snuggle your neck, comfort you and keep you company. This pet of ours, our addictive traits, comes into our lives as soothing...
We are excited to announce that the Sexual Recovery Program (SRP) at CPCC will now be offering services for female sex and love addicts in the community. Our very own MFT Intern, Lisa Olson, will be using her expertise in addiction to support female sex and love addicts in their journey toward...
She stood there, frozen in time, holding that tiny piece of register tape in her hand, staring. The world melted around her. Her heart was pounding and head felt like it was going to explode. She felt like someone had just sucker-punched her. “Now what?” she thought. Susan...
No matter what populations you work with, sex addiction is likely something that impacts your clientele. Your clients may be dealing with it first hand, or they may have spouses, partners, or family members who are. For this reason, it is helpful for all counselors to have some...
