Tuesday, October 14, 2008

How the 12 steps can improve

The '12 steps' now dominate Rehab! As former Director of a 12 step center I want to make a few brief comments on how to improve the way the step are used in a professional forum.
  1. The steps 'tend' to be approached as a mental exercise... yet, that majority of 'relapses' are triggered by a lack of ability to cope with negative emotional states. It seems obvious that any formal psychotherapy that helps both emotional expression & containment is very valuable!
  2. Since the heart of the steps is search for a 'higher power' it seems sensible to make use of more established spiritual methods {e.g. formal meditation, 'transpersonal' therapy etc.}
What are your thoughts and experiences?
Peace,
Brian

1 comment:

Sophie said...

I have "Lived" each step as i have worked/written them, I am currently formerly writing step 8 and for the first time i beleive iam forgiving my self, and healing, I stopped intellectualising a truely Spiritual process, and believe that so long as i remain open, profound healing will continue
as i work these steps,you need to experience it for yourself. The most profound gift we are given in recovery is that of prayer.....and for me also chanting.
I will add, that i have also needed continous outside professional help, amazing as the steps are, for me, i have needed extra support when dealing with trauma, a space for me, my sponser guides me through the steps, she is not a therapist...