Approach

   Carla Wilson offers individual and group therapy through an informational curriculum while remaining based upon the principles of Alcohol Anonymous and Alanon. Clients will learn a new means of problem solving in order to cope with a loved ones chemical dependency or toxic behavior.
    In many dysfunctional relationships the normal channels of healthy communication may have been disrupted. Clients will learn to build communication skills necessary for healthy interaction with family, friends and co-workers. You will also learn what goes on in the minds of addicts and codependents. You will begin to take an enlightened look at the irrational thinking found in addiction and relapse. I am committed to creating a simple way to help you understand more about yourself and your own recovery process.
    To get the most out of therapy, you will need to understand that there are some things we don't see in ourselves that other people see. These are what we call blind spots, which include behaviors we may not necessarily like, but are a part of who we are. Despite our efforts, these behaviors may be clear to those around us. I have found that by working closely with Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon your insight will be greatly enhanced.
    Another benefit to therapy is tapping into your undiscovered potential. This includes strengths and abilities we've yet to see in ourselves.

The Twelve Steps

1.We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.
"Alcohol, any chemical or person; our co-dependence even our own controlling behavior that makes our lives unmanageable." The goal of this step will be to enhance your awareness. Prior to admitting to something, we need to be aware of it; this can include your behavior and feelings. Once you begin to take your eyes off the actions of others and begin to focus on self and the affairs of your life, your circumstances will improve. By not working this step, we remain in denial.
2. Came to believe that a Power Greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
"This is not only an admission of our faith but also a statement that how we are living lacks sanity." The goal of this step is to increase your faith and sanity. Although we are not told what or who this "Higher Power" is, you are given an opportunity to explore trust. This step invites you to believe that there is a power greater than your own that will provide direction. By understanding this step you may realize for the first time, you may not have control of everything. The simplicity of this step begins by opening your heart and by connecting with others working a recovery program.
3.Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
"If you have a problem saying "God" or "Higher Power" just realize that "God" is not you." Step three deals with control, surrender and decision making; it is the essential theme for all the 12 steps. This step is also about the limits of will power and the consequences that are generated when we try to do it all on our own. We begin to acknowledge our need for guidance. This step also states specifically that we are each free to understand God as we choose. As we begin turning things over to our "Higher Power", we will begin creating a solid foundation for a successful recovery program.

4.Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
"This step is a process and has to be worked out. It means acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses." In this step we begin the process of looking within as a result of our life's circumstances. We begin by making a fearless and searching inventory of ourselves. This step will eventually assist you by helping you face your personal problems and pain. This step provides a place for healing. Think of this step as a self-exploration and an opportunity to discover who you are; acknowledging your strengths as well as your limitations. This step is done with the guidance of a sponsor or a mentor.
5.Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
"This step means going over your fourth step with your sponsor."We work this step by sharing our inventory with someone we can trust. Step five is about admitting and naming the truth about ourselves. When we are willing to look at our past experiences; it leads us to self-acceptance and forgiveness, not guilt. It's important to find someone who is familiar with listening to fifth steps, possibly someone who has done it before and who is willing to assist you through the process.
6.Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
"Character defects can mean many different things…for instance, dishonesty, egotistical nature, self-centeredness, pride, stubbornness, old friends, etc." Step six is about our readiness and personal knowledge. Step six invites us to gently consider change and become willing. Readiness is willingness. We are asking our "Higher Power" to show us our shortcomings, blocks and barriers, and to help us become willing to let go of them all. Whatever we have been able to uncover up to this point, we must become willing to let it go and turn it over. Letting go is the opposite of FEAR.
7.Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
"This can be a difficult task, it is also a process. Shortcomings are usually defense mechanisms

that we have developed as a way to endure our pain or circumstances." Step seven helps us to understand our limitations and strengths. Knowing and learning that willpower will not change us; puts us in a better position to acknowledge who we are and turn it all over to our "Higher Power". By aligning ourselves and developing a partnership with this source we allow change to occur in its own time. We also acknowledge that God is the power and that we are not.
8.Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make aments to them all. "This will be an ongoing process and a permanent part of your personal recovery." On this step we begin by looking at our personal relationships and see how they may have become out of balance with family, friends, co-workers, school, businesses etc. Look and see how your actions may have negatively affected others and what you can do to set the relationship right. Learn to see the harm done without condemning yourself. Consider the possibility of making amends; also think about what might keep you from being willing to take this action. This step asks us for a change of heart which will allow us an opportunity to heal over time.

9.Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. "It is important that you are thorough; do not be selfish in this process." Making amends means taking responsibility for your part in the relationship. Taking responsibility simply means responding appropriately to the other person. It is your decision how to make the amends. This step will help ground you and redefine your own personal power. Make sure you have taken a good look at any unresolved issues before moving on.
10.Continued to take personal inventory and when we wrong promptly admitted it.
"This will also be on ongoing part of your recovery process." Step Ten is a maintenance step. This step will assist you in staying in the present. Consistently look at your present relationships and emotions. Make amends quickly before they have a chance to manifest into an issue. Simply remain committed to all the beneficial results that you have learned in the earlier steps. This step will gradually increase your overall emotional and spiritual health.

11.Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. "However you choose to pray or meditate to connect with your "Higher Power" to raise your personal awareness and spirituality." Prayer is the act of either reaching out to your "Higher Power" or deciding to go inward to a deeper level of consciousness. We have the luxury of praying anyway we would like. Think of prayer as a spiritual connection or dialogue that allows you to open yourself up to the possibilities of the universe. Prayer is actively communicating and meditation is the act of being still and listening. It's a time and place where we surrender, receive and let go.
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. "Although it may be difficult not to preach once you've been awakened, it should be only done to enlighten others who may be searching for a better way." This step talks of our new spiritual awaking and our connection to something greater than ourselves. As we begin to explore the gifts of our "Higher Power" and "Inner-self;" we finally become whole. The twelfth step is all about our new journey of self-acceptance. The transformation may take place dramatically or slowly but believe me, it does happen. Sharing your story with others will help you appreciate just how alive and at peace you are. Recovery is kept by giving it away.