Celebrate Recovery

[CopticChristian]

Not Impressed…

Facts are not to impress. The only question is you must decide is what did not impress you and I do not need to know. I provided information that has been useful to many. You choose to state your opinion and that is your choice. I choose to say OK.

 

[CopticChristian]

I don’t suffer from addiction.

I see you have what you believe to be an anxiety disorder and depression. Anxieity can be of many types, free floating, over certain issues and more, and there is no diagnosing this on posting. I am sure that you know more about this than I do. Depression as you know can be situational, neurotic and psychotic. The usual symptoms of depression have to do with sleep, eating, mood swings and more. Many people suffer with depression.

In consideration that I do not know much about your situation, be assured that I too have had anxiety and I too have had depression. I am not so sure that celebrate recovery or any of these programs would serve you well. In my opinion the most depressing situations I have seen is in these 12 step programs. Depression is rampant.

If you have not already sought advice of a professional you may want to speak to a Psychologist, CBT therapist, Hypnotherapist or LIfe Coach. There may be other resources out there. I will say that one of the best things that I found useful was frequent confession. The confessional is a great place to listen to yourself talk about your problems and to listen to some good priestly counseling. There is also something called

The Warm Line in Maricopa County…602-347-1100. It is staffed by professional counselors and they will listen to anything you have to say. It is confidential and they often give good information and places you can get help. I suggest you call them daily if necessary and frequently during the day if that is what it takes.

 

[CopticChristian]

I’m not making a choice to have an anxiety disorder or depression.

I agree and in consideration that I was addressing the issue of the 12 steps and addiction you are correct. This is probably why you would find 12 steps more depressing and other programs not suitable. I pointed out some resources in another post.

Medication is always an option. Lexapro, Prozac and others as you know are out there and anti-anxielitics like the diazepams are also available. I am sure you know this.

I suggest you call the warm line and see if that is an aid. Talking to someone that understands and cares is always a blessing.

 

[jesuspsr]

Have any of you heard of the Christ centered group called Celebrate Recovery? It’s a Christian recovery group for people with a wide variety of problems ranging from depression to food addiction.

I have an anxiety disorder and depression and was wondering about this organization. I’d only recently learned a little about it and am looking for some feedback. My church doesn’t sponsor this group, but a Baptist church not too far from here does. I was wondering how receptive they’d be to a Catholic joining them? Have any Catholics here joined this group or something else held in a Baptist church?

I think I’ll make a call and see if all the members are Baptist and how they’d feel about a Catholic coming to the meetings. In the meantime, opinions here are welcome.

Hello Faith1960 Let me see if I can be of some help. I’m in this field, so I made a couple of phone call to CB. I live in CA, but I that you live in MI, I really don’t know how to put links up, so if you don’t see the link I provided, you can PM me, and will do anything I can to try and help you.

celebraterecoverycape.com/Local%20Meetings.aspx

Like I said if don’t work, PM.

God Bless you

jesus g

 

[jesuspsr]

Have any of you heard of the Christ centered group called Celebrate Recovery? It’s a Christian recovery group for people with a wide variety of problems ranging from depression to food addiction.

I have an anxiety disorder and depression and was wondering about this organization. I’d only recently learned a little about it and am looking for some feedback. My church doesn’t sponsor this group, but a Baptist church not too far from here does. I was wondering how receptive they’d be to a Catholic joining them? Have any Catholics here joined this group or something else held in a Baptist church?

I think I’ll make a call and see if all the members are Baptist and how they’d feel about a Catholic coming to the meetings. In the meantime, opinions here are welcome.

Hello Faith1960 Let me see if I can be of some help. I’m in this field, so I made a couple of phone call to CB. I live in CA, but I see that you live in MO. so, here’s two sites found , hopefully near you. I really don’t know how to put links up, so if you don’t see the link I provided, you can PM me, and I’ll do anything I can to try and get the help you need.

There is some catholic churchs that have this program, I just can’t seem to find a catholic one in MO. I’ll keep on looking for you.

celebraterecoverycape.com/Local%20Meetings.aspx
semissourian.com/story/1619763.html
Like I said if it don’t work, PM.

God Bless you

jesus g

 

[Castello]

Anxiety disorders and depression ARE diseases – they’re mental illnesses. I’ve had years of therapy, including CBT and medication, and while I feel better than I used to, I’ll never be 100% free from this.

Your local Catholic Charities should be able to point you to a Catholic counselor or doctor who can assist, support groups, etc. Prayers for you!

 

[CopticChristian]

Your local Catholic Charities should be able to point you to a Catholic counselor or doctor who can assist, support groups, etc. Prayers for you!

Amen.

 

[Faith1960]

I see you have what you believe to be an anxiety disorder and depression.

If you have not already sought advice of a professional you may want to speak to a Psychologist, CBT therapist, Hypnotherapist or LIfe Coach. There may be other resources out there. I will say that one of the best things that I found useful was frequent confession. The confessional is a great place to listen to yourself talk about your problems and to listen to some good priestly counseling. There is also something called

I don’t just “believe” I have this. I’ve suffered with these problems since as far back as I can remember. I’ve been diagnosed and treated for general anxiety, phobias OCD and depression for years by a number of psychologists and psychiatrists. Including years of therapy with a psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and CBT, who, btw, is considered to be at least one of the best, probably THE best in our area – the “Go To” person for treatment.

 

[Faith1960]

If you have not already sought advice of a professional you may want to speak to a Psychologist, CBT therapist, Hypnotherapist or LIfe Coach. There may be other resources out there.

No hypnotherapists or life coaches for me.

 

[Faith1960]

I I will say that one of the best things that I found useful was frequent confession. The confessional is a great place to listen to yourself talk about your problems and to listen to some good priestly counseling.

Not for those who tend to be scrupulous or once were, like me.

 

[Faith1960]

I agree and in consideration that I was addressing the issue of the 12 steps and addiction you are correct. This is probably why you would find 12 steps more depressing and other programs not suitable. I pointed out some resources in another post.

Medication is always an option. Lexapro, Prozac and others as you know are out there and anti-anxielitics like the diazepams are also available. I am sure you know this.

I suggest you call the warm line and see if that is an aid. Talking to someone that understands and cares is always a blessing.

I’m on medication. You write as though you think you’re some type of an authority on this subject when you’re most probably not. Neither I, nor most people, who’ve suffered long term with anxiety disorders and/or depression, need suggestions on medications, CBT, ERP or any of the other current treatment options, for that matter, since most of us (not all) could probably write a book on the subject, ourselves.

I didn’t start this thread for anyone to try to “teach” me that which I already know, nor did I start the thread to debate AA vs Celebrate Recovery – since I have no addictions.
I came here to find out a little more about CR and if it’s acceptable to and compatible with Catholicism. :tsktsk:

 

[Faith1960]

Stick with Catholic resources. If there is not an AA group at your parish, ask about starting one.

Another Catholic resource:

soberforchrist.com/

That might be a great place, if I was a drinker.

 

[Faith1960]

Hello Faith1960 Let me see if I can be of some help. I’m in this field, so I made a couple of phone call to CB. I live in CA, but I that you live in MI, I really don’t know how to put links up, so if you don’t see the link I provided, you can PM me, and will do anything I can to try and help you.

celebraterecoverycape.com/Local%20Meetings.aspx

Like I said if don’t work, PM.

God Bless you

jesus g

Thanks. None of them were in our area, but thanks just the same.

 

[Faith1960]

About my experience at CR last night…I didn’t arrive until dinner was nearly over, having eaten at home. After dinner was over, we moved to another part of the building where one of the leaders briefly told his story; read the 12 steps, including Biblical verses to accompany them; then we had Worship, which really amounted to us singing a couple of really great Christian songs. So far, so good.

Next, we had a guest speaker from another CB group who gave his testimony. This man stood before all of us in a t-shirt that had the name of some Christian church I’d never heard of, and as he rambled on and on, I learned that he is a former Catholic who has an apparent dislike for the CC. He made at least two subtle but disparaging comments about Catholicism.

After his long talk, we sang another song, recited the Serenity Prayer then split into male/female discussion groups. I mentioned that I was Catholic while in the discussion group and asked if I was not welcome, or if I was in the wrong place. I was assured by everyone that it was good for me to be there, though if I heard right, was told that there are a lot of people who were (as in were once) Catholic who have joined the group. As far as I could tell, there aren’t any known practicing Catholics in this particular group, but I may have misunderstood the woman who told me.

That was the entire evening.

 

[CopticChristian]

I’m on medication. You write as though you think you’re some type of an authority on this subject when you’re most probably not. Neither I, nor most people, who’ve suffered long term with anxiety disorders and/or depression, need suggestions on medications, CBT, ERP or any of the other current treatment options, for that matter, since most of us (not all) could probably write a book on the subject, ourselves.

I didn’t start this thread for anyone to try to “teach” me that which I already know, nor did I start the thread to debate AA vs Celebrate Recovery – since I have no addictions.
I came here to find out a little more about CR and if it’s acceptable to and compatible with Catholicism. :tsktsk:

I write like a physician that understand diagnosis and treatment and exercised judgement to share with you what I know without telling you what to do and left it at that.

In answer to CR and Catholicism I believe I pointed out that it is a Protestant evangelical tool.

 

[CopticChristian]

About my experience at CR last night…I didn’t arrive until dinner was nearly over, having eaten at home. After dinner was over, we moved to another part of the building where one of the leaders briefly told his story; read the 12 steps, including Biblical verses to accompany them; then we had Worship, which really amounted to us singing a couple of really great Christian songs. So far, so good.

Next, we had a guest speaker from another CB group who gave his testimony. This man stood before all of us in a t-shirt that had the name of some Christian church I’d never heard of, and as he rambled on and on, I learned that he is a former Catholic who has an apparent dislike for the CC. He made at least two subtle but disparaging comments about Catholicism.

After his long talk, we sang another song, recited the Serenity Prayer then split into male/female discussion groups. I mentioned that I was Catholic while in the discussion group and asked if I was not welcome, or if I was in the wrong place. I was assured by everyone that it was good for me to be there, though if I heard right, was told that there are a lot of people who were (as in were once) Catholic who have joined the group. As far as I could tell, there aren’t any known practicing Catholics in this particular group, but I may have misunderstood the woman who told me.

That was the entire evening.

So what you experienced was what I shared was my experience. The serenity prayer is 12 steps. The 12 steps is 12 steps. Singing is Protestant Christian worship as is prayer so even though they say it is not worship it is.

AA/12 steps have many different types of meetings and this seems to be a pattern. There are usually speaker meetings where someone tells about how their life used to be and how with this program things are not that way and what a wonderful thing it is to be part of it. This is typical AA. The small groups is usual. There is usually speaking by one person in a group going round and round without cross talk and when it is done it is done.

In AA befriending and communication is one way, from the newbie to the people with experience. There is never any calling from the experienced to the newbie. The newbie has to initiate the communication. There will also usually be people that will tell you where you can meet to do other things and since this is at a Church I would imagine how to get involved in this Church. At AA there are always people hanging around inviting you to their “Protestant” churches for other meetings and services.

What you should know is that in AA and I am not sure of this group but I imagine it is no different. The small groups usually have old timers or long time members that are looking for the “newbies” to take under their wings. In AA they call the new people they look to disciple “pigeons”. There will always be someone with experience in any of these groups and if you continue to go you will see the pattern.

The meeting usually concludes with a prayer and then getting together. There are as I say many “I used to be Catholics” there. In AA and others like them since you have chosen to relinquish your life to God as you know him then the obvious question you will be asked is “what church are you going to go to”?

SMART recovery/CBT based allows cross talk and interaction of the group and is not just a sharing of how wonderful things are since I joined the program.

I wish you well Faith. I still believe that these meetings are “near occasions of sin”. You and I have to make choices in life and I know you will make yours. I wish you well.

 

[CopticChristian]

Hello Faith1960 Let me see if I can be of some help. I’m in this field, so I made a couple of phone call to CB. I live in CA, but I see that you live in MO. so, here’s two sites found , hopefully near you. I really don’t know how to put links up, so if you don’t see the link I provided, you can PM me, and I’ll do anything I can to try and get the help you need.

There is some catholic churchs that have this program, I just can’t seem to find a catholic one in MO. I’ll keep on looking for you.

celebraterecoverycape.com/Local%20Meetings.aspx
semissourian.com/story/1619763.html
Like I said if it don’t work, PM.

God Bless you

jesus g

Since you are in the field you should be familiar with Karpman’s drama triangle. You are rescuing. Faith asked for an answer to a question. You are not providing an answer to a question.

Here is the website for the original work you may want to review…

karpmandramatriangle.com/

Living in Palm Springs you may be familiar with the Hazelton Model program of Betty Ford where there is a revolving door for those that fail that program and come back again, again and again because it does not work. People like Lindsey Lohan and Anna Nicole Smith were at this place.

 

[Faith1960]

So what you experienced was what I shared was my experience. The serenity prayer is 12 steps. The 12 steps is 12 steps. Singing is Protestant Christian worship as is prayer so even though they say it is not worship it is.

AA/12 steps have many different types of meetings and this seems to be a pattern. There are usually speaker meetings where someone tells about how their life used to be and how with this program things are not that way and what a wonderful thing it is to be part of it. This is typical AA. The small groups is usual. There is usually speaking by one person in a group going round and round without cross talk and when it is done it is done.

In AA befriending and communication is one way, from the newbie to the people with experience. There is never any calling from the experienced to the newbie. The newbie has to initiate the communication. There will also usually be people that will tell you where you can meet to do other things and since this is at a Church I would imagine how to get involved in this Church. At AA there are always people hanging around inviting you to their “Protestant” churches for other meetings and services.

What you should know is that in AA and I am not sure of this group but I imagine it is no different. The small groups usually have old timers or long time members that are looking for the “newbies” to take under their wings. In AA they call the new people they look to disciple “pigeons”. There will always be someone with experience in any of these groups and if you continue to go you will see the pattern.

The meeting usually concludes with a prayer and then getting together. There are as I say many “I used to be Catholics” there. In AA and others like them since you have chosen to relinquish your life to God as you know him then the obvious question you will be asked is “what church are you going to go to”?

SMART recovery/CBT based allows cross talk and interaction of the group and is not just a sharing of how wonderful things are since I joined the program.

I wish you well Faith. I still believe that these meetings are “near occasions of sin”. You and I have to make choices in life and I know you will make yours. I wish you well.

I used to go to OCA meetings and they weren’t anything like what I experienced at CR or what you’re describing about AA. We had a priest and a nun that were members, along with other Catholics, no one tried to convert us to any church, we didn’t break off into divided discussion groups and there was no singing.

I don’t have a problem with 12 Step programs in general, since CR was much different than my previous experiece belonging to a 12 Step program.

Having said all that, I noticed that the people in both the OCA and those I met while undergoing day treatment some years back (using CBT ERP), including those on medication, have one thing in common – no one I’ve met has been totally free of their symptoms. Every single one of them still had OCD symptoms, though most, if not all, claimed to be better than they were prior to OCA, therapy and medication.

 

[CopticChristian]

I used to go to OCA meetings and they weren’t anything like what I experienced at CR or what you’re describing about AA. We had a priest and a nun that were members, along with other Catholics, no one tried to convert us to any church, we didn’t break off into divided discussion groups and there was no singing.

I don’t have a problem with 12 Step programs in general, since CR was much different than my previous experiece belonging to a 12 Step program.

Having said all that, I noticed that the people in both the OCA and those I met while undergoing day treatment some years back (using CBT ERP), including those on medication, have one thing in common – no one I’ve met has been totally free of their symptoms. Every single one of them still had OCD symptoms, though most, if not all, claimed to be better than they were prior to OCA, therapy and medication.

Faith. There are many different types of Physicians, many different types of Priests, Nuns and people. There is a Nun that works at Betty Ford and I do not think she does lots to build the Faith. There are two Catholics that are Counselors at Betty Ford and I think they do a diservice to the “I used to be Catholic”. They get caught up in the “sobriety” is the most important thing and Faith takes second place.

I am the type of Physician that provides information, ask that others I speak to research on their own and find what they can do to get them going towards something that works. I have an opinion, my opinions are information based on knoweldge, training, experience and it appears that you have lots of experience and are doing something.

I do not enable. I do not rescue. I practice what I preach. I believe in making choices and when I offer information I don’t have to live with the choices others make they do and so I feel good that other’s are encouraged to make their choices. I am always available for questions and guidance and that is what I believe is the best I can do for others. I have no more information for you and I know you didn’t ask for anything but an answer to a question. It looks like this post took a side trip. I have no issue that is so important that you must accept it as I see it. I see it as I see it, you see it as you see it, and the only one to be impressed is me for your willingness to share and your effort.

Putting on another hat. I am also a certified Hypnotherapist, certified Life Coach, Nutrition Counselor and have been exposed to other methods of approach to problems. You may want to look into Auriculotherapy and NADA. This is their website. This group has one of the highest success rates with addiction and I know that is not your problem however it may be worth looking into this program and see if it addresses your issues and concerns.

acudetox.com/

Hypnotherapy is as you know a mixed bag and you may want to look into someone that practices Ericksonian hypnotherapy, NLP or Neurosemantics. L. Michael Hall PhD is the head of Neurosemantics. The website looks business oriented however it is about personal change. I don’t know if this would appeal to you or not. It is just another area you may not have looked into and most counselors do not know about this.

neurosemantics.com/

Life Coaching may appeal to you because it is not about telling you what to do or how to do it but guiding you through processes of looking within and finding the answers yourself. This might have some appeal for you only you will know.

You have lots of information. You can do with it what you will.

You asked a question about Celebrate Recovery. You have lots of answers and you are doing something. I wish you well and pray you find some peace. I know that those that have taken the time to post for your question will keep you in thier prayers. What more can you ask?

 

[Faith1960]

I’ve been attending Celebrate Recovery for about 5 years. You do not have to be a member of the host church to attend. In fact, even non-christians are welcome so long as their discussion about the Triune God is not offensive (such as using the name of God or Jesus as a cuss word).

I think I’d feel better about it if that nights’ speaker wasn’t anti-Catholic and if there were other Catholics in attendance.