Today a young client was in my office listing his needs. I listened patiently, but finally intervened to suggest that most of the things he needed he could do for himself.
So, after we talked for a moment, he agreed to find his own doctor to refill his prescriptions. And to take the bus to go clothes shopping. After all, other than four hours of group activities each day, he had a lot more free time than any of us.
Like many clients this man assumed that because we’re helping with his recovery that we would help with all of his needs. He not only wanted help – he wanted it now and was irritated at the staff member who wouldn't provide it.
And some of our staff, trying to be nice, falls into this trap of doing things for clients that they can do for themselves. When I hear about it, though, I stop them because our job is help clients become responsible for not only their recovery, but for the other areas of their lives also.
Once we grasp that we’re responsible for ourselves then we’re free to become what God intended us to be.
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