People ask us why we don't use the word "alcoholic" or "addict" at Monument. And it's because we believe you are not defined by your drinking habits. Perhaps you have a condition called alcohol use disorder, or "AUD." Which is a condition the same way heart disease is. Perhaps stressful times have resulted in more happy hours than feel good to you. Perhaps alcohol simply doesn't serve you anymore, and you want some support creating distance. Whatever it is, your drinking is not who you are, it is something you do, and if you want to, can change.
Good question! Many people ask what sets Monument's therapy and therapists apart. Here are 5 reasons Monument therapy is effective in helping people change their relationship with alcohol:
1. It's personalized to you.
Your therapist will work with you to understand your goals for sobriety or moderation, and what success looks like to you. Then they will build a personalized curriculum of therapy sessions incorporating evidence-based treatment methods that align with your unique needs.
Unhealthy drinking is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, and is intensified by trauma, stressors and societal impact. Each of these aspects cannot be treated solely by one treatment method, but the right combination of treatment tailored to your specific needs can alleviate and resolve multiple issues simultaneously.
"One of the most useful steps to take during your recovery process is committing to a therapy program that is specifically tailored to you and your needs.” — Laura Diamond, LMHC, EdM, MA; Monument Advisor
2. It’s based in industry-leading methods and research.
Your therapist will use treatment methods that have been proven to help people change their unhealthy drinking behaviors. These methods include:
Motivational Interviewing: Motivational interviewing helps people resolve uncertain or indecisive feelings and insecurities and find the internal motivation they need to make a change.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT explores patterns of behavior leading to self-destructive actions and thoughts, and helps people build coping mechanisms and new, positive behaviors.
Contingency Management: Contingency management enforces positive behaviors and helps people obtain and maintain their goals through motivational incentives.
3. It’s designed to produce significant results in a set amount of time.
You deserve to get results. Your therapy program will include phases of treatment that build upon each other until you reach your goal. Your therapist will use the specific tools and methods that they believe will work best for you. While everyone is different, here’s an example of what phases of a therapy program might look like.
Orientation
Goal setting
Identifying negative thoughts and beliefs
Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs
Behavioral activation
Problem solving
Relaxation
Ending treatment and maintaining (or staying in treatment and maintaining changes)
Each therapy phase can include multiple sessions. While the recommended length of your therapy program will be determined by your therapist, that choice is ultimately up to you. The average program is about one year long.
4. It’s led by therapists with deep expertise and passion.
Our therapists have dedicated their lives and careers to helping people change their relationship with alcohol, and they are on your team. In addition to being thoroughly vetted and background checked by the Monument Team, they have years of relevant experience, and are all proficient in cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy.
If you want to meet some of our therapists in a group setting, you can sign up for our therapist-moderated support groups.
5. We know it can be challenging, and we’re in this together.
This can be an intimidating process, and we’ll guide you through it. Your therapy sessions won’t begin with “tell me how you’re feeling today.” Your therapist will provide structure, guidance, and support.
And it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. The ability to manage negative or uncomfortable emotions is one of the fundamental components of this journey. You’ll learn to sit with your emotions, whether they are negative, positive, neither or both. Many times, the only way to do this is by implementing some form of mindfulness and learning to self-regulate, and your therapist will help you get here.
We've received requests for sharable quotes and images to have on hand when we need that extra bit of motivation. Quick reminders for phone backgrounds, daily mantras, or however you choose to use them.
Let us know your favorite motivational phrases or the best nuggets of wisdom you'e received, and we'll illustrate a collection to share you with all. 🎨❤️
I saw this piece in the Washington Post, and wanted to share with you all. This is a therapist's perspective, but for those of you trying virtual therapy (with Monument or elsewhere), I'd love to know what it's been like for you.
Or if you use video conferencing for other things, like work, or dating, how has that changed how you interact with the person on the other side of the screen?
I personally found that I'm more vulnerable over the phone/computer these days. Whether it's the longing for connection through isolation, or the more genuine peek into people's home lives, I feel like it's broken down some barriers for me.
I have a hard time practicing self-care. Even with the added free time from quarantine. I'm also realizing that self-care doesn't always mean face masks and bubble baths, but actively making time for self-appreciation. So here's a challenge: comment with 3 things you're really proud of or 3 positive qualities about yourself.
And if you want to connect with other members on this topic, you can join our support group at 6:30 tonight (on or off-camera): Preventing relapse through self-care. There are still a few spots open, so register now if you're interested!
Coming soon: Navigating sobriety or moderation as a parent
Hey everyone! So glad we're here together. In case you missed it, here are some of the free support groups coming up this week, moderated by a therapist. You can sign up here. So you know, you can join with your camera off if you like (making it entirely anonymous), and you will never be called on to share.
Upcoming groups this week Moderation in the time of Coronavirus Preventing relapse through self-care Managing your drinking through quarantine Navigating sobriety or moderation for women Navigating sobriety or moderation for men
And here are the groups coming soon:
Upcoming groups coming soon Navigating sobriety or moderation as a Trans or Gender Nonconforming person Navigating sobriety or moderation as a parent Navigating sobriety or moderation as a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) Supporting a loved one with their drinking habits
Feeling nostalgic for when we gathered at getaway.bar to share more about what motivates us, and what makes our lives more meaningful. Fortunately, we can still do that here. What have you gotten more of by drinking less?
