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How I would apply the rules of Gestalt Therapy

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Gestalt Therapy is about helping you recognize that being present is the most important rule.

If I was implementing this approach while working with you,  I would discuss my method and explain to you why it works.  I believe that implementing rules without an explanation does not create the confidence that is needed.  Then, after the trust is established I would be firm in my expectations but also have empathy and compassion.  If you slipped and asked a question instead of a statement I would simply remind you of the rules and gently ask you to rephrase what they were asking.  Implementing these rules may be uncomfortable at first but the once the you observe success you will understand the rules better and a beneficial outcome will be recognized.

Why I like the Bowen Family Therapy Approach

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Bowen Family Therapy is part of a growing trend of independent approaches to healing and family centered centers.  One of the main reasons that I believe that the Bowen Family Therapy appeals to me so much is that Bowen took his own approach to solving the dynamics and nuances of therapy.  Instead of focusing on tried and true methods for everyone he instead devised his own methods which would eventually turn into a completely viable approach that everyone else could take too.  The Bowen Family Therapy, in my opinion, offers a chance to present information to the client in a way which affords them the opportunity to recognize the unconsciousness factors impacting their life.  All too often we see or examine therapy treatment styles which do not properly address these factors and therefore leave an empty hole which leads to relapse situations.  Unfortunately, the Bowen Family Therapy approach cannot be used in every situation nor does it apply to every family so its practical application in the real world, depending on where you practice can have limited uses.  Depending on the clients’ needs and their own family history it will be important to properly assess whether or not this approach will be of any use.

Bowen Family Therapy information:

Bowen Family Therapy Center

Finding a Diversity Competent Counselor

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Being a competent counselor is very challenging and requires a lot of knowledge.  Being a diversity-competent counselor takes so much more.  When working with a chemical dependency group there is a high probability that the group will have to deal with different cultural backgrounds.  A diversity-competent counselor will be able to let go of fear and lead a discussion that is culturally sensitive.

Diversity-competent counselors don’t become competent overnight.  It takes years of experience and awareness to obtain the competency.  Counselors who are courageous, good role models, and very open minded will have a great chance of really understanding diversity.  Before they experience other cultures however, they must be able to understand their own culture first.

When working with chemical dependency groups a counselor should always be noticeably present and very genuine.  People in recovery are very sensitive to their surroundings so it is important for the counselor to be able to believe in the group process by not being defensive when criticized and identify with the group and the pain they are going through.  This means every single member of the group which includes all cultures and races.  By identifying with the members of the group a diversity-competent counselor can help cultural awareness within the group by inviting guided conversations that help bring awareness to ethnic differences.  When members of the group hear their peers talk about racial diversity they will be less likely to assume or label each other.

Leading groups can be extremely challenging and it takes time to be successful at it.  Competent counselors have personal power and stamina to make it through tough times and they never give up.  Diversity-competent counselors who lead groups are very self aware and bring dedication and commitment to the table even during the hard-hitting sessions.  Most importantly, they are able to recognize their own limitations.

How Family Systems Therapy Helps Your Motivation

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Family systems therapy increases motivation for recovery in many ways.  In family therapy there are five goals in which should be addressed and recommended.  The five goals are to increase motivation for recovery, to convey the whole-family message, to change family patterns that work against recovery, to prepare the family for what to expect in early recovery, and to encourage family members’ own long-term support.

In family therapy you will typically be agitated and more anxious when family members are present.  Fortunately, this anxiety is necessary for change as family is one the greatest influences on a person’s life and therefore can be motivation in recovery.   It is also an interesting fact that the family member is usually the first to cry or admit issues.  If you have children, they can be a huge influence for you even when no one else can seem to get through to you.  There always seems to be a link between the chemically dependent patient and other family members in some way and it is important to convey the Whole-Family-Message during sessions.  This then leads to changing the family patterns that work against recovery.  Once the entire family is involved it is crucial to eliminate conflicts, coalitions, and especially the enabler.

Preparing the family on what to expect in early recovery can often be challenging.  It is known that early sobriety is often worse than when you were during the use of the chemical.  That is why it is important for the family members to understand what the process involves.  Without this explanation, family members may be inclined to give up thinking that it was just easier to let them be dependent.  Also, encouraging the family members’ own long-term support is what is needed to the optimal outcome.  Even after all of the chemicals are gone, the anger, frustration, mood swings, etc. can last much longer than the family members may think.  This keeps the unrealistic expectations that the problems will disappear once the abuse stops at bay.

What is the difference between a slip and relapse?

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A slip is when a patient uses alcohol or drugs after treatment and relapse is when a patient uses a significant amount for a significant time.  Slips often lead to relapse.  Depending on what type of treatment a patient utilizes will depend on the chance that a slip will then transform into relapse.  If a patient is taught that a slip is horrible and if you slip then you have to start all over again they are more likely to go all out in slip and turn it into a relapse since they would have to start all over anyway.

When a slip occurs, your health care professional should be supportive and not judgmental.  It is important for all health care professionals not to look at slips as a disaster.  Instead, they should work with you in reviewing your after care plan and what you could have done differently to avoid the slip.  If need be, it would be important for the health care professional to change the aftercare plan looking at stresses and triggers that may have caused the slip.

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