Ever catch yourself saying, ‘Therapy? Nah, not for me. It won’t help.’ I used to think just like that. But let me tell you, I’m thrilled I took that leap of faith into the world of therapy. It’s been a game-changer in my healing journey as an adult child of an alcoholic.
Now, before you picture a therapist waving a magic wand to solve all your problems, hold that thought. It’s not about someone telling you exactly what to do; it’s about sharing your experiences and answering a few questions from a stranger. And trust me, when you find the right therapist, it’s like a symphony of light bulbs illuminating your path.
Therapy, my friend, has been my trusty sidekick on this wild ride of healing from the tumultuous upbringing in an addiction-affected household. It’s not the sole hero of the story, but let me tell you, it’s a mighty one! And here’s the thrilling twist: the secret to super successful therapy? It’s all about finding that perfect-fit therapist. This isn’t an anyone-will-do kind of scenario. Adult children of alcoholics find the best results with therapists who specialize in adult children of alcoholics (ACOA), dysfunctional families or addiction recovery.
Because….your therapist needs to understand the ins and outs of your experiences. We’re COMPLICATED.
So, how exactly do you find a therapist with this kind of specialty? I’ve got your back, and I’m going to guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for local, in-person sessions or virtual meetings.
Step 1: Start with Research
Let’s begin with a little detective work:
→ Online searches: The internet is your friend here. You can use search engines, therapist directories or websites like Psychology Today to filter therapists by their specialties.
Then, narrow it down.
- Check Credentials: Make sure your potential therapist is a licensed mental health professional. Look for those fancy letters like LPC, LCSW or LMFT.
- Specialization Matters: Take a closer look at each therapist’s bio. Do they mention their experience with ACOAs, addiction recovery or dysfunctional family dynamics? That’s what we’re looking for! Then, read their reviews, professional summaries and blog or LinkedIn articles.
→ Ask for Recommendations: Look, you really only buy stuff these days when someone recommends them to you or you’ve scoured a lengthy list of reviews, right? Apply the same approach to shopping for a therapist. Don’t be shy about reaching out to friends, family members or support groups. Personal referrals can be incredibly valuable. In fact, the most effective therapist I ever had came recommended by my aunt through her yoga instructor’s friend. It just goes to show that sometimes the best ones for you can be pinpointed by other people.
→ Put your insurance provider to work: If you have health insurance, they can provide you with a list of therapists covered by your plan. Some employers also offer employee assistance programs that provide free counseling sessions or can help you find the right free or low-cost resources. In addition to that, some employers offer a care navigator to ensure employees and their families get access to the specific services they need. Contact Human Resources if you’re unsure what your employer offers.
If you’re without health insurance, consider reaching out to local non-profit organizations. If you’re part of a church community or thinking about joining one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their office. They’re well-connected in the community and are eager to lend a helping hand. Remember, they’re a bunch of friendly folks with a heart for assisting, so reach out and let them work their magic! I know people who’ve found free services through directory websites such as the Aunt Bertha website, which connects you to resources in your community.
If you’re not into the whole religious scene, don’t dismiss church-affiliated organizations just yet. They’re like the hidden gems of community support, and they can connect you with free services that have absolutely no religious strings attached. It’s all about spreading kindness and helping folks out – let them do their thing!
Step 2: Finding Your Best Therapist Match
Now, let’s talk about that all-important connection:
Trust your gut: Credentials and background are essential, but it’s equally crucial that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I’ve had my fair share of terrible experiences with a few therapists who supposedly specialized in ACOA topics, but appeared to know nothing about them! Plus, in one memorable disaster of a session, my therapist was clearly under the influence of something and slurring her words. It was a surreal and unprofessional experience, to say the least. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right fit right away. Just like any significant relationship, it takes time to find the one who’s right for you.
And don’t be shy about asking questions. Find out about their experience working with ACOAs and their approach to therapy. Trust your gut – you want someone you feel comfortable with.
Persistence pays off: Keep searching, don’t give up, and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t make you feel heard and supported. When you do find the right therapist, the difference can be astonishing. Personally, I didn’t have high hopes for therapy initially, but when I finally connected with the right therapist, it was shockingly helpful. So, hang in there, because healing is possible, even from the effects of being an adult child of an alcoholic.
For my healing journey, therapy and support groups went to together like PB & J, so supplement your therapy with support group meetings such as Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families meetings.
In the end, the journey to finding the right therapist may have a few bumps, but the destination is worth every effort. Stay patient, stay persistent and remember that your healing is worth it. You’ve got this!
Has therapy helped you? Let me know in the comments!
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