Speciality areas

Alcohol counseling

Maybe you’re drinking a lot but not sure you have a problem with alcohol. But you’ve also called in sick to work a couple of times recently because you drank excessively the night before. Or your drinking got out of hand, and you embarrassed yourself at a recent family gathering or two. If you’re wondering if your alcohol use has become a problem, it’s often best to get an independent, professional evaluation.

Often people are at a total loss about how to change their relationship with alcohol and need to hear from a counselor. Time 2 Change Counseling’s Patty McGrath is an independently licensed therapist and substance abuse counselor who is experienced in working with clients with alcohol use issues on an individual basis and in a clinical setting. Patty will evaluate how alcohol misuse impacts them and, if needed, recommend steps to begin a road to recovery.

People struggle with different triggers and challenges when it comes to addictive behaviors and using alcohol. And, thus, each person needs a different approach to learning new, healthy patterns that will free them from excessive alcohol use. At Time 2 Change Counseling, you will learn skills that work for your unique situation. Patty will work to understand your emotional needs, social needs, family history, and any challenges you have.

You will acquire self-knowledge, a stronger sense of inner strength and insight into addiction issues during Patty’s private, 50-minute sessions. She provides a gentle, collaborative approach to counseling that is based on respect and working together on goals important to you. Often, people build walls of guilt or shame that keep them from getting help. Patty will help you tear those downs and rebuild a healthy sense of “you.”

Techniques used in alcohol counseling

Your tailored counseling plan may include the following:

Learning ways to identify and manage triggers
Practical ways to manage thoughts and emotions
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Creating strong, healthier relationships
Addressing issues with friends and family that may trigger excessive alcohol use
Create new self-care strategies and goals

Among the techniques Time 2 Change Counseling uses in alcohol counseling include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention techniques. CBT therapy is an evidence-based and proven approach to treat several mental health problems, including alcohol issues. CBT helps clients recognize distorted thought patterns and to cope with specific challenges.

Motivational Interviewing is also an evidence-based therapy that focuses clients on finding the motivation to make positive changes in their lives. This client-centered approach has proven effective in treating alcohol misuse and addiction.