I specialise in Addiction Counselling. I am a qualified Social Worker and experienced Life Coach and Career Coach.
In 1984, after graduating with a B. Social Science degree with a major in Psychology and honours degree in Social Work, I began practicing as a Therapist in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. In 1985, I developed a Drug Treatment Unit at a treatment centre for alcoholism, where I was employed. I went on to work in various out-patient and in-patient facilities.
I run my own practice doing assessments, interventions, family work and recovery coaching (post-treatment).
Though firmly grounded in both academic and practical experience, my greatest source of hope, strength and wisdom comes from my own recovery process, using the principles and practices of the 12 Step Movement, founded by the pioneers in Alcoholics Anonymous and having grown up in a dysfunctional family. Mom and Dad awesome and so special but were both alcoholics, who died without having been treated. That makes me an Adult Child (or ACOA - Adult Child from an Alcoholic or Otherwise Dysfunctional Family). My Dad also had Bipolar Disorder. These and other related childhood experiences, usually sets one up for developing addictions and other mental illnesses. Deeper insights into the human mind and battle with mental illness took place when I had my first manic episode in February 1987. This was the beginning of a nightmare of roller-coaster rides with my own Bipolar disorder. 13 years later in May 2000, I emerged from denial - I just could not accept I had this condition. Soon I began to attend support groups and "come out of the closet" and then started a website "Living with Bipolar and Depression" which as of now (2013) has had over 7,000 visits globally. I share this due to some the parallels in the treatment and recovery of many chronic disorders.
I provide face-to-face counselling for individuals, families and groups. I optimise technology, websites, blogs and other online systems offering my expertise, motivation and support. I do talks, seminars, workshops and train volunteers and professionals.
I love blogging as a primary tool to make a difference and have a global impact. Each of my websites below have blog applications built into them with FREE resources (e.g. ebooks, reports, guides).
Peter Guess
B.Soc.Sc.(SW)
About Me online: WWW.ADDICTIONCOUNSELLORINCAPETOWN.WEBS.COM/aboutme.htm
AAIS website: WWW.ADDICTIONCOUNSELLORINCAPETOWN.WEBS.COM
AOL website: WWW.ADDICTIONONLINELIFELINE.WEEBLY.COM
Be Your Own Life Coach website: WWW.GUESSP.WEBS.COM
Living with Bipolar and Depression website: WWW.LIVINGBIPOLAR.WEBS.COM
One-2-Onw Coaching website: WWW.ONE2ONECOACHING.WEBS.COM
My Full Portfolio of Online Services: WWW.PETERGUESS.WEBS.COM
"We came to believe that a Power Greater than ourselves, could restore us to sanity" (Step 2 of the 12 Steps Movement based on Alcoholics anonymous)
"I suffer when I argue with reality." - Byron Katie (The Work)
"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most" - Unknown Author (on a bumper sticker in 1987, when I had my first episode of Bipolar mania)
"We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable." (Adapted from Step 1 of the 12 Steps Movement based on Alcoholics anonymous)
Addiction Is Powerful, Cunning And Baffling...
An addiction has an impact on everything and everyone around it. It takes on a power and momentum of it's own. It rips into the body, mind and soul of the person with the addiction. It damages relationships, finances, self-esteem, career... It robs people of their sanity and life... Including the loved ones around the person with the addiction. I can make a long list and then go into a lot of details for each point. But then you know this and that is why you are here seeking some answers or support...
How Do I Know This Is An Addiction?
THE FIRST STEP IN RECOVERY: RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE
In doing anything, the first step is the most difficult – Chinese proverb
I am writing this in a way that can be used as a Self-Administered Addiction Check-Up (or click on the link) to identify signs that indicate the presence of an addiction.
The first thing I look at are the PATTERNS of usage (whether drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, food, internet gaming, etc.). These I will refer to as DOC (drug of choice). The second is the IMPACT of the patterns on the functioning of the individual and the family and loved ones. These are not in clear, distinct categories, as you will see as I ask the questions. I will be framing the questions as if you are the one with the possible addiction. So here goes...
PATTERNS
IMPACT ON FUNCTIONING
This is not a comprehensive list by any means. These are just key questions I probe or information I listen for. If you can identify with even ONE of these questions, I suggest it is worth having an assessment and talking to someone as soon as possible. Why?
THE PROBLEM OF DENIAL
Denial is part of the problem of addiction - part of the illness. Denial keeps the addiction going. Denial locks in the disease of addiction. Both the user or addict and those closest to the person, experience denial. Denial is a set of cunning ways the addiction "fools" everyone that everything is OK or "it will just go away if we/I leave it". Here are some ways we deny the reality of addiction:
a) Minimisation: "It's not as bad as person X?" When confronted the person says, "You are making a big deal about nothing. Lighten up. I'm just having fun." "She will grow out of it." "At least he is not on the streets, like his friends."
b) Projection: The person blames the economy, bad boss, bad marriage, drinking partner, a crisis, some stressful situation... "It's just a bad habit. You also have some bad habits."
c) Rationalisation: "It's just a bad habit." "Everybody does it." "I'm just going through a stage." "I can stop if I want to."
As you can see, this "faulty thinking" or denial is also a clear sign of the presence of addiction. The sad news is that denial perpetuates the progressive growth of the disease. It masks the problem. People help and enable the problem by believing these lies. These lies contribute to and compound the problem and delay the person and the family from getting the help they need.
>>> WANT YOUR RESULTS? Go to the link further down >>>
So, my appeal to you is to get professional help as soon as possible. the longer it continues the more the addiction becomes treatment resistant! And that's the bad news.
The good news is this. Yes, addiction is difficult to treat. Yes, to date, we know of no cure for addiction. And we know you cannot try to control it either. We also know the relapse rate is high, even after very intensive therapy! But untreated addiction always gets worse. It is a progressive disease and takes down the individual and those around the person.
But, the good news is that it is treatable. There is hope for living a new life. Millions of people across the world, from all walks of life have found new hope and courage to live sober and meaningful lives using simple principles and steps, with support systems including other recovering addicts.
Just a question. Do you realise why I started the blog with the headline:
"The First Key Step In Recovery: Recognition and Acceptance"
The 12 Steps of Recovery, based on Alcoholics Anonymous, says the first step is this:
"We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, and that our lives had become unmanageable."
Based on this blog, if you identify the problem clearly and begin the process of surrender, you (as a supporter, loved one or the person with the addiction) are taking the first crucial step. Surrender means you are raising the white flag and saying "OK, I need help. And I will do whatever it takes to recover." Without this step done thoroughly, no long-term recovery is possible. You may be a spouse, friend, colleague or employer of a person with this addiction. Or you may have the addiction yourself. You need not do this alone anymore.
I know the desperation of struggling alone. Why? Though I am a qualified counsellor and Life Coach, I am also an addict in recovery. And I know the pain of seeing my Mother and Father struggle with their addiction and feeling helpless to stop the downward spiral. Both died with untreated alcoholism. These factors have been my greatest sources of inspiration to find answers for myself and others.
In my next few articles on my blogs I will discuss the process of recovery - principles, steps and support systems - in some detail, and why they work, "if you work them".
An Open Door...
Contact me right now and let's talk and find a way together to take the next step. Don't wait any longer! The longer you wait and hope it goes away, the more power you give the addiction and the more treatment resistant it becomes. Start now with a little step and break down the denial that interlocks with the addiction.
>>> WANT YOUR RESULTS? Go to the link on my blog and get your results for the FREE Self-Administered Addiction Check-Up.
I will be delighted to take your call and help you in the best way I can.
Here is my number again: +27 72 092 3315 You don't have to struggle alone like this for one more second.
To Your Wellness and Wholeness,
Peter Guess
B.Soc.Sc.(SW)
Email: peterguess1@gmail.com
Web: www.addictioncounsellorincapetown.webs.com
p.s. Go to the About Me page on my website for more information and my LinkedIn profile.
WELCOME! And thanks for visiting
Hi there,
I would love to hear from you and participate in discussions, forums or explore ways to assist you or your loved ones who need help.
To Your Wellness and Wholeness,
Peter Guess
B.Soc.Sc.(SW)
CALL ME NOW: +27 092 3315
Email: peterguess1@gmail.com
AAIS website: www.addictioncounsellorincapetown.webs.com
Be Your Own Life Coach website: www.guessp.webs.com
p.s. Go to the About Me page on my website for more information, Social Media links and my LinkedIn profile.