From the Street to a Tropical Paradise with the Help of a Trusting Therapist

I woke up in a dark, gloomy, dungeon like hotel room in northern Florida trying to figure out how my life had gotten so out of control. I hadn’t changed or showered in a few days and I felt like all my humanity had been suddenly sucked out of me. I abruptly realized what had happened as I rolled over and had no idea who was lying next to me. Once again I relapsed and spent close to two thousand dollars on cocaine, for what reason I’m not sure. In the past 13 rehabs they told me I had a disease but my mind didn’t want to believe this. I could control this malady they called addiction, I could save myself, I believed I was all powerful and all knowing. I was an omnipotent being that didn’t need the help of anyone.

Well on this day, something was different. I was beat up, jobless, penniless, and I had just called my mother for help and she said she wanted nothing to do with me. This was her way of helping me to realize I needed help desperately. My heart sunk and I contemplated suicide once again. At this point I had two options available to me. Surrender to this disease like I was being suggested by the treatment professionals and begin recovery or end my life. Fortunately I chose recovery and began my path toward growth and a quality of life that I could never imagine.

Early recovery was difficult, however I was determined to stay sober a day at a time and make something of my life. With the help of addiction professionals who were genuine, caring, empathetic, and real I was able to make progress on a daily basis. I trusted them and this is what made recovery possible. I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I did know that I wanted to stay sober and those around me helped in every possible way they could.

Throughout the growth process of recovery I decided and was urged by my higher power to enter the field of addictions and to guide others to the life that I was given through the miraculous process of recovery. I ended up going back to school and accomplishing great feats that I could never imagine. I graduated with my undergraduate degree and pursued my master’s degree in clinical psychology. During these years I continued to work in the field of addictions and was mentored by incredible individuals in this field. I was taught to work with passion and care and to advocate for clients no matter what.

I have grown since the day I stepped in recovery. I have been blessed with a gift to be a therapist that cares about one and only one thing, helping clients improve their lives a day at a time. This thing many of us call work is my life. Therapy and helping others enjoy a better quality of living is my life and I continue to be blessed on a daily basis with clients who want the help to get better. Little do they know, that they help me more than I could ever help them. They give me strength to keep going on a daily basis and they share with me there personal lives and world. That is truly a gift.

I’ve come from the depths of insanity , sleeping on the street to working with individuals much like myself who want to live a better life. The best part of it is my new position that I recently accepted is in the Cayman Islands. Who would have thought, an alcoholic and an addict with an advanced degree in psychology helping other human beings better their lives in a tropical paradise. Its not something I would have ever imagined 6 years ago when I entered recovery. As a therapist I urge other therapists in this field to continue to have hope for your clients, because my therapists had hope for me and now I’m able to impact countless lives across the globe. Life for me is all about helping other human beings, which is the one pertinent key for the evolution of humanity and the universe we live in. Never, Never, Never, Never give up on a human being. It took me many tries , but eventually I succeeded.

About the Author Richard A. Singer Jr. is a practicing psychotherapist living in the Cayman Islands. He is formerly of Pennsylvania and has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently working on his Doctorate Degree in Psychology at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center. His daily inspirations have been included as part of Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, from the best selling Chicken Soup series. His own recovery from addiction and depression impassioned him to help others find courage, determination and peace, and has made what some would call “work” the love and purpose of his life. To learn more about Mr. Singer and explore updated information, visit his Web site http://www.yourdailywalk.org or E-Mail him at RAS9999@aol.com. In addition, please join the him for down-to-earth interactive discussions about the suggested monthly readings, daily quotes, meditations affirmations, and journaling sections of the book on his Amazon.com Blog.