Chapter 3 – The Teacher & The Student
In the work of treating addictions a variety of treatment modalities are employed by providers.
When Hope Is Not Enough!
Chapter Three (Excerpt)
The Teacher & The Student
In the work of treating addictions a variety of treatment modalities are employed by providers.
The concept of “The Teacher & The Student” arises from a format that is based on what I see as an obvious truth about who should hold those roles in the work that is to be done.
Since the person with whom I’m working has a vast array of knowledge about their historical and present use, as well as the associated underpinnings of their use compared to what I know, they by design are the Teacher and I am the Student.
This allows for and is reinforced by Engagement which encourages and creates an environment in which the patient develops the safety to begin to talk about their process.
This in turn allows the provider the opportunity to help them in developing a language if you will, with which to describe and literally bring to life the ways in which addiction manifest in their day to day life.
The Teacher in a societal context is seen and presents in an authoritative role and voice.
This in many cases will add to the patient’s willingness to open up more and as stated before, take ever increasing risk to consider their part in supporting the continuation of the addictive process.
This will also lend an equalizing effect to the clinical relationship which will add an even greater sense of safety in terms of risk taking.
The point of all this is that if we are willing to share real and perceived power, the relationship is organically allowed to grow thereby increasing the levels and depths of work that may be addressed.
To impair knowledge is a form of teaching. Teaching in this forum is somewhat different as the teacher will only be able to do so as they see more and more about themselves. This allows for here and now analysis of that which is brought to the table as it is actually new to the person who is either seeing it or recognizing it for the first time, as assuredly is the person with whom they are sharing the knowledge.
It is my hope that as you the reader consider the thoughts and ideas I have put forth in my attempt to give life to these roles, that you will see many other opportunities and methods to employ the Teacher & The Student in the process of recovery both in the clinical realm as well as the daily parlance of all relationships that impact the recovery process.
When Hope Is Not Enough, by Fred Wade
- C.A.S., R.A.S. Certified Addition Counselor
This book provides families reference points to refer to when and if an alcohol or chemical abuse problem were to arise with someone they love. It will provide a framework for thinking about and responding to alcohol and chemical abuse problems, as well as a means to finding answers to many unique situations.
Fred Wade holds both National and State certifications as an addictions counselor. He has worked in the field of addiction since the mid 80’s, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Weyland Consultation Services which specializes in outpatient treatment of addictive disorders for adults and adolescent males and females. Weyland Consultation Services is located in Walnut Creek California, and serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Weyland Consultation Services
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Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area)
Phone: (925) 945-7816 ext. 41
Website: http://www.weylandservices.com
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