Introducing Myself...
Dear Bernard,
Thank you very much for your prompt response to my subscription. I have just
skimmed the archive so far. I would like to introduce myself to the list now
so that when I have something to say I'm not a total stranger.
I was in recovery for several years, following strong suggestions from my GP
in London that I had a problem with drugs and alcohol. I moved to the US at
about 9 months sober and have been here for a little over 8 years.
I have for a long time been a witch and a shaman. About 14 months ago as a
result of work I was doing in therapy (my therapist is pretty eclectic, but
works to a fairly cognitive model with me. He also has some experience of
NLP) I undertook some very heavy-duty shamanic self-healing. Later I was
describing this work to a friend who responded "where did you learn NLP?" I
was suprised, to say the least to find something I learned as part of
shamanic training during 1968-1970 existed as a technique in the mundane
world as well.
The result of the work was to "rewire the addictive pathways" -- reframing
in NLP terms. This related to a number of other behaviors than
drinking/drugging. About 4 months ago I decided that the changes were stable
enough and resumed social drinking. This was done with the assent of my
therapist on the understanding that if I began to drink alcoholically I
would immediately return to AA and stop. 4 months isn't a long time, but I
have (so far) found no resurgence of the alcoholic habits:
* I can leave a half-glass of wine if I feel that I've had enough to drink
(previously unheard of)
* I can stop after a pre-determined & of drinks -- especially when driving
* I do not turn to alcohol under stress
* I can keep liquor in the house without feeling a need to drink it.
Now, I realise that not all alcoholics are going to be able (or may want) to
reach this point. I do believe it's important that there are other models
for "sobriety" other than total abstinence. It certainly has been an
important part of my therapy to move from the "broken" model of having a
chronic, incurable, and progressive disease to a place of feeling whole,
human, and functional as distinct from perfect!)
I'm currently working on an MA in counseling psychology and will be working
in an holistic health center on graduation. I want to be able to offer more
than the single solution of lifetime abstinence to my clients. This is where
I believe that NLP will be extremely useful.
Blessings,
Jenni