First, I have accompanied some clients whose issues were related to substance use disorders. This I did while working with Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services at the Addison Gilbert Hospital. One of the approaches I employed was to recommend my clients to enroll in the Methadone clinic as may be prescribed by a licensed prescriber. Methadone dosing serves as a springboard toward managing cravings for mood-altering substances.

Additionally, I utilized eclectic approaches of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to support my clients to achieve their goals. I must tell you upfront that change does not often happen go at the snap of the fingers. For some, it does. For others it takes some time and transition from one phase of change to another. I say this to encourage you to prepare your mind so that as we begin your therapy sessions, you will be ready to follow through the phases and also to be committed to attending your scheduled sessions in order to achieve the goals we will collaboratively set. I am already delighted to hear you tell me that when you set your mind on doing something you get it done. So, we could work together, setting goals, and attending sessions. Over a
given period, we will evaluate the progress and review the goals. How does that sound?

I will not stand to judge you. My approach will entail non-judgmental and empathic listening with validation. I will endeavor to understand your issues, your context, and listen to you with empathy. There is what we call “therapeutic alliance” in counseling which is another way of saying good relationship between the client and his or her counselor. Scholars and therapists all agree that a strong therapeutic alliance impacts mental health counseling outcomes in very significant ways. So, I will be here to listen with empathy and to seek to reflect meaning, feeling, and context with you so that we could build a therapeutic alliance that will serve as a good basis for a good outcome.