A Word Of Precaution

Therapy and recovery from emotional situations and addictions is a personal and sometimes freighting life event.  It is not to be taken lightly.  It can be less daunting and freighting if a few simple rules are followed before one begins.  Recovery is never free from emotional pain, anxiety and distress, but the way one moves through the difficult places can be easier of the road is well paved and rest stations are identified before the first step of the journey is taken.  Here are a few rules to follow:

• Identify at least five people that will be willing to "be on call" at any time of the night or day, to lend you support and encouragement in the event that you become overwhelmed with a negatively charged feeling or event memory.
  
  
• Identify a professional psychotherapist, counselor or pastor who is trained to assist those who are experiencing disturbing or unfamiliar feelings, or who can help during difficult times to break through tough barriers that prevent recovery.
  
  
• Develop a set time of the day and week to work on workbook exercises of journaling. Plan around the most important appointments of the week, but be sure to keep the "appointments with yourself" regularly. The mind works more efficiently when on a well-developed schedule.
  
  
• Identify your most creative escape routes (activities) and prepare yourself with the supplies that accompany those creative expressions. If you find that you are depressed, anxious, angry, enraged, hostile, suicidal or stressed, and you can't find significant relief from the feeling(s) through talking with one of your support persons, use the creative expression that you have chosen as a way of processing the disturbing emotions. Creativity is one of the most effective way in which to discharge negative feelings and memories.  Writing, drawing, coloring, journaling, sculpting and singing are ways to actively display your creativity
  
  
• Join a support group. You can find groups in every city and town, and in every country. Start with a church or a community organization, and branch out to other supportive activities.
  
  
• Keep a list of the names and phone numbers of people, organizations, support groups, professionals, Hot Lines, churches, and hospitals where you can always find them. Keep several copies: at the office, in the bathroom, in the bedroom, and BY THE PHONE. Then use them if you need them!