Couples therapy with an addiction issue is complex and complicated -
Posing a special challenge for even the most experienced therapists
WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
you’re up against a lot, for 3 primary reasons:
“NORMAL PEOPLE”
After a few drinks, they start to feel woozy and out of control, recognizing they’ve had enough and stop.
ALCOHOLICS/ADDICTS
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.
ADDICTION
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 CUNNING, BAFFLING AND POWERFUL
It’s no wonder why many therapists shy away from working with addicted partners
“You CAN instill hope and positive energy with your clients while simultaneously confronting them on their denial or addictive thinking patterns.”
-Sue Diamond
I’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO DO THIS MORE EFFECTIVELY
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.
Sometimes you’re educating, other times you’re doing traditional psychotherapy.
It is both a science and an art to know what to do, when.
“If you’re interested in sharpening your skill set at working with addictive behavior, this is such important training.”
– Dr. Ellyn Bader, The Couples Institute
“Sue’s knowledge about addiction is unparalleled. She makes it easy to listen, learn and integrate her wisdom while making it your own.”
– Janae Munday, LCSW
“Sue offers the most comprehensive treatment program you will find. I have sought out her expertise and consultation for some of my toughest clients.”
– Lori Weisman, MA, LMHC
GET YOUR SPECIAL TRAINING TODAY!
VIDEO, PDF & HANDOUT
THE SOBER TRUTH:
Effective Therapy with Addicted Partners
Webinar video, PDF and handout
PDF ONLY
The Good Life Therapy Centre offers trained therapists that provide marriage counselling, couples therapy, relationship intensives, addiction counselling, trauma counselling, and individual therapy services. Good Life Therapy offers specialized counselling services to many areas surrounding Vancouver, B.C., including Vancouver Lower Mainland, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano, White Rock, Surrey, and online throughout North America.