Couples therapy with an addiction issue is complex and complicated -

Posing a special challenge for even the most experienced therapists

After a few drinks, they start to feel woozy and out of control, recognizing they’ve had enough and stop.

They have a few drinks and feel powerful and in control. This is an abnormal reaction and sets up a craving for more. They can’t stop.

Addicts often struggle to accept that they are wired differently and can’t use like “normal people,” which can make therapy an ongoing challenge.

Addiction is a complex and genetically susceptible condition.

Early trauma or neglect compromises the brain in so many ways – and a compromised brain is extremely vulnerable to addiction.

It’s no wonder why many therapists shy away from working with addicted partners

With The Sober Truth, you’ll learn:

A holistic perspective on addiction. How to think about addiction and describe it to your clients in a way that doesn’t scare them out of therapy.
The 2 ways addiction presents in couples therapy.
How to approach or integrate addiction treatment into your couple's work, whether your couples acknowledge an addiction, or deny one.
How to do both a formal and informal assessment. This will empower your client to self-assess and help them realize on their own whether they’ve crossed the line into addictive usage. This often softens the blow and removes you from being seen “as the enemy.”
How to walk the delicate line between confronting and being a cheerleader.
How to get the spouse on board and help them understand and confront any behaviors they’re doing that undermine recovery.
How to recognize the pitfalls that will stall your effectiveness.
What to do when you get lots of pushback from the addict or they threaten to leave therapy.
You will also see a live demonstration of a session, so you can see the work in action.

– Dr. Ellyn Bader, The Couples Institute

– Janae Munday, LCSW

– Lori Weisman, MA, LMHC

Webinar video, PDF and handout

PDF of webinar only