I've been thinking about how hard it is when my clients and friends and family work towards sobriety or decreasing use of a substance.
It awful. Even though it is the path to greater health and stability and connection in relationships etc.
It's hard.
And I believe that is one of the underlying reasons that folks in the throes of addiction get so defensive and angry when we acknowledge with them our true levels of concern.
(Yes some folks with addictions also have relationally abusive mentalities and that drives the response too).
But most of the folks I know who have battled the addiction beast and come out the other end are kind hearted people who had a nightmare to walk thru before they could feel peace and be their true underlying sober self.
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This video explains the reasons why young children may slam doors and offers tips on how to handle the situation with calmness, compassion, and understanding.
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In this video, you'll learn the shAmeBC's for helping someone you love navigate the painful emotional state of shame by acknowledging their feelings, buffering them with calmness and presence, and connecting with them in an authentic human way to help them feel worthy and not alone.
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In this video, you'll learn that human beings are wired to co-regulate, and that words like "come here" or "I am here" used with gentleness and compassion can be deeply soothing and help our loved ones know that their emotional needs are not a burden to us.
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