My Approach

For 19 years, I have specialized in using Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in working with individuals struggling with addiction issues.  With over 15 years of directly working in MET research funded by NIH (National Institutes of Health), I feel confident knowing MET has been proven effective in helping people achieve sobriety and significantly reduce their substance use.

Addiction is a progressive disease and is about isolation, disconnection from ourselves, from others, fueled by secrets…it takes time and courage to try a different way of being.  One that involves honesty, connection, acceptance and authenticity with self and others.   MET focuses on people’s needs for change and to find their inner strength to make these changes.  All struggles, including relapse and use episodes are viewed as learning opportunities for more self-awareness and growth.  There is no blaming or confrontation, only compassion and kindness.

Specifically, with MET, people feel motivation increase when working collaboratively with their therapist by openly exploring the role of drinking and or using in their lives, its benefits and consequences, and what, if anything they might want to change about their drinking or drug use.

An essential part of MET is meeting clients where they are, unlike the more confrontational approaches that attempt to “break down denial” or convince the client that she/he has a problem.

Met draws upon the Stages of Change Theory developed by Prochaska et al. (1992) and adapted to Motivational Interviewing by Miller and Rollnick (2002).