Therapy and Counselors

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Informed counseling recognizes the long-term effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Effective therapists understand that many adult children may seem resilient or complex, but they often grapple with a fundamental feeling of being defective. Through their experience, counselors know that adult children develop basic survival skills in childhood that may not translate well to adult life. 

The Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) program is not tied to any specific form, discipline, or technique of therapy. However, we distinguish between ACA-informed counseling and general counseling that lacks an ACA focus. 

Many newcomers find their way to ACA through a therapist, while others may participate in meetings before seeking counseling. Numerous counselors have invested time in understanding our program, and their commitment reflects positively in their work with clients. Indeed, some therapists have personally benefitted from ACA recovery themselves. 

What sets ACA apart is our fellowship’s encouragement of informed counseling in conjunction with the Twelve Step work, regular meeting attendance, and sponsorship. For more insights on integrating therapy and counselors with the ACA program, refer to Fellowship Text pages 450-464.