Areas of Expertise
Provide Education
When you are well informed you are able to make better choices for yourself. I provide education on many topics that relate to addiction and recovery. Here are some of the most common topics:
* Why is addiction a disease?
* How do you know if you have a problem?
* Why does relapse happen?
* How can I help someone I love?
Substance Use Assessment
This is a process used to determine at what stage of addiction a
person is in and identify the appropriate level of care an
individual needs.
Informal - This is a more relaxed assessment that is dialogue based. The questions are geared towards assessing where they are in their willingness to change. Do they want something different for themselves? Or are they content being where they are? This is important information in making a treatment recommendation.
Formal - This assessment is much more in depth and follows a formal process of collecting a psycho-social background that includes: substance use, prior treatment, legal, and medical history. It also includes a formal diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.
This is often the assessment that is needed to meet legal requirements.
Treatment Recommendations
Treatment for addiction can be confusing and overwhelming. It isn't a one size fits all! I make treatment recommendations on an individual basis. Not everyone can or will be willing to go to inpatient treatment. Then what? Not everyone wants to be sober. Then what? There are many ways to treat addiction and I can help find the right one for you.
Counseling
Individual - I work with you no matter where you are in the process. I will help to identify problems, set goals, and give direction to promote change. I have no personal agenda other than to help you become the best you possible.
Stage 2 Recovery - It is not uncommon for people in recovery to feel like they have "hit a wall" and are no longer feeling the emotional relief that their recovery tools once gave them. This can be a discouraging, but don't give up. This is merely a sign that you may need additional help to reach a deeper level of emotional freedom.
Couples - Addiction puts a wedge between couples because it's a family disease. There is pain and resentments from the past that can continue to cause problems if not resolved. I can help you learn healthy communication that promotes forgiveness and healing.
Couples in Recovery - When both people are in recovery from addiction there may be additional challenges that neither person expected. Old insecurities, jealousy, and communication problems can be a challenge. I help couples learn to have a healthy happy relationship.
Family Counseling - I work with the family as a whole or on an individual basis. Conflict resolution, healthy boundaries, and self care are important for the entire family including children. I can help you even if your love one is not ready or willing to get help themselves.
Recovery Activist
I believe it is important to advocate for people who suffer from substance use disorders, their families and the people who work to help them on a daily basis. More and more people are understanding addiction but very few know that people recover. Here are some of the ways I try to make a difference.
Workshop Facilitator - Community workshops and professional presentations on Understanding Addiction, Relationships and Dating, Healthy Communication, Family Roles and Recovery and various other topics.
Community Advocate - I advocate for my clients by providing appropriate supervision and documentation to professional organizations such as Texas Physicians Health Program, Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses, Texas Peer Assistance for Addiction Counselors, as well as Probation Officers and Attorneys.
Addiction Specialist - I am available to appear in court to give a progress report or present my formal assessment and professional recommendation. This can be useful when negotiating help for someone who has been detained or has a history of legal issues as a result of their addiction.
More About Me
I have always been sensitive to others pain and wanted to help others. This resulted in years of codependency and later addiction. Little did I know, 30 years ago when I walked into my therapist office, the journey that awaited me and the ability to help others.
I first discovered the effects of alcohol in my early teens. It was my solution for depression, anxiety and low self esteem. When I drank I didn't care what you thought of me and I was "my best self", or at least I thought so. By the time I was 23 years old I was married to my second alcoholic husband; and by age 27 I had 3 kids. With both of us in active addictions, my suffering progressed rapidly until my depression and our family dysfunction drove me to the brink of insanity. I reached out for help.
My husband and I both went to treatment and our new lives in sobriety began. It took a lot of outside help to heal the level of dysfunction addiction caused in our relationship and our family. We were willing to follow suggestions and try new things. We learned how to have a healthy relationship with each other and our now
adult children.
I have spent countless hours training to be an effective counselor and participate in continuing education on a regular basis. However, I believe it is my personal experience that allows me to have a high level of empathy and understanding - for both the person who is suffering from addiction and for their family.
My Approach
I use several different approaches when working with clients. I adjust according to their needs. I believe that people have the answers they seek internally and when the right questions are asked, they find them.
I believe every coping skill you have, you needed at the time you developed it. I am positive, affirming, and honor all your coping skills, even those that are no longer helpful.
I will work with you to identify and change the coping skills that aren't serving you today.
I am a good listener, but also provide direction. I believe I have a responsibility to tell you what I see even if its hard to hear. I will also respect you if you don't agree.
It takes action to create change. The challenge is figuring out what action you need to take to create the change you want.
I can help identify the change and if I am not the right fit for you, I will help you find that person!
