Have you ever wondered about what being an addiction counselor is like? Well, read on, because you are in for a treat.
Our growing team of addiction counselors are an integral part of our addiction treatment programs. Our amazing client to counselor ratio allows team members like, Matthew Longoria, CATC, CDS, to work with our residents one-on-one planting a foundation for long-term recovery. We got to sit down with Matt and talk to him about his background in addiction treatment, how he came to TDH, and also why he loves helping people find recovery for a living.
What is your background in addiction treatment?
I have been working in addiction treatment for just over 3 years. I began with a non-profit outpatient program as a counselor in May 2013. I got hired with TDH in July 2014 and have been here since that point. I went to Pierce College for my AA in Addiction Studies and am currently certified by CAADE as a CATC-I. I also have my CDS (chemical dependency specialist) credentials. I have experience with case management, individual counseling, group counseling, prevention, and utilization reviews.
What do you enjoy most about working at The Discovery House?
What I enjoy most about working with TDH is how we are comprehensive in treating the client by focusing on educating on the disease of addiction (bio/psych/social aspects of addiction, 12-step principles, relapse prevention, and coping skills), addressing inner discord (self-worth, self-esteem, developing a vision for their life in recovery), and addressing family discord (building healthy relationships with effective communication). Also, I work with a team of professionals that seek to be united and work together as a team for each and every client.
What is the most rewarding part about being an addiction counselor at The Discovery House?
Knowing that I am able to walk alongside each client I work with in their efforts to learn what life can become in recovery and learn how to become the best person they can become. It is also rewarding when you hear about the positive stories and successes of former clients as they reach their life goals and recovery milestones.
What brought you to join the team at The Discovery House?
My current co-worker Jennifer Kane who I knew personally and professionally told me about a job opening for the Support Staff and I applied for a new professional challenge. I was subsequently interviewed and hired as a Support Staff and become a counselor 7 months later with TDH.
Why do you think the work that we do here is important?
I feel that it is important as we dedicate our efforts to give the best possible services to each client that walks through our doors. We work tirelessly as a team to be effective with our clients which allows for us as clinicians to provide excellent services which allow for our clients to see a life in recovery become possible and a reality for them despite the circumstances that brought them into treatment.