ALCOHOL ADDICTION
LEAD A
DIFFERENT LIFE
FIRST STEPS
An exploratory consultation will last 90 minutes. I will invite you talk about yourself starting with the reason that has brought you to consider this work now, at this point in time. It is understood that the nature of what you have to talk about might be difficult or uncomfortable for you to discuss, though rest assured for me it will not, I will thoroughly guide you through this process. You may also have a hope or sense of expectation as to what it is that you would like this intervention to deliver for you and you may also have some questions for me, or concerns; common questions involve time frames and chances of success.
Common concerns centre around privacy, confidentiality and treatment of information. The consultation will also enable me to gain an understanding of your lifestyle and self care choices and routines so we can build up a shared understanding of the extent of work and challenges ahead. The session will conclude with a recommendation for how best to proceed for you to take away and thoroughly consider.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
A global celebrity’s public humiliation exposing the advanced stage of their alcohol problem is not the most appropriate time to seek help; and neither should it be anyone else’s. Often, I advise the person I am working with that they do not have a drink problem, they have a ‘feeling’ problem. Psychic pain is usually the causality of their drinking and that is what must be addressed; as well as the reliance on sugar and ethanol, key addictive properties within alcohol. Fulfilling daily roles as spouse, parent, employee or employer can never address and eradicate unconscious psychic drives and impulses, and neither can high academic achievement, wealth, power or success.
My professional approach supports and addresses the unconscious challenges that too often prevent attaining contented living, as well as the challenges that you are aware of, at least to some degree. I work exclusively in private practice, provide a non-judgemental service and work in the strictest of confidence.
MILESTONES
The work you will be committing to with me does produce transformative results however, observing and making sense of your body’s relationship with alcohol as well as your unconscious drives and impulses does require the work to be ‘intensive’; it will be necessary for you to come and see me each and every week, on the same day and at the same time. If you are unable to do this then an inpatient detoxification programme and, or, a medical treatment plan will be required before the work can commence.
The first milestone will be to reach a comfortability and familiarity with the environment and format of the work. Secondly, to identify and understand reoccurring themes and patterns both from psychic and alcohol withdrawal perspectives. Thirdly, to understand and work with psychic interpretation whilst maintaining alcohol withdrawal and abstinence. Fourthly, to identify and work with unconscious defence mechanisms whilst maintaining alcohol withdrawal and abstinence. Fifthly, to manage and work successfully with emerging unconscious content whilst maintaining alcohol withdrawal and abstinence. Sixthly, to identify and work towards an ending after a period of abstinence.
This analytical work is long term usually a minimum of one year depending on age and life experience.