DELVING DEEPER INTO T HUMAN CONDITION D rug and alcohol addiction is a universal problem, one that isn't con ned by geographical borders or cultural di erences. Growing up “But over time you are able to see how some of the theoretical approaches are re ected in practice.” The ability to empathize with here.”The counselor's role is “breaking through and helping them realize that they wouldn't be here if there wasn't a problem – issues with the legal system, family problems, or some other issue.“
in his native Nigeria, DeVaughn Intervention counselor Charles Otokiti observed the e ects of addiction on people around him, and developed an interest in understanding and helping people nd recovery. After emigrating to the United States in 2003, Otokiti settled in Baltimore, where he initially worked as a counselor with autistic children. Through interacting with With a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to “help make change,” he enrolled in Grand Canyon University in Arizona, where he earned a Master's degree in addiction counseling. Otokiti served an internship at DeVaughn Intervention from June to September, 2015, and became a full-time employee last November. INTEGRATING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE The learning process continues for Otokiti. One of the challenges for anyone learning the counseling profession is developing the ability to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in school into daily practice. “At rst, it is like starting all over again,”Otokiti says. parents of the children, he developed an interest in a counseling career.
clients is obviously essential, but counselors also need to maintain some boundaries for their own mental health, Otokiti notes. “When you see a client going through positive change, you feel happy and feel that you have accomplished something.” Still, not every client is able to achieve recovery. “When you see a client relapse it can be overwhelming. So, you need to practice self-care to keep yourself from burning out – that means eating right, exercising and getting some sleep.” He's also been advised against taking work home with him, by more experienced colleagues. For people who are dedicated to their work that can be easier said than done, he notes. Much of the work of recovery takes place in group sessions. At DeVaughn Intervention, Otokiti facilitates therapy groups in anger management, psychoeducation and relapse prevention. “Relapse can happen at any time no matter what stage of change a person may be in. Relapse starts in the mind, well before the act of using a drug or alcohol takes place. So we help clients learn to monitor their feelings and learn what cues to be aware of that could lead to a relapse.” In his work as a counselor, Otokiti has found that one of the most common barriers to recovery is denial. “Denial is part of the (treatment) process. Clients often don't believe there is a problem, and don't believe they should be
Since addiction is typically accompanied by shame and guilt that can impede recovery, maintaining a non-judgemental stance is also important to develop a trusting, therapeutic relationship. “Then, the client can accept what you have to give them. I nd it very ful lling when I can help them become a functioning person once again, for themselves, their family and society.” One of the things Otokiti appreciates about DeVaughn Intervention is the client-centered approach to treatment. “Everything we do is about the client; we meet them at their 'point of need.'” That means focusing on the client's problems beyond their addiction. “People don't use drugs just because they want to. We have to assess the underlying factors, like marriage and family problems, nancial stress, housing di culties and other environmental factors.” While continuing to develop his counseling skills, Otokiti hopes to return to school to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology. “I really want to go deeper to nd out why people do what they do. God willing, that's my goal.”
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