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I have been taking supervision sessions with an addictions specialist as this is an area I want more knowledge around.
We discussed the following that can help clients with addictions:
1. CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.
2. Disease Model + AA + * role of community/ fellowship and connection
Disease model, addiction is a brain disease. It is characterized by altered brain structure and functioning. These brain abnormalities cause persons with this disease to become addicted to substances or activities, once exposure to these substances or activities occurs. This model considers addiction irreversible once acquired.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
3. Harm Reduction Model
Harm reduction is an umbrella term for interventions aiming to reduce the problematic effects of behaviors. Most frequently associated with substance use, harm reduction also applies to any decisions that have negative consequences associated with them
4. Cycle of Change
The “stages of change” or “transtheoretical” model is a way of describing the process by which people overcome addiction. The stages of change can be applied to a range of other behaviors that people want to change, but have difficulty doing so, but it is most well-recognized for its success in treating people with addictions.
Become aware of the negative consequences of their behaviours as well as the rewards which engaging in those behaviours provide them. Addressing each of these two aspects of cost-benefit analysis can make a significant difference in helping you stop engaging in unwanted behaviours.
6. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis.
This quote was shared:
“People jeopardize their lives for the sake of making the moment livable. Nothing sways them from the habit—not illness, not the sacrifice of love and relationship, not the loss of all earthly goods, not the crushing of their dignity, not the fear of dying. The drive is that relentless.” – Gabor Maté
This story might be useful to some:
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.
I always get a lot of questions around sex addition and porn addictions. This is something I’ve talked about often and you can find my previous posts here.
If you have sexuality and relationship concerns, do reach out to me. If I am not the person for you, I will refer you on. Do get in touch. 🙂
References:
- Disease Model of Addiction and Recovery Implications. (2022). MentalHelp.Net. https://www.mentalhelp.net/addiction/disease-model/
- Keelan, P. (2022, February 8). Use cost-benefit analysis to stop unwanted behaviours. Dr. Patrick Keelan, Calgary Psychologist. https://drpatrickkeelan.com/relationships/use-cost-benefit-analysis-to-stop-unwanted-behaviours/
- Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A. The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012;36(5):427-440. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
- Humphries, T. (2019, November 15). Relapse Begins When You Feed the Wrong Wolf. Sober Recovery. https://www.soberrecovery.com/addiction/relapse-begins-when-you-feed-the-wrong-wolf/
- Logan, D. E., & Marlatt, G. A. (2010). Harm reduction therapy: a practice-friendly review of research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20669
- Mindful Communications & Such PBC. (2022, March 10). Getting Started with ness. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
- The Different Stages of How to Overcome Addiction. (2020, June 5). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-model-of-overcoming-addiction-21961
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice since 2009, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Clinical Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
