There is a new addition to the Sober on Purpose Podcast interviews. As we were wrapping up this first segment on codependency, I contacted another podcaster, Tres Adames, Director of Arizona Christian Counseling and host of Ask a Christian Counselor.
While many families struggling with addiction seek counseling, it is often hard to know what to look for in a counselor. Listening to Tres, one of the first things that caught my ear was his mission statement.
“Clinical excellence, theological insight, and spiritual enrichment integrated into professional counseling practices with a Christian worldview.”
Counseling and Codependency
As we talked about in the previous podcasts and blogs, codependents often feel they do not need support or counseling. If the addict gets well then the problem is solved right?
Tres helped us unpack that thought.
Why Counseling?
Tres is quick to say that 12 Step support groups are a positive option for those struggling with codependency. In support groups like Al-Anon and Codependent’s Anonymous the “people (in the group) already know 90% of the story,” Tres says. Already sharing a common background of caring for or about someone with addiction creates a common bond and deep understanding among group members. Sharing experience, strength and hope with others who really “get” the issues you face is lifegiving.
So when is a support group not enough? Tres explained that (when a person is dealing with trauma, low self-esteem and difficulty setting boundaries) a counselor really makes a big difference in the healing process. I invite you to listen to the examples Tres gives in the podcast.
Why Christian Counseling?
Counseling is an ever-expanding realm. While psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapist are the most recognized counselors, there are plenty more including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, integrative therapy. These are the most well-known forms.
Many therapists will use techniques from different therapies depending on the needs of the client.
The therapies themselves are just tools. The question of truth or integrity or life structure is not answered by the therapies themselves. Containing all this in a Christian worldview gives the therapies a grounding in God’s word.
The pastoral counseling that Tres practices backs-up the therapy tools with Biblical truth. Aligning your life with the word of God provides a plan for the future and a way to heal and forgive the past. Just for fun take a look at the creative way the Arizona Christian Counseling Group combines Christian teachings and therapy.
Making Use Of New Tech
As we mentioned in the podcast, Jerry and I live in a small town. Finding an available counselor that fits our needs and time frames is difficult with such a small pool to draw from in our area. Tres solved this with a secure HIPPA video conferencing option. Now you can schedule an appointment with a Christian Counselor from anywhere!
You can also reach out to Tres by email or twitter. He generously answers questions on his podcast as well.
Do you want to know more about your personality? The Christian DISC ™ is a personality assessment that divides personality into four types, and features suggestions integrated with scripture and wisdom from God’s Word. It only takes a few minutes and will give you some great insight. I am the otter! Leave a comment below and let me know your animal type.
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