I draw my sense of purpose & contentment in the humdrums of my work. From the casual interactions with clients, to answering questions posed by their curious relatives, these seemingly normal contacts truly define my career. They challenge me in the simplest yet most effective of ways- keeping me on toes and building the defining traits needed for an addiction counsellor. A query I often encounter in my interactions is, ‘how do you do it?’ My line of work, like everyone else’s, has stereotypes like ‘counsellors are all-knowing, angel-personified beings’. Understandably, this notion leads society to hold me and fellow professionals in high regard. Navigating life with such an expectation would have been cumbersome except, the stereotype is false and my imperfect life is proof. Parents and their kin have to swallow a bitter pill prior to accepting change. That transition is rough, dramatic and at times painful and leading them through this takes patience, empathy and compassion. These core traits cannot be built by living perfect lives, but by living life as is- building resilience and self growth. This is how I do it. Helping parents and their children reclaim their lives from addiction. As we usher in the month of love, let’s learn to love and embrace life’s imperfections. Happy February!
Destigmatising Addiction
Have you ever had a negative attitude towards someone or a particular subject? This is highly likely especially on topics considered taboo, which one of them happens to be addiction. Stigmas manifest in various ways ranging from; self stigma, social stigma and systematic stigma- all of which inhibit treatment plans and interventions. Stigma reduction therefore, is crucial in addiction management- with practical steps of reducing the former like; 📌 Awareness Campaigns- These encourage use of storytelling and public forums to convey the gospel of addiction recovery, proving to be effective in humanising this condition. 📌 Addiction Advocacy- Organisation and mental health personnel advocate for harm reduction strategies, which have promoted treatment plans and recovery for affected individuals. 📌 Formulate Supportive Policies- Lawmakers to implement principles of action that promote individuals from any form of discrimination. 📌 Respectful Language- Language matters and use of person-first terminologies is helpful in breaking negative stereotypes and biases concerning addiction. A plethora of stakeholders in addiction prevention have conducted several campaigns in reducing stigma against drug addiction. Fortunately, their efforts have borne some fruits in recent years including- community empowerment, increased individual openness, healthy client-counsellor relationships and increased adherence to treatment plans. Does this mean the stigma and collective biases surrounding drug dependency do not affect us? No. Fundamentally, trying to erase stigma on addiction is nigh impossible. Unless, it starts with YOU! Be mindful of the language you use, advocate for better treatment and policies, be more empathetic or educate others on it(like yours truly) . We can all create a safe space for everyone and cultivate a culture of openness and trust.
Starting My Freelance Journey as a Substance Addiction Counselor with My First Client
The beginning of my journey as a Substance Addiction Counselor with my first client When I began my journey as a freelance Substance Addiction Counselor, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I had the training, the passion, and the drive to make a difference, but nothing could fully prepare me for my first experience with a client. I vividly recall the moment I received a call from a young man we’ll call J. His voice trembled as he recounted his battle with marijuana addiction. The fear and uncertainty were palpable, and I felt a surge of emotions—a blend of empathy, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility. This was more than just a phone call; it was a cry for help. Our initial in-person discovery session was filled with tension and vulnerability. J sat across from me, visibly worn out by his struggle. He was at his wit’s end, having tried everything he could think of to break free from his addiction. But despite his efforts, he felt trapped, unable to overcome the dependency that had taken hold of his life. As we began our conversation, I knew that this was more than just a counselling session. It was an opportunity to build trust and to show J that there was still hope, even in the darkest moments. Through careful listening and a personalized approach, I began to guide him through the complexities of addiction. In that first session, I focused on creating a safe space where J could express his fears and frustrations without judgement. I provided him with practical tools to manage his cravings, strategies to cope with triggers, and, most importantly, emotional support to help him rebuild his confidence. The journey ahead was—and still is—far from easy, with moments of doubt and frustration, but I was determined to be there every step of the way. As we continued working together, I also brought J’s family into the process. Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts everyone around them. By involving his family, we began to create a support network that reinforced the progress J was making. Together, we started to see small, but significant, steps forward. This first experience as a freelance counsellor was a turning point for me. It solidified my belief in the power of connection, empathy, and tailored support. It was a reminder that behind every struggle is a person—and often a family—in need of compassion and guidance. If you’re facing a similar challenge with your child, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. I am here to help. My experience, empathy, and dedication to my clients make me a trusted partner in the journey to recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards healing.
Why YOU should work with me
I am here to assist YOU Parenting is a journey filled with highs and lows, but nothing quite prepares you for the challenge of guiding a child through the throes of addiction. The feelings of helplessness, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. I am here to provide the support and guidance you need during this critical time. As a Substance Addiction Counselor with 3 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping parents who have children battling addiction. I can assure you that I understand the unique challenges that come with parenting a child struggling with substance abuse and I have made it my mission to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and emotional support necessary to help their children overcome addiction. What sets me apart is my empathetic approach. I know that each family’s situation is unique, and I tailor my counselling to meet the specific needs of both parents and their children. Whether it’s educating you on the signs and symptoms of addiction, providing strategies for effective communication, or offering emotional support during tough times, I am your ally in this journey. If you’re feeling lost, frustrated, or scared, know that there is hope. With me by your side, you can find the strength and resilience needed to support your child through recovery. Reach out today to start your journey towards healing and hope.