Play with a Purpose Counselor uses varied tools to engage clients
“It’s difficult for them to be in touch with how they are feeling and thinking and articulate those feelings.”
– Deb Murphy, New Life group
Deb Murphy, a group counselor at New Life Addiction Counseling Services, began her professional career as a registered nurse and then spent seven years as a teacher. While working as a grade school teacher in north Baltimore, she became aware of the far-reaching problems caused by addiction to drugs and alcohol. The experience of “seeing a lot of kids who seemed to need help” motivated her to switch careers to the addiction counseling field.
Murphy, who joined the New Life staff in April, 2014, leads groups in New Life’s intensive outpatient program and the continuing care groups which last six months, including intensive outpatient treatment, followed by continuing care. In helping treatment clients face their addictions and move toward recovery, Murphy says she has learned the importance of engaging
the client. “It’s so important for them to actively be part of the treatment process.” Some clients who are dealing with the effects of their addiction may initially be unwilling, or unable to fully participate in program activities, at least in the early stage counseling, Murphy notes.
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