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Therapist - Alcoholism and Personality Disorders
seppuku
#1 Posted : Wednesday, June 05, 2013 9:17:33 PM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 5/11/2010
Posts: 918
I'll cut all that crap about a friend of a neighbor and go straight to my question. Any recommendations for a therapist capable of helping a patient struggling with alcoholism and possible personality disorders?
Learn first to treat your time as you would your money, then treat your money as you do your time.
jguru
#2 Posted : Wednesday, June 05, 2013 9:45:38 PM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 1,574
@seppuku, the first step is accepting there is a problem.

Answer yes or no to the following questions:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have you ever been annoyed when people have commented on your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt guilty or badly about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had an eye opener first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Set out to correct the world's wrongs and you will most certainly wind up adding to them.
seppuku
#3 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 5:11:19 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 5/11/2010
Posts: 918
jguru wrote:
@seppuku, the first step is accepting there is a problem.

Nitajibu mahali naweza...

Answer yes or no to the following questions:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

Not sure

2. Have you ever been annoyed when people have commented on your drinking?

Yes

3. Have you ever felt guilty or badly about your drinking?

Yes

4. Have you ever had an eye opener first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Definitely yes. In fact very often



IMO the patient is still struggling with acceptance but they are slowly inching close. They have accepted to give a therapist a chance after much cajoling, leading to this post.
Learn first to treat your time as you would your money, then treat your money as you do your time.
Muheani
#4 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 5:59:39 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 11/20/2009
Posts: 1,402
seppuku wrote:
I'll cut all that crap about a friend of a neighbor and go straight to my question. Any recommendations for a therapist capable of helping a patient struggling with alcoholism and possible personality disorders?


Well
Nacada Lists The Following

Mathari mental hospital...huko Anaweza Hepa
Asumbi Treatment Centre
Redhill Place Kiambu
Brightside D.A.R.T Centre Kitisuru

Then Google Psychiatrists In Kenya and You Will Be Healed
seppuku
#5 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 7:42:18 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 5/11/2010
Posts: 918
@Muheani, thanks for these suggestions. However, I am looking for a consultant type of guy and not a rehab. Just to get the patient started. He will likely run for the hills at the slightest hint that anybody thinks he is a nutcase.
Learn first to treat your time as you would your money, then treat your money as you do your time.
tycho
#6 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 8:30:25 AM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 7/1/2011
Posts: 8,804
Location: Nairobi
I once needed a therapist so much, but I was only a boy with no money and with plenty of confidentiality issues. So I decided to be my own therapist.

A few days ago I came across a book that was emphasizing on the need for the individual to be his own therapist in these times where information is more ubiquitous.

But thinking about what you have said above, and looking at my experience, I say this:

1. Most drinking is driven by fear and
2. If you think there's a personality disorder then the fear hypothesis becomes more plausible.
3. You have often declared yourself an agnostic, is this another sign of fear? Or is it a cause? I am not so sure. But some profiling would shed some light.

As a therapist, I'd begin by pointing out that everything is knowable, with a certain degree of uncertainty of course that can be reduced with higher levels of being.

The therapist's work is to provide a mirror to see yourself. Or rather to stimulate your awareness of the so many mirrors around you, and to set off a method of self reflection.
seppuku
#7 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 8:58:41 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 5/11/2010
Posts: 918
tycho wrote:
I once needed a therapist so much, but I was only a boy with no money and with plenty of confidentiality issues. So I decided to be my own therapist.

A few days ago I came across a book that was emphasizing on the need for the individual to be his own therapist in these times where information is more ubiquitous.

But thinking about what you have said above, and looking at my experience, I say this:

1. Most drinking is driven by fear and
2. If you think there's a personality disorder then the fear hypothesis becomes more plausible.
3. You have often declared yourself an agnostic, is this another sign of fear? Or is it a cause? I am not so sure. But some profiling would shed some light.

As a therapist, I'd begin by pointing out that everything is knowable, with a certain degree of uncertainty of course that can be reduced with higher levels of being.

The therapist's work is to provide a mirror to see yourself. Or rather to stimulate your awareness of the so many mirrors around you, and to set off a method of self reflection.



Wewewewewewe @tycho, maybe I should have have deployed the usual friend of a friend "tactic" after all!

Mimi hapana mlevi. This is about someone else. Na sio mzaha. But you are right about my agnosticism to religion although it hasn't led to any detectable fear or drinking. Not yet at least.

Anyway, the patient is question is in no shape for self-therapy. He even has trouble accepting that he has a problem. I know you are a man (maybe woman) much given to theory, conjecture and thought experiments, and that is all very fine. But I will not indulge you today. And certainly not on this thread. I keep going back to my question, someone give me a therapist's telephone number. The guy into whose office my patient can walk and begin to get help. Just begin.
Learn first to treat your time as you would your money, then treat your money as you do your time.
Muheani
#8 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 9:03:25 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 11/20/2009
Posts: 1,402
tycho wrote:
I once needed a therapist so much, but I was only a boy with no money and with plenty of confidentiality issues. So I decided to be my own therapist.

A few days ago I came across a book that was emphasizing on the need for the individual to be his own therapist in these times where information is more ubiquitous.

But thinking about what you have said above, and looking at my experience, I say this:

1. Most drinking is driven by fear and
2. If you think there's a personality disorder then the fear hypothesis becomes more plausible.
3. You have often declared yourself an agnostic, is this another sign of fear? Or is it a cause? I am not so sure. But some profiling would shed some light.

As a therapist, I'd begin by pointing out that everything is knowable, with a certain degree of uncertainty of course that can be reduced with higher levels of being.

The therapist's work is to provide a mirror to see yourself. Or rather to stimulate your awareness of the so many mirrors around you, and to set off a method of self reflection.


Ditto.
Simply , an angagement with the individual to progress his "unknown and hidden self" to the "Known self" and in the process enable the individual "see themselves" and "Triumph" over the "burden/s"

The challenge is that the "unknown and hidden" space can never remain void, hence individuals have to continually enagage in "self therapy" so as to keep "re-discovering and re-evolving self"



Muheani
#9 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 9:10:47 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 11/20/2009
Posts: 1,402
back to your question
Iam not sure bout the charges, and i dont know any therapist (psychiatrist?) but may be drop an enquiry to the mental helath association as you seek help.
http://www.kenyapsychiat...e&id=6&Itemid=18
tycho
#10 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 9:20:52 AM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 7/1/2011
Posts: 8,804
Location: Nairobi
seppuku wrote:
tycho wrote:
I once needed a therapist so much, but I was only a boy with no money and with plenty of confidentiality issues. So I decided to be my own therapist.

A few days ago I came across a book that was emphasizing on the need for the individual to be his own therapist in these times where information is more ubiquitous.

But thinking about what you have said above, and looking at my experience, I say this:

1. Most drinking is driven by fear and
2. If you think there's a personality disorder then the fear hypothesis becomes more plausible.
3. You have often declared yourself an agnostic, is this another sign of fear? Or is it a cause? I am not so sure. But some profiling would shed some light.

As a therapist, I'd begin by pointing out that everything is knowable, with a certain degree of uncertainty of course that can be reduced with higher levels of being.

The therapist's work is to provide a mirror to see yourself. Or rather to stimulate your awareness of the so many mirrors around you, and to set off a method of self reflection.



Wewewewewewe @tycho, maybe I should have have deployed the usual friend of a friend "tactic" after all!

Mimi hapana mlevi. This is about someone else. Na sio mzaha. But you are right about my agnosticism to religion although it hasn't led to any detectable fear or drinking. Not yet at least.

Anyway, the patient is question is in no shape for self-therapy. He even has trouble accepting that he has a problem. I know you are a man (maybe woman) much given to theory, conjecture and thought experiments, and that is all very fine. But I will not indulge you today. And certainly not on this thread. I keep going back to my question, someone give me a therapist's telephone number. The guy into whose office my patient can walk and begin to get help. Just begin.


If you are talking about someone else, then therapy should begin with you beginning the process, and probably getting him or her to self therapy levels.

Sending him to an 'authority' without his enthusiasm is likely to fail, and even lead to strained relationships.

seppuku
#11 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 10:25:14 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 5/11/2010
Posts: 918
@Muheani, I'll check out that link. Thanks. @tycho, I've been doing a lot of that. Made some good progress too. For the longest time the patient wouldn't even accept that he has a problem or even be willing to consider therapy. Now he is beginning to warm up to the idea. I am thinking a pro will help nudge him another rung or two up the ladder of recovery. But it needs to be a place he can feel safe and confident and not judged.
Learn first to treat your time as you would your money, then treat your money as you do your time.
jguru
#12 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 11:45:32 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 1,574
seppuku wrote:
jguru wrote:
@seppuku, the first step is accepting there is a problem.

Nitajibu mahali naweza...

Answer yes or no to the following questions:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

Not sure

2. Have you ever been annoyed when people have commented on your drinking?

Yes

3. Have you ever felt guilty or badly about your drinking?

Yes

4. Have you ever had an eye opener first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Definitely yes. In fact very often



IMO the patient is still struggling with acceptance but they are slowly inching close. They have accepted to give a therapist a chance after much cajoling, leading to this post.


These questions form the CAGE Questionnaire for alcohol addiction assessment.

C = Cut Down, A = Annoyed, G = Guilty, E = Eye Opener (Kufungua Lock).

Since you answered yes to 3 questions, there is a 99% chance you're addicted to alcohol.

I don't know of any therapists who deal with addiction. Mostly they deal with physical and occupational rehabilitation.

If the goal of seeking a therapist is to completely stop the use of alcohol, then it a process and not exactly a short-term intervention. I'll explain in successive posts.
Set out to correct the world's wrongs and you will most certainly wind up adding to them.
jguru
#13 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 11:47:16 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 1,574
Alcoholism is a major economic, social, psychological and public health problem. It is nice to note that you have recognised that your drinking is getting out of hand. Most alcoholics are still stuck in denial and precontemplation. A close family member or employer must have spoken to you candidly about your problem, right?

The best start to the path to seeking alcohol rehab is to talk to your personal doctor first. He/she will then recommend a psychiatrist that you should visit, if there is enough cause for rehab.

The psychiatrist will then evaluate you (diagnose your personality disorder too), and will recommend either an in-patient stay or out-patient treatment. He will also introduce you to a support group like the AA-Kenya.

Note that the rehab process is long-term and involves support groups (AA), strong social/family networks, group therapy, rewards, role models and counseling.

You might need DETOX if you are dependent on alcohol. Meaning, if you stop you will experience serious withdrawal symptoms (you could die). Or if adequate social support does not exist, other psychiatric problems exist, or relapse has happened after previous treatments. Then treatment has to be done in a specialised and controlled establishment because stopping alcohol might also make you temporarily anxious, disorieted or depressed.

Sometimes, medication may be used in rehab. Some drugs limit or slow relapses; some when taken produce nasty unpleasant feelings in your body when you drink alcohol (Psychological Conditioning; remember Pavlov and his dog?); others decrease the urge to consume alcohol.

You could actually be able to cut back (drink with moderation) or quit alcohol on your own, without any external influences. However, most alcoholics need help (strong social support) to quit alcohol.
Set out to correct the world's wrongs and you will most certainly wind up adding to them.
jguru
#14 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 11:51:55 AM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 1,574
Muheani wrote:
seppuku wrote:
I'll cut all that crap about a friend of a neighbor and go straight to my question. Any recommendations for a therapist capable of helping a patient struggling with alcoholism and possible personality disorders?


Well
Nacada Lists The Following

Mathari mental hospital...huko Anaweza Hepa
Asumbi Treatment Centre
Redhill Place Kiambu
Brightside D.A.R.T Centre Kitisuru

Then Google Psychiatrists In Kenya and You Will Be Healed



Mathare has a good rehab center. But, you don't want people to know you went there smile It's a bit neglected but for those without other options, full boarding and lodging for 8 weeks works wonders.

Chiromo Lane Medical center is a psychiatric hospital run by top pyschiatrists. You could call and ask if they do rehab. They should. They treat our MPs and politicians.

You could also try Asumbi and Brightside. Visit the place first, and request to know who runs the places. A psychiatrist has to be involved. If they don't have one, bolt.
Set out to correct the world's wrongs and you will most certainly wind up adding to them.
tycho
#15 Posted : Thursday, June 06, 2013 12:35:24 PM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 7/1/2011
Posts: 8,804
Location: Nairobi
jguru wrote:
Muheani wrote:
seppuku wrote:
I'll cut all that crap about a friend of a neighbor and go straight to my question. Any recommendations for a therapist capable of helping a patient struggling with alcoholism and possible personality disorders?


Well
Nacada Lists The Following

Mathari mental hospital...huko Anaweza Hepa
Asumbi Treatment Centre
Redhill Place Kiambu
Brightside D.A.R.T Centre Kitisuru

Then Google Psychiatrists In Kenya and You Will Be Healed



Mathare has a good rehab center. But, you don't want people to know you went there smile It's a bit neglected but for those without other options, full boarding and lodging for 8 weeks works wonders.

Chiromo Lane Medical center is a psychiatric hospital run by top pyschiatrists. You could call and ask if they do rehab. They should. They treat our MPs and politicians.

You could also try Asumbi and Brightside. Visit the place first, and request to know who runs the places. A psychiatrist has to be involved. If they don't have one, bolt.


I have a friend who was once taken to Mathare for rehab, one year later he had a major 'recurrence' of his problem. His Minders had to give up. I also gave up. But after like a year, he bounced back after self reflection. His account of Mathare left me discouraged.

I have visited Chiromo lane for some time, and the costs are not only very high, but patients have little time with the shrinks and algorithms are too text book.

You'll do much better with self therapy, research, and conversation.
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