Hello Brattle-friends,
I’m hoping to find a substance abuse counselor to talk with who is open to non-absinence approaches like harm reduction, moderation and so forth. I’m looking for someone who can meet me where I’m at, take my goals seriously and be non-judgmental and non-pressuring. Any ideas or recommendations anyone may have would be appreciated.
Thanks a million.
Moss
This type of counseling should be equally available
Just posting this alone is an important step. This type of non-abstinence counseling should be equally available to anyone who requests it, instead of the heavy-handedness counseling of abstinence and zero-tolerance that dominates mental health services today.
It’s also indicative of your own sensible, good mental health.
Good for you.
there was a time...
and perhaps it was so long ago I should say “Once upon a time” many mental health counselors, therapists, social workers, etc. generally “started where the client was at” — it was a cornerstone of a good therapeutic relationship. Alas, insurance companies, governments, and others started to demand results or they wouldn’t pay, and the long term empowerment and I believe greater long term health that comes from that approach was sacrificed for the coerced behavior that can bring about a certain amount of focused specific results, at least in some ways, but sacrifices so much (I will refrain from listing ALL the harm I think it does to be so prescriptive in our health care provisions). If the professionals wanted to get paid, they had to go by the rules. Unfortunately, they sold themselves out as far as I am concerned, and are now paying the price by being upstaged by peer programs and coaching. Coaching has no sanctioned credentialing so one may get a wonderful or a horrible coach, without recourse.
That all said, I bet there is someone who can accept you for who you are, and find a way to get paid through some system, or perhaps charge you a lower direct pay fee since the paperwork would be nil. If I were able to work I would offer to meet briefly with you just to support you in finding someone who can meet your needs.
There have been people who have made harm reduction and moderation work, though it can be very difficult. But if it does work for you, then, there you go! And if it doesn’t, at least you will have come to that information honestly and personally, making it way more valuable. Unless you have a physical medical condition or a behavior that is life-threatening to others, I fully believe in your right to your own learning process. If you are using and driving, for example, or exhibit violent behavior while using, please stop the dangerous behavior.
You sound like you are very serious, and I applaud you for that!! Good luck! I will be most interested to see what evolves in this online conversation.
When I used to run quit smoking groups, I always told people every effort gave them more information to work with, so should not be viewed as “failure” if it didn’t lead to perfection. Just feedback as to what else they needed to strategize, and more specific sense of what works in which situations.
And when someone who normally smoked a carton of cigarettes a week would say “Oh, I failed, I had a cigarette two days ago so I might as well give up” I would point out that on a scale of one to 100, having one cigarette out of 200 is a 99.5% success rate, otherwise known as an A+ in my grade book, and to try to reframe the situation! That generally left them kind of speechless. They didn’t tend to argue with me after that! I told them it was in their hands as to whether they continued to drop their average or maintain their A+.
Coaching Standards and Strength-based Approaches
Thanks for sharing your experience! I thought I’d respond to a couple points:
1. Coaching. Coaches at Vermont’s recovery centers (including Brattleboro’s Turning Point) all receive a week-long initial training, then ongoing training, as well as supervision at their local centers. The centers have adopted standards of the Vermont Recovery Network, of which we’re all members. These standards and the supervision we provide ensure a quality service, not possible (we believe) than that offered by unaffiliated individuals who may attend the week-long training but not abide by any standards or have ongoing supervision.
2. All Paths to Recovery; Strength-based Approach. Centers are also places that offer a strength-based approach that recognizes and celebrates successes, rather than focusing on setbacks. When someone who has a number of years experiences a setback, their background may lead them to feel like a failure, that they’re starting over. We instead adopt the approach you mention. For instance, someone may identify as having 10 years in recovery and 2 years abstinent (this person’s current preference). Someone else may identify as being in recovery, though they may have a drink (for instance) on occasion; we recognize that the person’s current lifestyle allows them to live a happy, productive life. We honor the work the person has done, and don’t impose any particular recovery solution.
Non-Abstinence-Friendly Support at Turning Point
Hello Moss,
Do you know about the Turning Point recovery center here in town? I’m the director there, where we meet people on all paths of recovery. We support whatever path of recovery is working to help people find wellness and happiness. While sometimes that’s abstinence-based, just as often it’s harm reduction (including medication-assisted recovery using methadone or suboxone) or various other models. Some people use yoga and meditation, some reconnect with a faith-based approach, some connect with nature or a hobby, some use counseling–most find a community that supports them in their personal choices.
We say that meet meet people where they are; we honor the choices they’ve made to put their addictive lifestyle behind them. We don’t do counseling, per se, but rather offer peer support; our peer workers are people who have lived experience in recovering from addiction, people with experience in various approaches. We don’t promote any one approach, but recognize that what works for one may not suit another. We also have recovery coaches, who support people who want a partner (not a sponsor!), just someone to check in with and help them navigate their life in recovery.
I’m glad to talk with you, or tell you more here. I know many people who improve their lives through other than abstinence-based models.
Suzie
Hi Suzie, Thanks so much for
Hi Suzie,
Thanks so much for this comment — it’s very exciting to see. I have heard of Turning Point, but wasn’t sure exactly what it was. As you described it, that sounds like just what I could use. I plan to be in touch in a couple weeks to see how I can start getting involved.
Really, thank you thank you thank you. It feels so good to be taking this first step toward better days 🙂
Good luck
And all the best in your happier choices!
Your welcome!
I’m so very glad to help, and look forward to meeting you!
Email
Hi Suzie, I tried emailing info@turningpoint-windham.org a couple weeks ago but haven’t heard back. Is there a better email address I could use?