To turn people around (from drugs, alcohol, depression, or anything that doesn’t serve them!):
Find a way to agree with them, when they are whining and in victimhood: “Yes, I know. That must have been horrible for you. It was lousy for me, too!”
Then:
1. How do you want your life to go? What do you wish would happen?
2. Describe it to me? (suspend all judgment!)
3. Why does that feel good to you? What about that makes you feel happy?
Then, “That sounds like a happy future you are building!!”
If they have trouble thinking of anything that they want for their future, remember to anchor them to the moment by offering appreciation for some object around them, and describing it. This gets their thoughts onto something good, and in the moment, rather than on the past and how lousy their life is! Then, ask the above question again, and they will be able to think of something!
By Janeen J. Detrick
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