Proven Techniques in Beginning Addiction Counseling The primary step to becoming an effective addictions counselor is that you must be very, very quiet and listen. If you are really considering becoming an addictions counselor there are certain things that you have understand. Above all you are not be a rescuer, an enabler, or a therapist. In essence you are a mirror of your client; an emotional mirror for the person coming to you for help so they ca n allow their own feelings and thoughts http://vulgargimmick7561.webs.com/apps/blog/show/43421495-clash-of-clans-how-to to emerge and they can hear themselves talk about their problems. This is a primary way for them to develop possible solutions. The client must make their own decisions---that is not your role. You are to be an active listener; a facilitator. Below are four steps to listening to your client. 1. You must honestly want to hear what the client has to say and you must take time from your schedule to spend with this person. If you cannot take time to listen, tell the client that you cannot and refer them back to your supervisor or to another counselor. 2. You must genuinely accept the client's feelings regardless of how different their feelings may be from your own or how you feel this person "should" think or feel or act. The client owns his/her thoughts and feelings; they