Thursday Night Friends & Family January 27: Using the Stages of Change to Increase Helpfulness

Hey all!

Building off of Scott’s discussion last week about the Stages of Change model, this week we will delve further into what our role may be during the various stages. In trying to help a loved one move towards sobriety, it is important not just to recognize what stage they are in but also what stage we are in. This may help us to understand how we sometimes get in the way when we are really trying to help.

Sometimes we are tempted to take over and control the process. Others may tell us that there is nothing we can do. Maybe there is someplace in between where we can be helpful and supportive.

No matter what stage of change we think our loved one is in, what are some things we might do to help them become curious about the next stage? How can we put our energy to the best use as we struggle to hold on to patience and hope?

Join Barbara Burke on Thursday, January 27th, at 6:30 via Zoom to learn more: https://vcu.zoom.us/j/299427496

About Barbara: She received her MSW from the VCU School of Social Work in 1978 and most of her work over the past 40 years has been with Substance Use Disorders. She is retired from clinical practice, where she specialized in the assessment, early intervention and treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults. She has taught “Substance Abuse” and “Coping and Adaptation” for the VCU School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and has served as a consultant to area schools and colleges.

Barbara is an experienced presenter and has been providing training to the community, professional organizations and schools for many years. She is the co-founder of “Rams in Recovery”, a Collegiate Recovery Program at VCU where she serves on the project team and it’s advisory board. Barbara believes in the importance of family involvement and meeting folks where they are. Her focus has been on helping young people understand their relationship with substances and their risk factors for dependence in order to make responsible decisions. She stresses the importance of respect and healthy communication for everyone in the conversation.