Since it had been more than a year since Emerson had visited our office, his unannounced visit took his former therapist quite by surprise.

Emerson originally came to us for substance abuse counseling; having recently relapsed. He had abused alcohol and marijuana since his early teen years. After he married and had a son he realized how much he had to lose, and began to pursue sobriety. With the help of counseling and a 12-step program, Emerson got clean. He had been sober for 4 months before he relapsed and contacted us for help.

Emerson’s relapse shattered his confidence and self esteem. He had failed, he said over and over. During their first meeting, our therapist worked with Emerson to help him realize that his relapse was not a sign of complete failure – nor did it make Emerson a failure. The therapist helped Emerson to recount his past successes. Emerson recalled making the decision to get clean, participating first in an education group where he learned about the affects of his drug use. He remembered the intensity with which he struggled the first few days of sobriety. He recalled how great he felt, how clear his thinking was after a month of sobriety. Emerson talked about his past involvement in AA. His therapist reminded him of the impact that his involvement in the group had on others who were also seeking sobriety. Taking count of his victories lifted his spirits and bolstered his courage to keep up the fight.

Emerson met regularly with his therapist over the next several months. Together they worked out a plan to help ensure Emerson’s success. He was encouraged to become involved in the group meetings that he had drifted away from. He was reminded to continue to recount the great progress he had made. Much of their work focused on helping Emerson to maintain the power he had over his life and choices. As his therapy progressed, Emerson stayed clean and had made great progress in his plan. Eventually, Emerson’s plan and his therapy sessions were complete.

Which brings us back to his surprise visit a year later. During that visit Emerson told the therapist that he needed to thank him face to face. With tears in his eyes, Emerson said that he had recently completed a year of sobriety. “If it hadn’t been for your help and guidance I would have never stayed clean.” Emerson reached into his pocket and presented his therapist with a gift – a sobriety chip that had been given to Emerson in celebration of his year of sobriety. The chip is now proudly displayed on his therapists’ desk. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact of our work. It is a trophy of our success in helping our clients to find the strength and courage to take back control of their lives.