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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: USA, Eastern
Posts: 6
Hello all. In an unfamilar situation. I am now a therapist at a residential 28 day facility. I fear openly sharing at AA meetings because "could be" residents might take what I say and use it against me once in treatment.
Also, have always struggled with anxiety. ALWAYS. Know it is a big reason why I became an alcoholic. Fearful also to share this flaw in meetings since I have been sober 7 years. I have brought this up in meetings in the past but have never really dealt with it. Also, being a therapist myself now, I feel like I should be able to "cognitively restructure" my thoughts and therefore have no fear of speaking in front of others.
Just a couple of my struggles.
Also, have always struggled with anxiety. ALWAYS. Know it is a big reason why I became an alcoholic. Fearful also to share this flaw in meetings since I have been sober 7 years. I have brought this up in meetings in the past but have never really dealt with it. Also, being a therapist myself now, I feel like I should be able to "cognitively restructure" my thoughts and therefore have no fear of speaking in front of others.
Just a couple of my struggles.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Lynnwood WA
Posts: 424
When I was in outpatient for anorexia a few years back, the most enlightening stories were those of the therapists who once battled eating disorders themselves. I am now in outpatient for alcoholism and the couselor is a recovering alcoholic. I feel that she can relate to what I am going through more because of her past. Anxiety is a reason that many of us drink. If you share that with your groups, you may find that the residents will feel more comfortable around you and you may in turn feel less fear of speaking in front of others. I, too, have always hated speaking in front of others. But I have been to AA, outpatient, and am currently a teacher. You may find that many people share your feelings. I find that what I have to say is actually on other people's minds but they are too afraid to say it. I now feel that I have to own my feelings no matter what other people think of them. I hope that helps.
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