HEALTHY HEALING: GROUPS

The HEALTHY HEALING ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM is a comprehensive, multidimensional alternative holistic counseling/coach approach to healing from addiction on an individual basis. This program was just launched in July, 2009, by Lifestyle Changes Counseling Services as an alternative to more traditional programs: http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

This blog is to provide information about the HEALTHY HEALING program, share test cases already completed, and follow the year long test case presently in progress.
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An adjustment that was difficult for my case study to make was not “going to meetings”. She had been attending 12-step meetings for 15 years; even though she agreed that the program wasn’t working, she enjoyed the socializing that went along with belonging to the group. She said that she also liked “listening to others stories…..knowing I’m not the only one screwing up.”

The HEALTHY HEALING PROGRAM initially did not have a group component to it. Looking at the 12-Step program and the format of the meetings, I had a few problems with the concepts of the program. Having knowledge of how the brain functions provided my biggest challenge with the 12-step meetings. Having someone standup (sometimes three or more times per day) and say “Hi, my name is John; I’m an alcoholic(/drug addict)” made me cringe. I kept picturing strong pathways in the brain being negatively reinforced with “This is who I am.”

Another problematic area in the meetings was debating what “Higher power” meant. What if someone is an atheist? Do they not get to be healthy? Many long-time programmers admit that “the meetings are my higher power.” Since this is Step 2, does that mean people can’t get healthy until they accomplish that step?

I am building an addiction treatment program that will address the needs of individuals. I hear my clients saying they miss groups. So the challenge was to come up with a group that would be open to everyone, whether in addiction or not (after all, everyone is working on being healthy on one level or another: physically, emotionally, spiritually); a group that would provide the social aspects; but, more importantly would nurture an atmosphere of positive growth.

I have been dropping in at different groups in search of one that would meet my three requirements. Most recently I attended an Intenders of the Highest Good. The Intention Process is the power of everyone supporting each other’s positive intentions. People that attend the Intenders Circles learn how to set positive intentions to achieve their “desires easily and effortlessly as possible”. The group helps people to become clear about the power of words and thoughts. This group is not attached to any one specific religious beliefs.

This is one group that I am considering. Do you have any other suggestions? The three criteria for the group would be: (1) open to everyone that wants to improve their lives and be healthy; (2) provides a nurturing atmosphere for positive growth; and, (3) has a healthy social component.

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

Learn more about the HEALTHY HEALING OUTPATIENT ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM at

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Send comments, feedback and inquires to

maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com