The development of a model framework for the counseling of people with addictions.
This paper attempts to develop a model or framework for a therapeutic approach to be used to assist in the treatment of clients in particular, those who struggle with addiction. People can be addicted to anything from alcohol, drugs or other substances to gambling, food and dysfunctional relationships. The model integrates three types of therapies: Feminist Therapy, Adlerian Therapy and Person centered and Behavioral Therapy. It examines how the choices to use these therapies was based in the fact that many addiction issues have to do with problems that are best served by behavior modifications, as well as holistic talk therapy. It discusses the implementation of the model into the therapy itself through individual sessions and the use of surveys, questionnaires and family to understand the issues.
“While addiction is a problem of the person who is addicted it affects the entire family. Children, parents and spouses of the addict often have to remember the things the addict said and did while the addict has the benefit of substance amnesia. The family often becomes so used to the enabling behavior they have followed that there are many resentment issues that surface during the addict’s recovery process(Reilly, 1979). I know from my past experience that it is important to treat the entire family when it comes to substance abuse. There are also many issues at play including the enabling behaviors and the co-dependant roles that the family members have been playing, sometimes for many years as part of the addict family.”