Every therapist knows confronting addiction is important-
But not every therapist knows how
TYPICAL APPROACHES TO TREATING ADDICTION MOST OFTEN ARE:
In
12-STEP PROGRAMS
In
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
But what about when addiction surfaces in couples therapy?
I WILL SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY WHEN:
A client drops the "I've started drinking again" bomb
A partner is scared of their spouse's drinking, but they refuse to acknowledge it's a problem, or that "it's out of control"
A client lies about their partner's encouragement of their usage
Drinking and infidelity are linked, but your client can't see it
You need to strongly confront behavior, but need to be empathetic to help a client stay in therapy
You need to skillfully ask about the frequency of a client’s drinking
Harm reduction doesn’t work
The addict’s self-absorption interferes with their ability to form healthy relationships
You need to distinguish between toxic and healthy shame
Plus:
See TWO Powerful Role Plays
1. An alcoholic that did not want to stop drinking
2. A couple who had different stories about why the husband started drinking again
“I’ll show you how you can walk the fine line of confronting the addiction while compassionately holding your client at the same time.”
-Sue Diamond
“The best person I know for demonstrating what to do is my friend and colleague Sue Diamond, therapist and addiction expert of 30+ years.”
– Dr. Ellyn Bader, The Couples Institute
“I have avidly been following Sue since 2010. She is a visionary, combining her skills, wisdom, passion and boundless energy to build not only better communities, but healthy relationships.”