Reforming rehab?

In order to address and reform the world of addictions there needs to be a real emphasis on getting to the core of the addiction & the person. This simply isn't possible with inadequate or poorly matched tools.... i.e. counseling is not designed to deal with acute underlying issues. That's a the role of Psychotherapy.

The 12 steps unfortunately are often done from the head... this simply doesn't work! At the heart of the steps is the 'higher power' issue. But, most addicted persons have significant blocks in their unconscious to a healthy higher power. So, by simply competing written exercises to 'work the steps', you merely bypass the unconscious and end up with a superficial spiritual process. This means that the recovery process is severely compromised.

As a former Monk and pastor I know, from my experience of spiritual direction, the skills that are required to get people thru dysfunctional images of 'God' ...these skills are acquired only after years of serious spiritual formation and discipline... this creates a person who is highly attuned to any spiritual energies and is well acquainted with the many blocks to inner growth... for example:

• 'God' the control freak;
• 'God' the avenger;
• 'God' the puppet master;
• 'God' the unrelenting perfectionist;
• 'God' the sadist......

Meditation is all the rage in the therapeutic world at present... and that's fine on one level but, once again there is a real need for some serious training by those who are guiding recovering person thru meditation.

My reflections are not intended as a severe judgement on the world of rehab ... they are an invitation to take spiritual formation of staff far far more seriously and seek the necessary outside help to do this, if need be.

Let me know you thoughts,
Peace,
Brian

info@innercare.org
www.innercare.org
Serving the world... from British Columbia, near Vancouver.