My coping strategy disaster

"I don't offer coping strategies for when you do that thing you shouldn't do. You'll never need 'crutches' after sessions with me, because I only offer total resolution."

 You might think that counselling with me is like seeking help from many other health and well-being practitioners. That we'll just talk a bit, I'll write you a prescription for some wonder drugs, and provide you with some 'coping strategies' to help you manage your condition.

Sorry! No can do!

Here's why ... "at the ripe old age of 34 I was a full blown alcoholic with a family. I got sober with the help of some coping strategies. Hats off! But, in the process, I developed a spectacular gambling addiction! And went right back to step one." This perfectly illustrates how hollow coping mechanisms are. Without addressing the underlying cause of emotional or behavioural issues, other, possibly worse habits can occur.

My response can be explained as a 'physiological spin,' as I was trapped in a regulate-deregulate cycle. When triggered I became emotionally deregulated so I grabbed for a coping mechanism to regulate. Because my underlying problem was unresolved, I also lost the ability to deal with everyday life and its obstacles and I eventually became deregulated again. And round it goes.

This is why I choose to use Subconscious Dynamics™ with my clients. Because the primary intention of this therapeutic model is to define and fix issues that led to develop harmful behaviour, rather than just manage symptoms. This is done by working with the hypno-analysis and the "spontaneous unconscious," rather than the "associational unconscious" which is used in traditional mental health therapy.

This process also frees up brain space, allowing you to be more 'present' and internally resourceful. The other beautiful thing is that when traumas are resolved, they can become resources themselves. In the industry we call this "turning your past into your superhero origin story." That, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

We live in a world defined by coping strategies rather than resolution, on so many fronts. We are sold the concept of 'coping' through mindfulness, exercise, alcohol, sex or drugs, every day.

The truth is that using temporary measures to manage symptoms, without addressing the root cause, does not lead to recovery. True resolution and success comes from addressing underlying needs, and developing genuine resources, not from temporary strategies that just help you 'weather the storm'.

Learn about my addiction recovery therapy