"COOPERATING WITH PROFESSIONALS" — Some of us came in through professionals of various kinds, whether they were therapists, helpline workers, psychiatrists, life coaches, or clergy members. Others started making use of their services after being for some time in SA and finding out we needed professional help on our underlying traumas and personality disorders. Cooperating with professionals is important to the well-being of our future and current members alike.
We hope that the shares in this edition may inspire you and your local fellowship to cultivate a grateful and fruitful collaboration with your local professional community.
“But I don’t want to share that …” “Then you won’t get well!” That was my sponsor’s response to most of the fears I experience. I cannot get sober in isolation. Nor can I get it if I don’t give it. The SA group I got sober in was very strong in service. That’s where I was introduced to “Hospitals and Institutions.”
SA Belgium was set up by members who had ample experience in AA and Al-Anon in working with a specific kind of professional: journalists. Our country doesn’t have the sensation-driven media-culture of some other countries, which makes for a safe and rewarding experience of cooperation, all in the spirit of the 11th Tradition.
“I swear, this is it. This is the final straw. The last time I’m giving in to this disgusting, awful habit. The last time I’m degrading myself and letting down the people I love. I’m done.” Those were the thoughts playing in my head as I pondered the weight of that in which I had just indulged. Shame and inferiority swept over me in waves, leaving me desperate for some glimpse of rescue.
I have to admit it. I spent a lot of my life searching for a solution. I used to think that I am drowning in a well, and I must find a solution in that well. But that all has changed now. After joining SA, I came to learn that I was looking for a solution in the mud of the problem! I am grateful to God that after I have joined the program, I simply did not leave and run away! I had a feeling, which I wasn’t sure about, but it said “stay in the program”.
In my sponsorship lineage, we work the Traditions after the Steps. Based on what others have taught me and what I have experienced, I put together the following handout in which I try to boil down each Tradition to a word for phrase that best expresses the principle it represents followed by inventory questions to guide my application of the Tradition.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our experience of working with therapists, counselors, the church, and others. It has been quite a journey since we Nairobi members began meeting in our venue nine years ago. It is a room at a church; during weekdays, the room is used as a gym.
This is Kathie S., sexaholic, about the Scottish convention, which I attended last weekend for the first time. I appreciated receiving the schedule well in advance, which helped me to feel less afraid of the unknown, indicating many old timers speaking, with much helpful experience.
In this time of year, Sexaholics Anonymous casts a glance into the future and asks “What do we need to fulfill our primary purpose? How can we best support the ever-growing needs of the fellowship worldwide?” Part of that planning is to create a financial budget for the next year.
