Psychotherapy with 12 Step Members
Therapy is not a replacement for the healing power of 12 Step programs.
Finding a good therapist who understands and respects the values and principles of 12 Step programs creates a powerful context to deepen and enhance a person's recovery from the effects of addiction in the process of recovery.
Some benefits of a psychotherapist who understands the power of 12 Step program membership:
Find emotional safety while enhancing your healing with a qualified and trained professional who understands the depth and power of the 12 Step recovery program. A psychotherapist who respects each client’s dignity and supports a personal sense of a Higher Power.
Therapy goals may include:
- Empowering and supporting 12 Step meeting attendance; discuss problems and triggers encountered therein.
- Empowering and supporting connection with 12 Step sponsor; discuss problems and triggers encountered therein.
- Planning and practicing new communication skills in session.
- Practicing new strategies for behaving in new or difficult life situations.
- Soothingly delve into childhood wounding memories as they are recovered by step work.
- Resolving and healing grief, PTSD, and abuse associated with addictions.
- Monitor depression and current coping behaviors.
- Refer to medical professionals as needed.
- Teach and practice new survival skills.
- Use therapy as a safe relationship in which to practice vulnerability and assertiveness without threat of losing the relationship.
- Apply compassion and understanding to destructive behaviors patterns, regarding them as attempts to fulfill needs.
