Harm Reduction Coaching

Are you in denial or just ambivalent?

The typical reaction of people who don't want to abstain from their substance or destructive behavior or go into treatment is that they are in denial and don't see the obvious problem. Dr. Kern's Harm Reduction approach is based on the belief that people are not usually in denial; they are simply ambivalent about changing, even if they know it is in their best interest. There is a benefit that is perceived by the individual for continuing their excessive behaviors, even if it isn't obvious to the professional or family members.

Ambivalence is very normal. There isn't a single person in AA who wouldn't love to drink if they could, and they are understandably very ambivalent about accepting life-long abstinence. Similarly, every single person who is now attending AA, NA, CA and other 12-step programs, has tried to moderate their substance and, only after failing to do so, came to 12-step meetings.

If you express your desire for moderation, instead of abstinence, to your therapist or your 12-step group, you will be told that you are in denial and invited to return when you have "hit bottom." Traditional alcohol and drug treatment programs and traditional therapists have not been trained to help people reduce their usage of alcohol or drugs. They are not equipped to deal with someone who is ambivalent. Their expertise is in abstinence only.

On the contrary, if you are ambivalent, Dr. Kern's Harm Reduction Coaching sessions can help you moderate your excessive habits in three ways:

1) by recognizing your ambivalence and helping you get past it;

2) by learning to use special tools, insights, and strategies to reduce your intake of your substance(s) in a planned, practical manner, and

3) by helping you seriously try to attain moderation and determine if it is a viable goal. If moderation is not an attainable goal for you, then Dr. Kern will help you move on toward abstinence as he continues to work with your fears and ambivalence about living an abstinent lifestyle with the ultimate goal of attaining and maintaining abstinence.

Next Step:

Is Harm Reduction the right choice for you? Find out when you schedule a private and confidential Bridging Session (Bridging Session) with Dr. Kern.

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