No, you don't. Why on earth would you settle for that?
Real recovery is a complete transformation of how you experience life on a moment-to-moment basis. What you truly long for is a life that's bigger, more satisfying, and way more interesting than anything you've experienced prior to your addiction.
Here are some specialties and aspects of recovery that I have found to be the most effective in getting the most out of recovery.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention has been shown to be a vital skill for breaking the "automatic pilot" that usually leads back to old behaviors. Anyone can learn how to meditate - bringing the skills and wisdom gained from sitting in meditation into daily living will change everything for you.
Open-Source Spirituality
"The opposite of addiction is connection" and that underlies the entirety of my approach to spiritual health. "My religion is kindness" says the Dalai Lama; are you kind to yourself? Do you feel connected with others? Are you living your values? Working together, I can help you feel "spiritually fit," "grounded," "centered," any way you like to describe that state of being "not-separated" any more.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
It's generally accepted that you can't become truly "well" just by treating one aspect of your life that has fallen into a "disease state" without addressing deficiencies in other areas. I use various assessments to examine possible problem areas; we can then collaborate on the best ways to solve problems and improve conditions that cause ongoing stress (a major relapse factor).
Positive Transformation
Using mindfulness and methods from Positive Psychology, I will help you truly flourish in your recovery. It's often said that recovery brings rewards that we never even dreamed of; and that's no exaggeration! But many people initially see their new sobriety as nothing more than "getting used to being without something I love and will miss forever." That's no fun at all. There's a much more satisfying approach. Let's work on that together!
Previous clients have this to say -
During my time counseling at several treatment centers, as well as in private practice, some of my clients have let me know about their experience.
“John was a great help in my early days of recovery. He helped me recognize thought patterns that were holding me in my addiction. Through our time together, I discovered tools to continue the work of recovery. I’m happy to recommend him!”
John,
I just wanted to thank you for helping save my life. You are an amazing counselor and teacher! You taught me about mindfulness and how meditation can be a great coping mechanism. Your class was always my favorite because of the meditation at the beginning. God bless you each and every day!
"You are a wise teacher."
"Thank you for teaching me so much tools that I can take with me on my journey."
"You are one of the kindest spirits I have ever met."
You are calming, empathic, balanced. You are a wonderful teacher. You are the MOUNTAIN!"
"Thank you for all your hard work you've put in to help me. I love how present and calm you are!"
"You have helped so much with my meditation and shown me the calmness that is possible."
Let's connect
I hope you will check out my blog posts.
These are tough times for everyone; especially those of us with substance problems. I'm a lot more interested in finding solutions than the problems themselves.
Mindfulness
Open-Source Spirituality
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Positive Transformation
These are tough times for everyone; especially those of us with substance problems. I'm a lot more interested in finding solutions than the problems themselves.