Hi, Reader!

Ever say, "Therapy? Not for me. It won’t help.”

That was me years ago.

But let me tell you…therapy has been one of the most healing tools in my journey as an adult child of an alcoholic.

Not because it fixed everything overnight…but because I finally had someone who got it: someone who understood what it meant to grow up in a home filled with chaos, silence, or emotional neglect.

🧭 Start Here: What to Look For

When you're searching for a therapist, here's what to keep in mind:

✅Specialization matters. Look for someone who specifically lists experience with adult children of alcoholics, dysfunctional family systems, or addiction recovery.

✅Check their vibe. You should feel safe, heard, and not judged. If it feels off, trust that instinct. You’re not being picky; you’re protecting your healing.

✅Ask them outright:

• “Do you have experience with adult children of alcoholics?”
• “How do you approach healing from family dysfunction?”

I once saw a therapist who claimed ACoA experience…but didn’t ask me a single relevant question. Another one? She was literally slurring her words in the session – clearly under the influence of a substance and not in any condition to conduct a therapy session. (Yep. That happened.) Don’t be discouraged.

🔍 How to Find the Right Therapist

Here are a few ways to start your search:

• Online directories: Psychology Today, BetterHelp, Talkspace​
• Ask for referrals from trusted friends, family, or support groups (my best therapist came recommended by a friend of a friend!)
• Check with your health insurance or the HR team at your work. Many offer mental health navigation services
• Look into nonprofits or community orgs (including church-affiliated ones, even if you’re not religious. They often offer secular support services)

💬 What If I Don’t Have Insurance or Therapy Isn’t Covered?

You still have options:

• If you’re in the U.S., use the FindHelp website to find free or low-cost therapists in your area
• Ask local nonprofits or spiritual centers; they often know of resources that aren’t widely advertised

💡 Quick Tips

• Don’t overemphasize credentials. Experience with ACoAs is more important than alphabet soup after their name
• You get to choose phone, video, or in-person sessions. Whatever helps you feel safest
• Be open-minded: The most helpful strategies may feel uncomfortable at first

Therapy has helped me connect the dots I couldn’t on my own. I didn’t realize how much I was carrying…until I started unloading it with someone who truly understood. For me, their words have never carried direct advice. Rather, their questions helped me think about my situation differently, which lead to clarity about my best next steps.

❤️ You Deserve a Healing Ally, Reader

The right therapist will empower you, not fix you.
They’ll walk with you, not talk at you.

And when you find them?
It’ll feel like a lightbulb moment for your heart.

➕ Bonus Support

For many, therapy + support groups go together like PB&J.
Check out Al-Anon or Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families meetings to connect with others who understand. Support group meetings were very helpful for me.

You can also explore more resources here:
​Healing Resources for Adult Children of Alcoholics​

P.S. What’s your experience with therapy been like?
Hit reply. I’d love to hear your story.

And if this helped you, forward it to someone who might need a little encouragement today. Here’s the newsletter sign-up link to share: https://jody-lamb.kit.com/email-signup

📌Follow me on Instagram @jodymlamb​
📺Subscribe on YouTube @JodyLamb​

You’re not alone and you can heal.
One step at a time.

Rooting for you!
Jody 🧡

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