I’ve been immersed in the world of recovery for many years and I’ve come to the realization that this is my life passion. In addition, I’ve been a certified addiction counselor for more than a decade. But it’s not just a passion and professional interest I have—as a recovered person with substance use disorder, I also consider myself someone who is uniquely attuned into the needs of people who struggle with addiction. And with that, I feel I have an immense responsibility to be of service to those in need.
And I want to help.
What’s different about my alternative to traditional methods – recovery consultant, counselor, and coach – is that I act as an individual recovery consultant and guide. In my long career, I’ve found that people often feel too overwhelmed by having to deal with an addiction-related crisis on top of having to find help and not being sure where to go exactly. As a client (family of a client, colleague of a client) you’d have my full attention, and a wealth of resources and connections. In fact, that’s the value I bring as a recovery consultant, counselor, and coach, and sometimes all at the same time.
This means putting you in touch with places such as 12-step programs, self-improvement seminars, meditation groups, and other recovery methods that are available (like S.M.A.R.T.). Managing all the steps that lead to recovery can be exhausting. My job is to guide people out of the throes of addiction and ease them into the comfort and relief of recovery. I help families, friends, and businesses who might be concerned about someone in their life who has a problematic use of substances or alcohol.
My approach is to first meet with the person (and/or family/ work team) with substance use concerns for assessment and an in-depth look into how alcohol or drugs have affected their lives, as well as risk factors connected to their use.
We also look at the client’s strengths and protective factors: does the client have family support, a job, a job with a supportive employer, a stable home environment, does she have the capacity for self-awareness, is she… motivated?
Furthermore, we’ll discuss and investigate referrals to specific services, so anything from hospital and detox, access to physicians, therapists, communities of recovery, relational and spiritual guides, mentors, as well as wellness, employment and housing services. I have relationships with spiritual communities and to those that eschew faith-based approach. As my client, you will find your way, however long and winding it might get, and I’m going to be there to help you and your support network.
Because, finally, probably the most crucial aspect of having good recovery is having people around you. In my work, I consult with families and business teams, and discuss how to approach the individual they’re concerned about. On top of working with that person individually, I also work with the family/ workgroup to make sure that they are resilient no matter what happens (I use the CRAFT approach to family and colleague support). I act as a liaison with professional staff advocating for both the individual and family so they can better understand and support the changes.
It is my honor and privilege to be able to help—I’ve made it my life’s mission to be there for those who have been affected by addiction.
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