Person-Centered Treatment
Addiction can range from substances like alcohol and cocaine to behaviors like gambling and eating. The extensive list of addictions requires comprehensive, long-term healing. The person-centered addiction approach enables the client to play the primary role in their recovery process.
The person centered or Rogerian therapy originally developed by Dr. Carl Rogers in the 1930’s has become a primary method of treatment. He aimed to eliminate any traces of hierarchy in a patient–therapist relationship to establish a relationship of equals. The person centered approach has since become a method of understanding that all humans are inherently good and seek self-actualization. Self-actualization is the main component of Rogerian therapy. It implies that the human self has always sought to act in a honest and dependable manner. Dr. Rogers believed that self-actualization can be blocked by unhealthy thoughts and behaviors which derived from human deficiencies not human strengths. Person centered therapy in addiction enables growth and development of a client; focus on the problem rather than the person leading the client to a process of self-discovery.
The process of person-centered therapy in the addiction setting is primarily to increase self-esteem and help clients open up to new and better understanding of their real and perceived selves while reducing self-inflicted feelings like guilt, insecurity, and defensiveness. In successful addictions treatment, the person-centered approach depends on congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. Congruence in that a counselor displays genuineness while discussing issues and being present in a way that connects with clients. Unconditional positive regard allows clients to express their feelings and actions without question or judgment or receiving advice that threatens their progress. Empathy toward a client displays sensitivity and emotional understanding toward a client.
Person-Centered Approach at Vista Taos
Vista Taos Renewal Center knows that addiction disrupts every aspect of an individual’s being and treatment should address the needs of the entire person for successful recovery. Our goal is to provide person-centered treatment in an environment where healing, restoration, and renewal are possible in every individual’s life. Our staff has built on the realization that addiction is a symptom of a larger problem therefore utilizing holistic recovery methods to heal the mind, spirit, and body. Following the principle of whole person centered treatment; emphasis has been placed on the client’s entirety rather than just substances or behaviors. This entirety expands to a multitude of issues such as medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal. Offering more than recovery groups and individual counseling, we extend our recovery to detoxification, personalized recovery planning, integrated 12-step program, alternative therapies, and spiritual meditation.
Dr. Rogers stated in early work that the “most healing-focused approaches encourage a variety of healing modalities.” Truly, that is the heart of Vista Taos. We work together; as family and as professionals, to focus on self improvement and healing. Through meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and spiritual instruction we aim to bring balance, empower change, and build self-esteem that leads to long-term addiction recovery.
