Gray area drinking is hard to define and diagnose. We have been working with only two possible narratives around people that consume alcohol; either you are an alcoholic, or you are not an alcoholic. There has not been a third, fourth, or fifth narrative for those drinking alcohol. That's where gray area drinking comes in! Gray area drinking includes those people who do not feel like they are alcoholics but do drink more often and in larger quantities than they want or feel healthy and balanced. They enjoy a glass of wine or bottle of beer after work but end up drinking much more and falling asleep on the couch. Some gray drinkers determine it is best for them only to drink alcohol one or two times per week but end up drinking five or six nights. They have not paid the same degree of consequences in their life that alcoholics have and are acutely aware that this is not the best they can be doing for themselves and the people that matter most. Gray area drinkers want more from life and do not think going to rehab or A.A. makes sense.
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27 results for tag: Counseling
Accepting New Reiki Counseling Clients!
Reiki counseling is a system my teacher designed for working with people through challenging and deep-seated issues. What makes it so effective is the combination of the loving and supportive energy of Reiki, helping somebody move to a slow enough brain rhythm that their inner resistance becomes less of an obstacle. Reiki also creates a safe enough container for us to work on issues that traditional therapy/counseling, bodywork, and many other modalities are not able to access in just a few sessions....
9 Things your Therapist wants you to Know
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this essay on things your therapist wants you to know! As a counselor, I often want to share many of the elements the author describes below. Many people make assumptions about therapists and counselors and what we know, don't know, or what we are like when we are not meeting with clients. I tend to chuckle when folks assume that I am someone that goes to bed early, gets up at dawn to meditate, and rarely if ever, goes out and comes home late at night, which I do often!
Therapists and counselors are rarely shocked by your experiences or traumas. For someone like me that has been doing this since 1993, I have been present with folks sharing their experiences, challenges, and obstacles for a long time. I have also experienced plenty in my own life. I am ready for whatever your particular brand of mess or chaos that is your life. We all have messes in our lives!...
18 Invaluable Pieces of Advice From Therapists & Counselors
There are not many common pieces of advice from therapists and counselors, since we have diverse training, backgrounds and experiences, but this list seems accurate. The themes around boundaries/saying "no", protecting yourself, letting go of relationships that are not supporting your growth and peace, are essential and agreed upon generally across the field. Of course, your specific situation and circumstances are important to consider as well.
My favorite piece of advice from therapists and counselors is first on their list, "Feelings are not facts." I wish we would all be able to integrate this nugget of wisdom in our lives!
... What Is Gray Area Drinking and What Can I do About it?
Dear Therapists & Counselors – A Letter From A Fellow Human
What a beautiful letter by the client of a therapist. It feels great to be acknowledged in this way for all therapists and counselors. COVID-19 has created a sudden crisis of people needing support. We are here and will continue to be here when you need us. I am grateful to share my skills, knowledge and experience with so many people that are experiencing great challenges right now, and throughout life. The pandemic has created a whole new set of life obstacles for us mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and energetically. Please know you are not alone and there is support available. No one needs to go through this or any traumatic experiences alone. YOU MATTER AND ARE NEEDED!
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... 3 Reasons You Should Definitely Not Go To Therapy
This article is hysterical, insightful and well written. If you have never read Elephant Journal previously, I invite you to do so. The essays are interesting, relevant and thoughtful without any hype or propaganda. This essay on why NOT go to therapy is written by a therapist with her brand of honesty and humor. I can see me actually thinking from this perspective about thirty years ago. Feels very familiar. I have a lot to add, but am going to just offer you to read and digest on your own, but no matter what you do, don't go to therapy:)
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... Self-Sabotage – I Am Willing To Do Anything… But That
It is very common for clients whom I work with, when asked what are you willing to do to grow or improve your situation, to offer a very specific and inspiring response. "I am willing to do anything and everything to make things better!" A part of me gets really excited about their enthusiastic reply. My excitement and optimism still exist after 25 years of this kind of work, knowing that we are about to embark on the first stage of self-sabotage. Self-sabotage can, at times, be really obvious and others, very deceptive and tricky.
I take a deep breath and ask them are you willing to do____? Their enthusiasm and conviction that were on full display just a moment earlier disappear. Some combination of resentment, bitterness, fear, and/or anger replaces the enthusiasm. Self-sabotage has now planted its roots and is ready to dig in to do anything and everything except for "that".
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