“CLIENTS NEED TO KNOW YOU HAVE COMPASSION, EMPATHY AND A NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE TOWARD THEM.” – TRISH EARNEST, COUNSELOR, NEW LIFE
Non-judgement is “a big one,” Earnest says. Early in her counseling career, “heroin was a bit of a mystery to me, since I had never used it.” But, seeing the daily struggles of opiate users made her more empathetic toward those clients. “It's been eye-opening.” e rst step in providing help and support is guring out what each client needs. at happens at intake. “We have a very extensive intake process. We screen clients on the phone, rst, before they even walk in the door.” When she sits down with a new client, Earnest asks many questions – about their history of substance use, any past emotional or physical trauma, any previous attempts at treatment, family background and their present living situation. “I try to nd out what is motivating them now. Do they go to 12-step meetings? Do they have a sponsor? It's a pretty lengthy and in-depth process, so I can get a picture of where they are in the (recovery) process.” One dierence among the clients she works with is that a certain percentage have been mandated by a court to undergo treatment. “ey
can still recover, even if some of those who have been mandated to treatment are a little more resistant.” At New Life, working individually with each client includes not only psychological counseling, but also addressing a wide range of other life issues, such as nancial matters, coordinating medication, or helping clients nd supportive housing and other needs. at often involves partnering with a variety of public agencies and private service providers, Earnest notes. “We've become a very multi-faceted treatment center in helping clients in all areas of their lives.” One of Earnest's primary roles is leading therapy groups, which provide an eective setting for recovery from addiction. “When I have a group that works well together – when they learn to trust each other, talk about issues and help each other move forward toward better lives – that is very gratifying. You don't get that all the time in group, but there is a tremendous amount of power in group work that can provide a lot of support for people.” 17
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