Many addictive and psycho-emotional behaviors are a result of psychological, physical, spiritual, and environmental issues in regard to the individual, and can be successfully treated utilizing a variety of clinical techniques combined with alternative methods. In some cases, medication management may be indicated and can be a helpful adjunct to the therapeutic process. Client success can also be improved if the client's belief system embraces holistic healing methods.

Rather than employing a directive and controlling approach that may produce a defensive attitude by the client and hamper the change process, indirective and metaphorical techniques allow the client to come to his/her own conclusion. This yields a more productive therapeutic result, not only in the clients' thinking, but in their behaviors, sobriety and recovery as well.

Below are a list of 15 steps to change perception, thinking and behavior:

1.Begin to open your mind to new concepts.

2.Question, rather than just accept what is being told.

3.Admit to new possibilities.

4.Acknowledge that not everything is either black and white.

5.Understand that what one may believe to be true may just be someone else's truth.

6.Adopt new ways of viewing one's own specific situation.

7.Recognize that people behave in the way that they think.

8.Explore philosophies and theories that may help to change the way one perceives.

9.Realize that what works for one may not work for all.

10.Show willingness to recognize a change in perception when it occurs.

11.Seek spiritual enlightenment and understanding.

12.Gain acceptance that the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Environment are all connected.

13.Gain acceptance that we all have an impact on one another and the environment and that in seeking healing for yourself, you are helping another.

14.Become aware of your impact/input on your immediate environment and the global environment.

15.Continually practice building awareness by reviewing your perceptions, thinking and behaviors.

Teaching clients to change their perceptions utilizing the Perception Therapy ? and Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment? approaches, addiction and emotional relapses do not have to occur or get in the way of recovery. People can live happy, healthy, and productive lives without living in fear that they will turn to dysfunctional thinking and behaviors at any moment. The occurrence of relapse is only a perception, not a reality. Anyone has the ability to change their perception, thinking, behavior and reality.