Re:Attn: Mike Spindell

Hi JULa,
I think it would be a great idea to schedule some sessions with significant others, family members, children, etc.. A problem that people who are involved with people into Gestalt have, is that they don't get the lingo. It is off-putting and they take it as a put down. If you could bring one of your patients together, with someone important in his/her life, you might be able to promote some understanding.

A caveat would be that sometimes the significant others of the dually-diagnosed are what the 12 step people call
enablers. while I am not toally enamoured with 12 step programs, they have this one right. Many times the significant others' have an investment in the addiction/craziness of the MICA patient. I'm not sure you need too much advice from me though, it sounds like you're on the right track.

As for my experience I ran a MICA residence program for three years and I supplied my residents with almost wrap-around services 24/7. Re outcomes: I would say that about
75% of some 50 odd clients, managed to significantly change their lives around. While it would be satisfying for me to think that this was because of my great skill, truth be told it had more to do with their willingness to change. I supplied a lot of caring,love and respect for the vicissitudes that had charcterized their lives. The other main thing I brought to the table was honesty and directness in my dealings with them. However, as I would say to them often, I played a Cameo role in the movie of their life. I was the old character actor, who came in and moved the plot along and then was not seen again. All of us purporting to be helping people should see themselves as cameos,not stars, in our patient's lives.
Mike

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