Twelve Ways To Tell The Difference Between Your Sponsor And Your Therapist.
1. Your sponsor isn't all that interested in the "reasons" you drank.
2. Your therapist thinks your root problem is your lack of self-esteem, negative self-image, and your poor self-concept. Your sponsor thinks your problem is self.
3. Your therapist wants you to pamper your "inner child." Your sponsor thinks it ought to be spanked.
4. Your sponsor thinks your inventory should be about you, not your parents.
5. Speaking of your parents, your sponsor tells you not to confront them, but to make amends to them.
6. The only time your sponsor uses the word "closure" is before the word "mouth."
7. Your sponsor thinks "boundaries" are things you need to take down not build up.
8. Your therapist wants you to love yourself first; your sponsor wants you to love others first.
9. Your therapist prescribes care taking and medication. Your sponsor prescribes prayer making and meditation.
10. Your sponsor thinks "anger management skills" are numbered 1 thru 12.
11. Now that you haven't drank in ___ months, your therapist thinks you should make a list of your goals and objectives for the next five years, starting with finishing up that college degree. Your sponsor thinks you should start today by cleaning the coffeepots and helping him carry a heavy box of literature to the meeting.
12. Your sponsor won't lose his license to practice if he talks about God.
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Easy Does it..Keep It Simple..Let Go and Let God..
Just saying howdy Nic--hope everythings going ok for you, and you arent roasting over there.:)
Also taking a moment to say hi to everyone here. There are a few that have emailed me, on the new sympatico address, and even tho things are up and running great--the sympatico mail is not, as yet.
My apoligies to anyone that has, and I have not responded. I am NOT ignoring you:) So-thanku for your emails, and as soon as the server gets mail up and running, I will make it a point to respond to all of you.
Just kinda sitting patiently at present.-
By the way--where did Stan The Man disappear to? You out there somewhere Stan Old CHap?
So to You,--Nic, Rick, Amanda, Ellen, Busbe, Gammy,All the Johns, Stan, Kim, Jocelion, pjb235, Sal, Sweater, Donna, DW, Cris, Elizabeth, Serenity, Catherine, JDAT, Captain, Mary, Kendall, Lady Ladona, Hanuman, tanman, and many others--I humbly thanku for being here, and wish each and every one of you a great sober and safe weekend. With Love.
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Easy Does it..Keep It Simple..Let Go and Let God..
Good one, Phil. I've been blessed with a wonderful therapist & AA sponsor. And when that pity pot gets a little too big, my sponsor can put some AA reality into it which helps straighten things out. I struggle with major depression every day. If it wasn't fo rmy therapist & psychiatrist, I could never be doing as well as I'm doing today. In my case, I know that I need professional help & psych meds. And my sponsor has been through the ravages of depression & he is very sensitive to my needs & yet he can kick my butt anytime he feels the need. The point is, that with depression - just go to more AA meetings is not going to do the trick when I get whacked by depression waves. I just don't want anyone getting the idea that AA is the "cure" for all our problems. Some of us do need professional help & meds & that's nothing to be ashamed of (AA's pamphlet, "Problems other than alcohol").
In fact, because our fellowship is all about unconditional love & service & helping to keep each other from not picking up the first drink - AA always, always & always needs to be our top priority. But when it comes to mental illness, it's best that one finds a good psychiatrist & therapist, both of whom are familiar with alcoholism. But for fellowship & true friendship, AA is the place to be!!!! Thx for letting: me share. - Pat B
