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Being present is the key to recovery

Several months ago, I read an interview with an acclaimed opera singer/actress named Joyce DiDonato where she said, “I need to be in the moment, I need to be present, I need to be listening. And if I’m doing those things, then… Continue Reading →

What is “mental health”?

It may sound kind of strange, but I’ve never bought into the idea that mental health is an “either/or” proposition. I don’t think it’s realistic to suggest that mental health is a goal; to do so would assume that someone… Continue Reading →

Judgment is a distorting reflection

It’s not easy to talk about unhealthy behaviors.  Sometimes, though, difficult conversations are necessary in order to find health within a situation.  But, before those conversations occur, I believe we should be sure of what we see. Take a tree… Continue Reading →

Lies are Symptoms of Addiction

One of the biggest and most pervasive myths associated with Addiction is that “deception is the disease.” I’ve heard that statement in so many different contexts that I fear it has now become common knowledge. The thing is, however, is… Continue Reading →

A Profile of my Ideal Client

I was having lunch with a colleague whom I respect very much when I learned that I haven’t given my practice much thought.  Which is to say that I haven’t given it any thought.  When she asked me what types… Continue Reading →

Humanity is connected by an invisible web

I’ve spent hours watching spiders spin webs, wait, and then blast anything that lands in those webs with a shot of venom.  Maybe I need some hobbies, but spider watching is among the most beautiful sights in nature to me. … Continue Reading →

The ant in the web is a powerful metaphor…

As a writer, I collect metaphors.  As a substance abuse counselor, I use the metaphors I collect to help illustrate different topics.  One of those illustrated metaphors is featured here: I saw this and stuck in a web right outside… Continue Reading →

Count your blessings to beat the blues

I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to help get over a bout of general malaise.  There’s a ton of work out there about Depression treatment and there’s a whole slew of modalities that are recommended.  But, what about those… Continue Reading →

Try to see addicts as sick and not evil

I challenge everyone: The next time you hear about someone suffering (or dying) due to Addiction or to Depression, try to see them as someone stricken with a terminal illness, not as someone who is weak or a failure, or… Continue Reading →

Honest reflection heals

To be clear, there is no easy way to take a hard look at ourselves and accept our failings and weaknesses. Looking at the “bad” things we’ve done and not internalizing the shame that can results from the reflection is… Continue Reading →

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