Bruce Burleson (He/Him)

I authored Reason, the Moment and Recovery, a workbook combining Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with Mindfulness.

How we perceive, function within and react to our environment today is related to the nature of our attachment to caregivers or parents when we were very young. Sometimes we go through things that keep us "stuck" in childhood, such as trauma or lack of normal attachments.

I am myself in recovery from alcohol dependence and have been an addictions therapist for many years. My approach to addictions is eclectic but the centerpiece is trauma informed cognitive-behavior therapy. I am experienced with 12-step as well as other methods of recovery such as SMART Recovery.

One unfortunate side effect of today's divided political climate is cancel culture. These days people literally try to destroy each other. A Twitter mob can destroy a person's life, get them fired from a job, and very often around accusations that are false. I've been through it and have a lot of empathy for others who have found themselves "cancelled." I also counsel people who have found themselves caught up in violent social movements on the "right" or the "left."

It is often thought that addiction and substance abuse are one and the same. But these days people become addicted to many other things including gambling, video games, and social media. Whatever the addiction, the path forward is recovery. That means different things to different people; rather than use a "cookie cutter" approach with everyone, I tailor my approach to the needs of individuals. Some people do well, for example, with SMART Recovery. Others do better in AA or NA.

I have been a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC1) since 2010 but have worked in the mental health field since 1996. Along the way I've gained a lot of experience working with folks with substance abuse issues. I also happen to be in recovery myself, so I have some built-in empathy.