From Self-Help to Professional Care: An Enhanced Application of the 12-Step Program

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Abstract

The process of an enhanced application of the spiritual self-help 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous in a professional counseling approach is described. Two integrated enhancements are outlined. The first is the enhancement of the addressed problem as applied by several 12-step self-help groups. Assuming a three-dimensional view of human existence'physical, mental and spiritual'it is argued that a more far-reaching program is obtained when the problem is defined as originating primarily in the mental dimension, but the most inclusive 12-step program may be defined by emphasizing the problem's definition as originating in the spiritual dimension. Second is the program's expansion from self-help to professional practice. Although in the past this trend derived mainly from the addiction-treatment field, it is argued that professionals can practice a more inclusive 12-step program called Grace Therapy. Basic assumptions of this program as reflecting a theory of applied spirituality are outlined and supported by clinical illustrations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-122
Number of pages15
JournalThe Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Volume36
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

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