7 Questions To Coach Yourself To Get Unstuck
Are You Stuck?Maybe Depressed?Or Anxious?
Click below and watch my video for a set of simple tools.
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
"Love is Tough" Seminar 28 June 2014 - Helping An Addict
Helping a Loved One with Addiction.
Watch the Video above 4 info: http://t.co/eq1TW8kfbk
Earlybird price @ R55
Seminars & Webinars presented by: Peter Guess
For family members, loved ones with an addiction, counsellors and therapists
Addiction Online Lifeline - Love Is Tough Seminar
Monday, 27 January 2014
The Recovery Coach And Preventing Relapse - a Podcast
Click here to listen to the Podcast - The Recovery Coach and Relapse Prevention
Posted by Peter Guess on January 26, 2014 at 5:30 PM
This is podcast is from my original article on a page called "Addiction Recovery Coach". Refer to the main menu on: AddictionCounsellorInCapeTown.webs.com
You can download the MP3 and the original transcript of the article on the Podcast page.
I introduce the issue of when the risk to relapse is highest, what to do to prevent relapse or do a relapse intervention. The role of the Recovery Coach after outpatient treatment or REHAB, is detailed.
Note: I used SoundGecko (hence the voice of Bridget the Virtual Assistant) to produce the podcast from my article.
Enjoy!
Peter Guess
Posted by Peter Guess on January 26, 2014 at 5:30 PM
This is podcast is from my original article on a page called "Addiction Recovery Coach". Refer to the main menu on: AddictionCounsellorInCapeTown.webs.com
You can download the MP3 and the original transcript of the article on the Podcast page.
I introduce the issue of when the risk to relapse is highest, what to do to prevent relapse or do a relapse intervention. The role of the Recovery Coach after outpatient treatment or REHAB, is detailed.
Note: I used SoundGecko (hence the voice of Bridget the Virtual Assistant) to produce the podcast from my article.
Enjoy!
Peter Guess
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
BECOME A LIFE COACH: Get Your Life Coach Certification
Master Yourself and Serve Others...
Extremely Affordable Online Courseware...
Special Time Limited Offer of $69.99!
* FREE Life Coaching Tools if you enroll before 31/01/2014 *
Grab it NOW before it's gone...
Click here to BECOME A LIFE COACH
Here are some of the Online Lessons:Click here to BECOME A LIFE COACH
- Life Coach - Full Orientation
- Becoming a Life Coach - Part 1
- Profiling Clients and Understanding Client Needs
- Becoming a Life Coach - Part II
- Ethical Code of Conduct for Life Coaches
- The Coaching Process
- Coaching Models
- Essential Skills for Life Coaches
- Pitfalls to avoid in setting up your practice
- Tool box: Client forms, Coach administration
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Addiction Online Lifeline - Home
Addiction Online Lifeline
We offer Face-to-Face and Online addiction assessment
to select the best addiction intervention,
treatment programme and inpatient rehab.
What is Addiction?
Learn the definition of addiction and the medical criteria for
an addiction diagnosis in this addiction video.
The terms tolerance and withdrawal are explained in simple terms.
Sunday, 26 May 2013
The Feel-Good Factor: Alert to Danger - Relapse Prevention in Addiction Recovery
It’s Quit Day 27 from smoking. It's been a much better week. Clients have paid and money in the pocket. And I’m at my favourite seaside Cape Town spot! Brass Bell, Kalk Bay. The sun is shining and it’s a stunning day. I’ve overcome many challenges this year and the last 27 days. I feel good. Real good.
And, I’m also at great risk to relapse! That’s why I’m capturing this blog immediately as a way to help me Stop, Think (reflect), consider Options to consolidate my recovery and Plan what to do... Thank God for the STOP acronym for impulse control! Yes, I battle with impulse control. Every addict does. It’s part of the package deal. I used to be so sane. So rational. Think through things carefully. Choose wisely. As an addict, I have become out of control at times due to letting my impulses go totally wild. And always with dire consequences. I’ve said very hurtful things. Over-reacted. Damaged relationships at work and in the family. Made bad business decisions...
The Feel-Good Factor often comes for addicts as they leave intensive treatment or after reaching goals and progressing well. So what is the problem?
If I begin with myself, I am feeling healthy after a rough time with flu and asthma. And I feel “better about myself” and my self-esteem is pumped, because I am doing good work with clients and they are paying.
Then there’s the “excess money” – definitely an illusion of the mind. I need every penny in the bank at the moment. Addiction always needs the fuel of money. More cash money on hand, more risk to relapse. Some say money talks. And it lies. “Just a little money on one packet. That’s no big deal.” Then there is still stress I am facing from starting up life and business again in Cape Town. Of course, I would want to feel a higher lift – even better than I already feel. And nicotine does that for me – after all the conditioning time.
In between all of this, is addictive thinking and denial. - the twin big baddies of recovery! This thinking minimises the exact nature of my illness. The seductive and crafty side of the addict within, is carefully building a series of cunning emotive arguments to bargain with my rational mind. The power of my addiction lies more in the emotional hooks in me. All the facts of my asthma, mother dying from emphysema, cost of smoking and many more facts – just never seem to outwit the persuasive power of the emotional and deeply embedded addictive roots in my mind-body-spirit.
The Feel-Good state of mind may be further fuelled by the inner trigger of “euphoric recall”. I recall the release from stress the smoking experience gives, the carefree feeling on the weekend (such as today), the socialising with others who smoke, maybe chatting up a woman... or two. Euphoric recall is re-experiencing the fantasy in the past of the highs, the buzz, pleasures and experiences associated with the use of my drug of choice. In addition, while the mind over-emphasises the positives, it simultaneously suppresses and denies the negative consequences (past, present and future).
Is my addict mind conspiring against me? Actually, yes! The addict mind wants it’s desires met at any cost. Yet, even as an addiction counsellor I’ve known this for years. A friend challenged me recently “practice what you preach”. Or “healer, heal thyself” others would say. What could I say? It’s true. It's so easy to talk and so extremely different to walk.
When I allow myself the time to STOP, I face the reality of my addiction. In Twelve Step lingo, my “addiction is powerful, cunning and baffling”. It is a part of me. An illness that I will forever need to be vigilant about. Some days will be easy. Other days sheer torment. Let’s be there for someone.
Categories: Relapse Prevention, Recovery Basics
Link to original post: The Feel-Good Factor: Alert to Danger - Addiction Assessment and Intervention Services on www.AddictionCounsellorInCapeTown.webs.com
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Addiction is Powerful, Seductive and Baffling...
An addiction has an impact on everything and everyone around it. It takes on a power and momentum of it's own. It rips into the body, mind and soul of the person with the addiction. It damages relationships, finances, self-esteem, career...
It robs people of their sanity and life... Including the loved ones around the person with the addiction. I can make a long list and then go into a lot of details for each point. But then you probably know this and that is why you are here seeking some answers or support...
Because addiction affects the family and the individuals whole life, we have to deal with the whole person within the context of the family or current social environment. The self-esteem, life skills, socialisation, career, money matters, personality characteristics, spirituality, family dynamics, past history... Again a long list, but the issues for each family and individual are unique.
Yes, the good news is, their is HOPE! Research, experience and the 12 Step Movement (e.g Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous) have identified patterns and keys to understand and help break the destructive cycle of addiction.
More importantly, I know their is hope because I am also an addict in recovery. The 12 Steps and Fellowship of those in recovery is the backbone of my sanity and recovery. I know it works because I work the simple programme that has touched the lives of millions since the first two pioneers, Dr. Bob and Bill, founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, began their journey helping each other in the mid 1930's.
The simple and well documented programme is both extremely practical and deeply spiritual. Simple does not mean easy! It entails daily work, deep soul-searching but results in ongoing personal transformation.
"Whatever I put before my recovery, I will lose" is a statement of real wisdom from the 12 Step Movement. It is a constant reminder to me not to become complacent or sit back and say "I'm cured, I don't need the fellowship or programme of daily action".
When I put my my recovery and relationship with my Higher Power first each day, each moment, I find serenity, courage and hope to do what I need to do to live a full and meaningful life. This enables me to contribute to the lives of others and give back what I have so freely received.
Don't wait any longer! The longer you wait and hope it goes away, the more power you give the addiction and the more treatment resistant it becomes. Start now with a little step and break down the denial that locks in the addiction.
Take the FREE Addiction Check-Up for yourself or a loved one. It is private and confidential. Go to the following link on my website, where you will also find contact details.
It robs people of their sanity and life... Including the loved ones around the person with the addiction. I can make a long list and then go into a lot of details for each point. But then you probably know this and that is why you are here seeking some answers or support...
You are not alone. There is Hope...
Yes, the good news is, their is HOPE! Research, experience and the 12 Step Movement (e.g Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous) have identified patterns and keys to understand and help break the destructive cycle of addiction.
More importantly, I know their is hope because I am also an addict in recovery. The 12 Steps and Fellowship of those in recovery is the backbone of my sanity and recovery. I know it works because I work the simple programme that has touched the lives of millions since the first two pioneers, Dr. Bob and Bill, founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, began their journey helping each other in the mid 1930's.
The simple and well documented programme is both extremely practical and deeply spiritual. Simple does not mean easy! It entails daily work, deep soul-searching but results in ongoing personal transformation.
"Whatever I put before my recovery, I will lose" is a statement of real wisdom from the 12 Step Movement. It is a constant reminder to me not to become complacent or sit back and say "I'm cured, I don't need the fellowship or programme of daily action".
When I put my my recovery and relationship with my Higher Power first each day, each moment, I find serenity, courage and hope to do what I need to do to live a full and meaningful life. This enables me to contribute to the lives of others and give back what I have so freely received.
Won't you join me and take a small step forward?
In doing anything, the first step is the most difficult – Chinese proverb
Take the FREE Addiction Check-Up for yourself or a loved one. It is private and confidential. Go to the following link on my website, where you will also find contact details.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
I will Quit... or Start Tomorrow...
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
Old habits, new habits, new directions, attitude change, behaviour change, life change... We all battle with the human tendency to stay in our comfort zone and thus delay breaking out of a rut. How is this possible?
I used to be a long distance runner. I did my first ultra-marathon in 1996, amidst a messy divorce process. It was a major victory for me. It took me over 4 years to get there, because I used to be involved in team sports and never did any distance running. That process took me right out of my rut and sparked a new direction and energy, which eventually helped me deal with the losses and pain in the divorce process over the next few years.
Yet, by 2003, I had slumped again into that rut. A place of uncomfortable, comfort. And I had a thousand excuses.
What gets us out of this type of a rut?
As an addictions counsellor and life coach, my answer has become simple. A crisis.! A meaningful crisis in your life that spills over and impacts on significant people and priorities in your life.
But the crisis has to break through your armour or defence system. A crisis that is big enough that it "takes you to your knees" so to speak. It’s a place of humility and surrender. This is the place Alcoholics Anonymous called "hitting bottom".
When I was in business for many years doing change management, this place was called a "burning platform" with a clear "business case for change".
You can start today. Plant a seed. Do something very small that signals the time has come for change? Maybe write down your "case for change". List all the negative consequences of your current choices (the push factors) and the benefits of change, with your vision (the pull factors). Maybe call someone now and surrender - admitting you cannot do this alone. Or get on your knees, like I did many times to get into recovery, until the seed finally took root and a path began to clear out of my desperation.
Face up to your crisis now and let it produce in you the energy for change. Plant a tree today!
I used to be a long distance runner. I did my first ultra-marathon in 1996, amidst a messy divorce process. It was a major victory for me. It took me over 4 years to get there, because I used to be involved in team sports and never did any distance running. That process took me right out of my rut and sparked a new direction and energy, which eventually helped me deal with the losses and pain in the divorce process over the next few years.
Yet, by 2003, I had slumped again into that rut. A place of uncomfortable, comfort. And I had a thousand excuses.
What gets us out of this type of a rut?As an addictions counsellor and life coach, my answer has become simple. A crisis.! A meaningful crisis in your life that spills over and impacts on significant people and priorities in your life.
But the crisis has to break through your armour or defence system. A crisis that is big enough that it "takes you to your knees" so to speak. It’s a place of humility and surrender. This is the place Alcoholics Anonymous called "hitting bottom".When I was in business for many years doing change management, this place was called a "burning platform" with a clear "business case for change".
You can start today. Plant a seed. Do something very small that signals the time has come for change? Maybe write down your "case for change". List all the negative consequences of your current choices (the push factors) and the benefits of change, with your vision (the pull factors). Maybe call someone now and surrender - admitting you cannot do this alone. Or get on your knees, like I did many times to get into recovery, until the seed finally took root and a path began to clear out of my desperation.
Face up to your crisis now and let it produce in you the energy for change. Plant a tree today!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
MAKING SOME SACRIFICES
MAKING SOME SACRIFICES: 90 Days Of Motivation For Recovery From Addiction and Mental Disorders
This was my first article dated 21.01.2012.
In the course of therapy and recovery, especially in the first 30 days, we need to be prepared to make some sacrifices to ensure we recover. It may be a relationship that will hold us back or cause us to relapse. Maybe it's time, to read literature, a book or online research to educate ourselves. Or time to attend a recovery group, an online forum or chat room. This is part of surrender. Admitting that our lives have become unmanageable (part of Step 1 of the Twelve Steps).
This was my first article dated 21.01.2012.
In the course of therapy and recovery, especially in the first 30 days, we need to be prepared to make some sacrifices to ensure we recover. It may be a relationship that will hold us back or cause us to relapse. Maybe it's time, to read literature, a book or online research to educate ourselves. Or time to attend a recovery group, an online forum or chat room. This is part of surrender. Admitting that our lives have become unmanageable (part of Step 1 of the Twelve Steps).
90 Days Of Motivation For Recovery From Addiction and Mental Disorders
I will be posting suggested articles for the "90 Days Of Motivation For Recovery From Addiction and Mental Disorders". It will be a FREE ebook now being authored. Read, comment, forward as you see fit. Join us on "Open Space For Addiction & Recovery Counsellors", even just out of curiosity. You need not be a counsellor. Maybe you just need some ideas and motivation. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/257478130710/
THE FIRST 30 DAYS - THE TWELVE STEPS
The first 30 days is usually the toughest. We will focus on principles, slogans and tools from the Worldwide 12 Step Movement. These have been tried and tested since 1935 and started with the Oxford Group (USA and UK) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The most basic principle was "one addict helping another addict". A powerful self-help movement was born, based on honesty, openness and a willingness to learn a new way of living, with the support of others. This means we start to learn humility and surrender. We learn ego-deflation. We ask for help and team up with others who are in recovery or need recovery.
- Reference: History of AA. Go to: http://www.aa.org/aatimeline/
THE FIRST 30 DAYS - THE TWELVE STEPS
The first 30 days is usually the toughest. We will focus on principles, slogans and tools from the Worldwide 12 Step Movement. These have been tried and tested since 1935 and started with the Oxford Group (USA and UK) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The most basic principle was "one addict helping another addict". A powerful self-help movement was born, based on honesty, openness and a willingness to learn a new way of living, with the support of others. This means we start to learn humility and surrender. We learn ego-deflation. We ask for help and team up with others who are in recovery or need recovery.
- Reference: History of AA. Go to: http://www.aa.org/aatimeline/
Friday, 27 May 2011
Free LIVE Business Training and A Business Community
This LIVE Business Training has just launched to provide Small Business Training and Business Resources. These include: special events, videos, audio (interviews and podcasts), articles, business tools (e.g. worksheets) and link you to vibrant networking communities.
Please have a look...
To your success,
Peter Guess
GUESS Designs for Small Business Growth (in association with Barry Plaskow, SuccessBug, USA)
New Online Business: SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING RESOURCES
New Online Business: SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING RESOURCES
Cape Town, South Africa
Email: icafecoach@gmail.com
Online Tools For Small Businesses
| Small Business Legal Tool Kit (Entrepreneur Legal Guides)
| Financial tools for small businesses
| The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing for Small Business: Low-Cost/High Return Tools and Techniques that Really Work
| SMALL BUSINESS TOOL KIT MINI-SEMINAR COURSE - SBTK101
| Small Business Tool Kit: What You'll Need to Start and Run Your Business
Email: icafecoach@gmail.com
Online Tools For Small Businesses
| Small Business Legal Tool Kit (Entrepreneur Legal Guides) | Financial tools for small businesses | The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing for Small Business: Low-Cost/High Return Tools and Techniques that Really Work | SMALL BUSINESS TOOL KIT MINI-SEMINAR COURSE - SBTK101 | Small Business Tool Kit: What You'll Need to Start and Run Your Business Sunday, 22 May 2011
Exporting contact list to other email systems
Very helpful and practical. Thx
in reference to: Exporting Gmail contacts - Gmail Help (view on Google Sidewiki)Saturday, 21 May 2011
Free Small Business Training - 3 Videos To Accelerate Your Business
Free Small Business Training
3 Videos on a Business Acceleration Formula
by Spike Humer
by Spike Humer
Click below to get more information and SIGN-UP...
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Positive Thinking Quiz - Your Life Coach
How Is Your Positive Mental Attitude Today?
Get Free Ebooks When You Click Below to Take the Quiz
Positive Thinking Quiz - Your Life Coach
Linked Web Resources:
1. Become a member on Be Your Own Life Coach: www.GUESSP.webs.com
2. Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/peter.guess.lifecoach
2. Living with Bipolar and Depression: www.LivingBipolar.webs.com
Sunday, 1 May 2011
How to Build Romance, Passion and Sacred Sexuality into Your Intimate Relationship
Start of a series of articles to be continued on Facebook Page.
$6.00 - Unknown binding - Jan 1, 2006
Friday, 29 April 2011
The Science of Falling In Love - One - 2 - One Coaching
Some fun and laughter at the ebb and flow of love's emotions. A video by Karen Alloy aka Spricket24.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
When The Sun Rises In Africa | Inspirational Message on Pravs World
Awesome motivational movies, presentations and photos with pertinent quotes.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Career and Job Coaching System - Free Beta Version 1.0
FREE Career and Job Coaching System
Seven Key Steps To Career And Job Change
Beta Version 1.0
Are you a Life Coach? Job-seeker? Considering a Career change? HR professional?
Then this simple system will make all the difference!
I recently launched my new ebook “Seven Key Steps for Career and Job Change” – as a free beta version. It is an interactive workbook and toolbox using online tools, from my website and other sites. It is also a coaching system for parents, career guidance teachers, coaches, managers and HR professionals. The system is also linked to my podcasts.
Click the link below to get more details, REGISTER and get the EBOOK DOWNLOAD
Click the link below to get more details, REGISTER and get the EBOOK DOWNLOAD
In your service.
Regards,
Peter Guess
B.Soc.Sc.(SW)
Email: icafecoach@gmail.com
Skype: icafecall
Try out our Relationship Quiz here:
"Real-ationships" DVD and Audio Series - 5 Week Series
Life is all about relationships. "Real-ationships" is a 5-part series, of podcasts and videos (all free downloads) covering the 10 essentials in building authentic and REAL-ationships.
Get all the free goodies here: http://bit.ly/hvdFJh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)