by Chante
(IN)
I remember growing up and having to go to a babysitter’s house after school. I was there usually for 3 or 4 hours every day during the work week.
I remember my babysitter’s husband had to have been an alcoholic. He would always smell of alcohol and would sometimes walk around with a bottle of some clear liquid in his hand. He never seemed to bother me or any of the other children in her home.
Now that I’m a grown-up, I realize what a terrible situation that could have been for me. I’m one of the ones that were around an alcoholic without being traumatized by their destructive behavior. I think the worst he did to us children was yell and curse at us to keep quiet every now and again from his room, where he usually spent the whole time I was there watching TV.
That is verbal abuse, but I never paid him much attention so it didn’t bother me. We had zero relationship so his words meant nothing. I just about ignored him. I didn’t have much chance to run into him as he stayed in his room.
I do remember he also smoked as he drank. The only way I knew he drank was whenever the door opened and I could smell the alcohol or when he yelled at us children and we could smell it on his breath.
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.