Having the right chemistry between the patient and substance use counselor is key for a successful recovery. With the right fit, a counselor can help you feel supported and understood, with a positive outlook toward your future recovery goals. Recovery is highly personal, and everyone is different – here are some ways to tell if your substance use counselor is right for you.
You Are Able to Open Up and Be Honest
One of the ways for you to be able to see if your counselor is right for you is if you can be honest about your recovery journey. For example, if you’ve had relapses, doubts or cravings, you should be able to fully disclose this to your counselor without the fear of being judged. If you are comfortable telling the truth, this is a sign your counselor is right for you. For a successful recovery, honesty is key – this starts with being honest with yourself and then being honest with your counselor.
The Counselor Listens to You
This is really important – a good counselor listens actively and stays engaged during the whole conversation and session. The counselor will ask you questions in a thoughtful way, realizing that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment. When a counselor listens to you, you will feel understood with a sense of knowing that you truly matter. On the other hand, too much lecturing could feel discouraging. It is important for you to feel as though your day-to-day wins and hardships are heard and understood. This will allow for a greater chance of a successful recovery.
The Counselor Recognizes Each Path is Different
There is not one “correct” way to recover. Rather, your recovery plan may include a mix of different approaches and treatment methods. A good counselor will understand that recovery can include, but is not limited to: abstinence, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health counseling, psychiatric services, and wellness services. At Victory, we offer total and complete care under one roof, as we recognize that each patient’s treatment plan must be customized to suit their needs. A good counselor will realize that not every patient requires the same forms of treatment.
You Leave Sessions Feeling a Sense of Clarity
After your session with your counselor, how do you feel? Have you learned something new, such as a new coping strategy? Do you feel a renewed sense of motivation and purpose? Keep in mind that it may take several sessions with your counselor to start feeling positive results. Initially, the counselor first must get to know you and your unique situation as they begin to determine the most effective form of counseling for you. However, after some time, if you feel as though the sessions are repetitive or unproductive, you may want to discuss this with your counselor to find a solution.
Personality Plays a Role
A counselor’s personality can play a role as to whether the counselor is the right fit for you. If a counselor’s personality is not a match for you, this does not mean the counselor is “bad”. We all have different personalities and sometimes it may take a few tries with different counselors to really find that perfect fit. Keeping an open mind is important – it may take several sessions for you to really understand your counselor’s personality.
Victory Recovery Partners, a network of eight addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides outpatient services to patients with substance use disorders and addictions. By following our motto of “No One Left Behind”, we ensure that every patient receives the best care possible. For more information on Victory, please visit our website.