Substance Abuse

If things go well you will have a close and long term relationship with your substance abuse counselor. In many ways it is a relationship that is not easily defined. It can change from day to day. A holistic substance abuse counselor is there for you, to help and meet your needs. As you learn better ways to deal with substance abuse and the challenges of life – so your needs will change.

 It is natural for people to want to put into words just what the relationship is that they have with their substance abuse counselor – we all like to put labels on things. When we form a close relationship with others there are usually words we can use that define what the relationship is. Once we define our relationship to another it sets up a pattern of expectations. Friends are expected to be supportive and unquestioningly loyal, our teachers full of wisdom and ready to give to us the answers that we need, preachers should have a handle on the spiritual dimension and live a life above reproach.

 We go to a substance abuse counselor in our hour of need—naturally we want to know what their expectations are of us, and what we should be expecting from them. Most people try very hard to create in their mind a definition of the role that the counselor plays in their life. Then they have a framework around which to make assumptions, predictions and have expectations about the relationship.

It can come as a bit of a shock or as a great surprise to find that the role of a holistic substance abuse counselor cannot be defined. It is part of the way to helping you see that life need not always follow and be according to pre-set rules. Substance abuse counselors are there for you – to help you to discover what it is you need to do to resolve the issues that have led to substance abuse.

 Any negativity that you feel about the way you handle life is a result of depression. Feelings of being anxious, worthless or hopeless are merely symptoms of depression. Most people deal with someone who is depressed by telling them to snap out of it and get themselves a life, or else they tell them in all good faith how to beat depression or anxiety in ways that might not suit.

 Holistic substance abuse counselors provide a new way of looking at your problems, in a way that no others do – they provide a space to allow you to think about what you need to do to help improve your life. The space in the room between you and the holistic counselor has infinite potential. With the help of the counselor you can work out all sorts of ways and methods to get your life back on track.

When you go to a substance abuse counselor, filled with expectations, and demand that he fits into a role, be aware that keeping an open frame offers the best potential for you to find a way out from “the dark night of the soul” (quote: Jung). It might be a bit a scary at first until you get your bearings but trust the substance abuse counselor. At different times you may see him as a preacher, a teacher, a friend, or perhaps like a parent in your life – he can take on any role that helps you mend your life.