Why is it important that the partner be included in the recovery process?An addict’s behavior can have an impact on almost every area of their partner’s life. As a result, a partner can experience feelings of grief, anger, depression, hopelessness, betrayal and more. We believe that the partner’s experience is worthy of attention and validation and we want to take the time necessary to ensure that all areas of concern are properly addressed.
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What is Partner Betrayal Trauma®?When a partner is exposed to, either accidentally or through disclosure, the ways in which the addict is/was acting out, this is oftentimes perceived by the partner as a traumatic event. Trauma affects the entire person-mind, spirit, and body-and can have lasting and damaging consequences if not addressed properly. In many cases, a partner who has experienced trauma from betrayal can actually develop PTSD-making it difficult for them to function in the same ways they used to prior to the trauma. The reason for this is that the partner can actually perceive the addict’s behavior as threatening to life as they knew it, and this causes a situation in which the partner feels intense fear, helplessness, and more. Victims of trauma often report experiencing symptoms such as reliving the event, intrusive thoughts and images, panic attacks, health problems, withdrawal from activities or friends, nightmares, overeating, and even extreme rages.
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How is a coach different than a counselor or therapist?Therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy is a process in which an individual or couple works with a licensed healthcare professional to resolve past traumas and issues in order to change self-destructive habits that will hopefully result in improved quality of life and/or relationships. It is often based on the premise that the client does not have the necessary resources they need in order to succeed and need to develop these during therapy.
Coaching is not about the past, but about the present and is focused on taking clients from where they are today to where they want to be. It is built on the premise that clients already have the resources inside of them that they need in order to succeed and they simply need strategies in order to achieve their goals. Coaches help to identify obstacles and problematic behaviors that may be standing in the way of success and develop action plans to assist their clients in moving forward. Think of it this way-the first time your child enters a sport, their coach will need to teach them the fundamentals of the game, help them build their skills, and then eventually lead them to a win. The recovery coaching process is very similar. Your coach will help you learn about your addiction (the fundamentals), have you participate in homework, work groups, and sessions (building your skills), and show you how to live a life in recovery (winning the game). |
How long are sessions?
Couple and individual sessions are up to 55 minutes in length. Couples' sessions are up to 85 minutes in length. Work group sessions can last between 60 and 90 minutes. Intensives on Demand™ are 3 days in length with multiple sessions and activities interspersed throughout those days.
Is there typically a waitlist for couples to get in to see you?
Yes. There is often a waitlist for couple and individual sessions because of the small number of clients we can work with at any given time. Work groups fill up quickly, as they are limited to 10 individuals. Intensives are limited to 4 couples per week.
“When I discovered that my husband had an addiction to pornography and sexual acting-out the first person that I reached out to was Matt Burton. Matt counselled me and helped me to understand the addiction and the trauma causing this addiction. He also guided me through organizing an intervention with my husband to help him find the resources that he needed to begin his healing process. I have a great deal of respect for Matt and his knowledge.” -Cindy-
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