Written by: Angela Derrick, Ph.D. & Susan McClanahan, Ph.D.
Date Posted: October 3, 2024 6:52 pm
Featuring special guest writer SpringSource’s own Alison (Ali) Mayer, NCC, LCPC.
Yes, that is right, I am a therapist who has been in recovery for close to 10 years. I feel no shame or embarrassment saying that out loud because it is part of my life journey and what got me interested in changing my career path in my late 30’s, which landed me in graduate school until my early 40’s.
In the behavioral health field (with the exception of the substance abuse field), there are those who discourage clinicians who are in recovery from sharing their stories, and there are others who feel it needs to be talked about more. Of the two, I think recovery experience needs to be talked about more if one chooses to share. Clinicians are humans as well, and life journeys are seen to help guide our clients, and it is the same for us clinicians.
There is Power in Being a Clinician in Recovery
Clients feel that you might be able to relate to them at a closer level due to experiencing similar issues. Why I say this because so many times I hear from clients, “You do not understand what I am going through because you never struggled with X (fill in the blank) disorder.” When I have shared with clients about being in recovery, I have seen a stronger therapeutic relationship develop. My clients feel safe and understood— that I get it at some level due to having lived experience.
The Substance Abuse Field
While thinking about the substance abuse field, AA was started in 1935 by a doctor and stockbroker, both of whom were alcoholics. AA continues to serve numerous people worldwide every year to find recovery from alcoholism. The groups are led by those in recovery themselves, which brings connection to the folks who attend the groups and get a sponsor through AA.
Yes, other behavioral health organizations have followed AA. However, when you think about the behavioral health field, it is the substance abuse area that you hear more often about having clinicians in recovery. I feel that since AA has been going strong for over 85 years, the behavioral health field has something to learn from its model and apply to the other areas of the behavioral health field.
A Final Word
In summary, if it were not for my many years of struggling with an eating disorder and eventually finding recovery in my 30’s, I would not have had the strength to change career paths and be in a career that brings me a huge amount of reward and passion. I am in this field to spread the message that recovery is possible for everyone. As a therapist in recovery, I am well-equipped to understand and support clients through that journey. I want to bring awareness to the field that you can be in recovery and still be a strong clinician.
At SpringSource Psychological Center we believe there are many paths to healing and look forward to helping facilitate your recovery journey. With offices in downtown Chicago and Northbrook, we offer in-person and virtual support. Please contact SpringSource today at 224-202-6260 or email info@springsourcecenter.com | We offer free 15-minute initial consultations—schedule here.
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