“I finally understand what was holding me back in my relationships. Coming to see Dr. Hacker helped me get clarity and resolve old painful patterns.” (female client, age 44)A different way of understanding ADDICTION:
Addiction can mean many things to different people. Traditional approaches address abstinence, behavioral control, and external structure, which are all helpful. Here, we will take a look at how use of substance/food/relationship patterns are helping you to regulate or protect. We will explore emotional states that may be difficult to access directly and relational patterns related to use. We will look at internal conflicts, pressures, and unmet needs. In essence, we work toward understanding the function of the use of substances and relational patterns to help you find a more conscious and integrated relationship with yourself and your choices.
How this works
This is an exploratory individualized approach, not focused solely on abstinence, but on understanding and integration. This work is a process of increasing your awareness and understanding deeper patterns that influence your emotions, behaviors, and way of relating. As we work together to facilitate a more grounded, developed, and intentional relationship with yourself, we will explore your relationship with substances, behaviors, and relationship through a broader psychological context. Over time, this can lead not only to changes in behavior, but to a greater sene of coherence, freedom, and self understanding.
This work might include:
Identification of patterns and triggers over time
Understanding emotional or relational dynamics connected to use
Exploring underlying anxiety, pressure, or disconnection
Developing greater awareness and choice in moments that previously felt automatic
Understanding how you relate to yourself under stress and larger themes in your life such as performance pressure, relational disconnection, existential questions or lack of meaning, and how you regulate inner states
Finding the right THERAPIST
If you are looking for a more thoughtful, individualized approach to addiction therapy in Nashville, I invite you to reach out to discuss whether this work may be a good fit.
