Episode 34 – Counselling for Addiction Problems: Why, What, Who, and How?

The topic at a glance

A counsellor is somebody who “provides a space where individuals can explore feelings, hopes, the past, the future, and any psychological difficulties they are having”.
Different counselling styles are going to suit different clients (e.g. person-centered, psychodynamic, or gestalt), so it is important to work with the right counsellor.
Ex-rehab clients can make good counsellors, but the only real way to find out if they can do the job is to give it a try.

Hope Mindful Compassion Show – Episode 34 – Counselling for Addiction Problems: Why, What, Who, and How?

Doug, Counsellor at Hope Rehab Thailand A conversation between Doug Sutherland and Paul Garrigan

In this week’s show, Doug talks about counselling. He explains why this type of intervention can be helpful for those of us trying to escape an addiction problem. Doug also offers advice for anyone who is thinking of joining the profession.

Some of the topics covered in the show include:

What is the role of a counsellor?
What is the difference between a counsellor and a friend?
Is it the same as a therapist?
What is the difference between a counsellor and a 12 Step sponsor?
What can a client expect from counsellor?
Does an addiction counsellor need to be ‘in recovery’?
Do they need to have a strong recovery?
What makes someone good at this type of work?
Do different counselling styles suit different clients?
Can there be personality crashes?
Can this type of relationship ever by damaging?
Is counselling for everyone?
Can anybody become a counsellor?
Can anyone call themselves a counsellor?
Is training mandatory?
Can people in recovery become counsellors? What if they have a poor work record or criminal record?
What resources would you recommend for anyone interested in finding out more about the topic?

Press play below to listen

The books Doug mentioned in the podcast include:

Counselling in a Nutshell by Windy Dryden
Counselling for Toads by Robert de Board
The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom
The Road Less Travelled by Scott Peck
Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action by Tim Bond

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