Meeting People Where They Are: Taurmini Fentress on Harm Reduction
It is at the core of her work helping people. And should be the approach we use more.
What if the key to recovery lies in understanding where people are, rather than where we want them to be? In this episode of 'A is for Alcoholic', John sits down with Taurmini Fentress, a licensed independent clinical social worker, to explore this very idea. With a wealth of experience, Taurmini dives into the nuances of harm reduction versus abstinence in addiction treatment.
She emphasizes the importance of meeting individuals at their current stage and tailoring support to their unique needs. The conversation also delves into the critical issues of judgment and racism in addiction care, shedding light on how these factors can impact one's journey to sobriety. Taurmini shares her insights on replacing harmful habits with healthier ones and highlights the power of acceptance and reducing shame.
This episode is a deep dive into compassionate care and practical strategies for those navigating the complexities of addiction recovery.