Dr. Gerard Rodgers PsyD CPsychol DCoP APA Affiliate on LinkedIn: The Harm Reduction Revolution - Dr Andrew Tatarsky (2024)

The Harm Reduction Revolution - Dr Andrew Tatarsky at the The Weekend University https://lnkd.in/eUj3dCdK Get FREE access to the full session (and 36 others like it): https://bit.ly/hrs-twu The essence of harm reduction is meeting people where they’re at. Central to this approach is the idea that—at all costs—the therapist should do their best not to impose their values or preconceived ideals onto the client. When a client starts working with a harm reduction psychotherapist, the basic frame of the therapy is: (1.) What are your goals? (2.) And how can I be of service to you in helping you to achieve them? In other words, you’re not trying to change the client. You’re extending a helping hand to them to begin a process of healing with you - at exactly the place they’re at in life. So you ask them things like: 1.) What’s your current relationship with the substance and/or behaviour? 2.) Would you like to change your relationship with it at all? 3.) And if so, what might that look like? This is a starting point, where small changes gradually lead to more substantial ones. Key to all of this is the recognition that the addiction is one of the central sources of meaning in the client’s life. So if you ask them to give it up cold turkey, you’re going to be met with a lot of resistance - which makes perfect sense. (If someone asked you to give up everything in your life that was bringing you joy - how would that feel?) A good way to think about this is to imagine signing up for your first ever gym membership and that you had very little previous experience with exercising. Now, after signing up, the gym informs you that it’s mandatory that you run a marathon the following weekend, or you’ll lose your membership. Sounds ridiculous, right?Well in a lot of ways, that’s what abstinence only approaches do—and this might explain why its failure rate is so high.The harm reduction approach is to start slowly and gradually help the client develop other sources of meaning outside of the addictive substance or behaviour, so that it becomes only one of many sources of meaning in their life. Over time, as the client slowly starts to build a life worth living with an ecosystem of meaningful relationships and activities, the source of the addiction starts to lose its value and prominence. As the client develops deeper, richer, and more sustainable sources of meaning outside of the addiction, they can gradually reduce their dependence on it, and may eventually let it go entirely. Andrew Tatarsky book recommendation: https://amzn.to/46qW0hs

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The Harm Reduction Revolution - Dr Andrew Tatarsky: https://lnkd.in/e8XzNMvF Get FREE access to the full session (and 36 others like it): https://bit.ly/hrs-twu The essence of harm reduction is meeting people where they’re at. Central to this approach is the idea that—at all costs—the therapist should do their best not to impose their values or preconceived ideals onto the client. When a client starts working with a harm reduction psychotherapist, the basic frame of the therapy is: (1.) What are your goals? (2.) And how can I be of service to you in helping you to achieve them? In other words, you’re not trying to change the client. You’re extending a helping hand to them to begin a process of healing with you - at exactly the place they’re at in life. So you ask them things like: 1.) What’s your current relationship with the substance and/or behaviour? 2.) Would you like to change your relationship with it at all? 3.) And if so, what might that look like? This is a starting point, where small changes gradually lead to more substantial ones. Key to all of this is the recognition that the addiction is one of the central sources of meaning in the client’s life. So if you ask them to give it up cold turkey, you’re going to be met with a lot of resistance - which makes perfect sense. (If someone asked you to give up everything in your life that was bringing you joy - how would that feel?) A good way to think about this is to imagine signing up for your first ever gym membership and that you had very little previous experience with exercising. Now, after signing up, the gym informs you that it’s mandatory that you run a marathon the following weekend, or you’ll lose your membership. Sounds ridiculous, right?Well in a lot of ways, that’s what abstinence only approaches do—and this might explain why its failure rate is so high.The harm reduction approach is to start slowly and gradually help the client develop other sources of meaning outside of the addictive substance or behaviour, so that it becomes only one of many sources of meaning in their life. Over time, as the client slowly starts to build a life worth living with an ecosystem of meaningful relationships and activities, the source of the addiction starts to lose its value and prominence. As the client develops deeper, richer, and more sustainable sources of meaning outside of the addiction, they can gradually reduce their dependence on it, and may eventually let it go entirely. Andrew Tatarsky book recommendation: https://amzn.to/46qW0hs

In the face of unrelenting crisis, urgency often grips us, pushing us towards immediate action. As the sirens of our multitude of crises blare, LaShawn Routé Chatmon, Executive Director at the National Equity Project, asserts that resting can be a strategic act. It's not a retreat but a realignment, a source of strength that enables us to see beyond pain, injustice, and overt attacks. It's a holistic medicine, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual regeneration. In her reflection she invites us to consider an unexpected ally in our resistance journey: Rest.Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/e9VMtYub

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Excellent blog post!

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Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, let's unite in recognizing the inherent right of individuals with Down syndrome to live fulfilling and joyful lives. It's a day to confront and dismantle the stereotypes and biases that unfairly shadow their capabilities and aspirations. People with Down syndrome can actively participate in daily activities and achieve a quality of life that is both meaningful and rewarding. The real barriers they often face are not the limitations of the condition itself but societal attitudes that restrict their opportunities. By educating ourselves and advocating for inclusivity, we can open doors to possibilities and celebrate the diverse contributions of everyone in our communities.Let us all strive to create a more understanding, accepting world where people with Down syndrome can achieve their full potential without prejudice. On this World Down Syndrome Day, let's pledge to look beyond stereotypes and see the individual, their talents, dreams, and the value they bring to our lives.For more information on World Down Syndrome Day, please visit the United Nations website: https://lnkd.in/eGquYJRM Down Syndrome Association of Peel

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September is 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 and 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡. Watch this week's 𝐓𝐧𝐓 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 Tidbits to hear from a survivor of a suicide attempt and to see some of the statistics. The "new" number for the 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝟗-𝟖-𝟖. Take care of yourself and others.https://lnkd.in/evwsczT7

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What is detox and how is it the first step to sobriety? Detoxification, commonly referred to as detox, is the preliminary step in the journey to recovery from substance abuse. It involves a carefully managed program aimed at purging your body of the toxins accumulated due to prolonged drug use.Detox goes beyond just stopping drug use; it's about safely managing withdrawal symptoms in specialized facilities under medical supervision. It tackles the physical aspects of addiction, promoting mental clarity for recovery. This process helps stabilize health, lessen withdrawal symptoms, and prepare for ongoing addiction treatment.Understanding that detoxification is merely the initial phase is essential. True recovery encompasses comprehensive therapy and support to tackle the root causes of addiction. Completing detox successfully is indeed a critical first step towards a life liberated from substance dependence. This understanding underscores our commitment to offering assistance. We invite you to explore how our team of experts can provide support through online substance abuse counseling and mental health therapy. For more information on how we can aid in your journey to recovery, please visit the following link: What Is Drug Detoxification? Understanding Detox & Recovery? (sobernation.com)

International We Are Not Broken DayThe day creates awareness about the fact that, despite what society thinks of individuals with a history of physical and emotional trauma, mental illness, amputations, or disorders that seem invisible, they are human beings — and our neighbors.The word ‘broken’ indicates something that is not working. Trauma and disease, however, should not define what or who we are. But if we give in to this ‘broken’ tag, it can easily lead to depression, isolation, and misplaced guilt. International We Are Not Broken Day seeks to put an end to this cycle, challenging societal norms.To learn more, visit their link: https://lnkd.in/e7x2rFc

Today is #ActionAnxietyDay: join Anxiety Canada in their mission to promote #AnxietyAwareness & increase access to proven resources and treatment. Together, let's #ACTonAnxiety and #BreakTheStigma. https://buff.ly/3N5kZjI

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…and peeeerrrrhaps if someone were to reach the extent of self harm to be noticed, acknowledged, or heard…that too is something significant to think about.#askthepsychologist #mentalhealth #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #suicideideation #parasuicide #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mythbusting #mythbustingmonday

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