2009 Ending with Grace…

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…and a few new friends. Photo above (left to right) is of me, Brad Lamm, author of the important new book exploring progressive concepts in intervention, How to Change Someone You Love, and Alan Downs, Chief Executive Officer of cutting-edge treatment facility Michael’s House in Palm Springs. They were just a couple of the impressive, committed colleagues I spent the Professional Weekend with for those working in addictions recovery.

After a busy week and a joyous conclusion to the most recent 10-Week Focalizing course on Thursday night, I flew to Palm Springs early Friday morning. Spending much of my time with trauma healing professionals in recent years, it felt like a homecoming to be with my addiction colleagues. Though traditionally varied in their approaches, I noted this weekend how organically the philosophical merger of both fields is happening. I was thrilled by the generosity of spirit coming from all of the staff and participants from around the USA and Canada. Alan Downs gave an impressive presentation on how Michael’s House has distilled their own formula of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to succinctly meet the needs of those in early addiction recovery. Clients are learning new practical and physiological tools that will help them in the present, as well as prepare them for the ongoing healing journey into wholeness.

While at the airport heading home, I ran into Kristen Scheel, Director of Professional Relations at Pride Institute, who had also attended the conference. We had an inspiring conversation about our respective professional beginnings, and I was reminded of my gratitude for the resonance that seems to gracefully travel full-circle on my evolving path.

I offer heartfelt good wishes for your holiday season, whatever that entails, and for a brilliant 2010 beyond our wildest positive dreams.

Michael