FAMILY
We place a strong emphasis on the role of social and family connection in the health and wellbeing of individuals. Therefore it is important for counselors to assist clients identify and strengthen supportive family and social connections. These strong connections can greatly assist in reducing relapse or bouncing back from relapse and for clients to assist further treatment in the future.
Our model includes a 5 stepped approach to working with families
Getting to know the family member and the problem
Providing relevant information and education in relation to the behaviour addiction
Exploring the how the family member copes or responds
Exploring and enhancing social support
Referring on for further specialised support (including individual psychotherapy or psychological support, family / couples counselling and peer support)
Family can be a significant protective factor for some clients and can be a huge motivating factor in seeking treatment. Taking the time with the family to gain their understanding and trust in the process will significantly improve outcomes for the client.
There can be considerable impact on the lives of the families and significant others of those stuck in addiction;
Guilt and shame
Fear and worries
Financial pressure
Aggression and violence
Relationship breakdown
Emotional and physical impacts
Betrayal trauma
Family members often require support, and our team of counselors are available by appointment to assist. There are a few models we refer to with our clients which are also helpful for families to understand.
Self Care
Often family and significant others have been so focused on their loved one and on finding appropriate treatment, that they have neglected themselves.
While your loved one is at Tenacious House, we encourage you to look after yourself and take some time to process, reflect and work through what you have experienced. You may need some time to catch up on rest. The stress you may have been under will take time to settle.
We recommend family attend Al-Anon Meetings which exist to support family effected by alcohol or substance use. Whilst in the program your loved one will be engaged with ‘The 12 Steps’ of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and we will be encouraging continued attendance as part of their recovery.
More information available at: www.al-anon.org.au/meetings
Couples Therapy
The term ‘Couple Recovery’ has been poised by Robert Navarra (2017) in collaboration with the Gottman Institute. He suggests that not only does the person in addiction require recovery but so does the relationship and if possible, it is best to start this simultaneously with addiction recovery.
This is only feasible if the couple want to reconcile and it is important not to place undue pressure on either party to make this decision before, they are ready. Should a couple be in this situation is it suggested they work individually until such time they are ready to proceed with couple’s therapy. This is specifically relevant in sexual addiction, gambling and AOD where the impact of addiction is severe on significant others.
BETRAYAL TRAUMA
This is a unique form of trauma that occurs in relationships and is focused on the breakdown of trust withing the relationship, often caused by addictive patterns and behaviours. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, to detect danger and send us warning signals. What is often labelled as co-dependency is actually our brain trying to look for safety and make sense of our reality. This trauma often requires professional support to process.
As your loved one is working towards recovery your relationship with them may also require some support and assistance. Addiction, mental health and trauma can strain relations and at times can cause relationship breakdown. Our team of counselors are here to help facilitate relational recovery.
For further information or to book an appointment you can email us at counselling@tenacioushouse.com or alternatively to can call 0412 456 335 and ask to speak to one of the counselling team.