The Positive Impact of Compassionate Inquiry Therapy on Addiction Recovery
Addressing The Pain Behind Addiction and Providing a Safe Space For Healing
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Dr. Gabor Maté, the creator of Compassion Inquiry Therapy, proposes that “trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside of you, as a result of what happened to you.”[1] In many cases, “what happens inside of you” leads to harmful behaviors and substance use. This dismisses or compounds a negative experience instead of addressing it from the root cause.
There is a much better way to confront and overcome childhood trauma, traumatic events, or negative experiences: With unwavering compassion. Treating both the underlying influences and substance use disorder effectively requires a comprehensive, holistic approach. Austin’s premier wellness detox and rehab, Crestone Wellness, advances compassion in treatment and fosters an abundant, joyful environment for healing.
What is Compassionate Inquiry Therapy?
Compassionate Inquiry is a psychotherapeutic approach that carefully uncovers layers of childhood trauma, physically suppressed emotions, and holistic constriction that are commonly at the root of mental health disorders, physical illness, and substance use disorders.[2]
The Compassionate Inquiry approach is universally beneficial, but Dr. Maté specifically mentions the benefits to the following individuals:[3]
- Addiction and recovery communities
- Individuals who want to pursue personal development
- First responders
- Health care professionals
- Marginalized people groups
- Multicultural people groups
- And more
Therapy sessions are typically one hour and could extend beyond inpatient treatment, depending on your individual needs. Working closely with Compassionate Inquiry practitioners, you will learn to peel away the layers of your experiences and gain a deeper understanding of unconscious dynamics that influence harmful behavior.
We have worked diligently to create a space of safety at Crestone Wellness. Here, you will experience shame-free respect throughout the treatment process. Our clinical team is empowering and supportive and will walk alongside you as you develop greater self-compassion and healing.
How (and Why) Compassionate Inquiry Therapy Works
In Dr. Mate’s own words, the purpose of Compassionate Inquiry is to “…drill down to the core stories people tell themselves – to get them to see what story they are telling themselves unconsciously; what those beliefs are, where they came from; and guide them to the possibility of letting go of those stories, or letting go of the hold those stories have on them….”[4]
This therapeutic approach can help you acknowledge and reframe past experiences, release false beliefs, connect more deeply with your truth, improve overall well-being, and promote choice, freedom, spontaneity, and expansion. This is the foundation on which you can understand and overcome the harmful behaviors and patterns that have been influenced by these experiences.
At our wellness-focused treatment center, Crestone Wellness offers personalized treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness that helps you cultivate healing from within. Begin your path to recovery and lasting well-being with us.
Substance Abuse Therapies
Efficacy of Compassionate Inquiry Therapy
This innovative modality is relatively new, and its long-term efficacy is still being explored. However, secondary resources from best-selling author Dr. Maté’s institution share that CI conversations lead to a greater understanding of personal internal experiences and a greater recognition of what the mind has disconnected and the body is communicating.[5] Crestone Wellness is excited to be on the cutting edge of addiction treatment and advanced patient-first treatment options.
What to Expect from Compassionate Inquiry Therapy
Alcohol and substances may relieve suffering and stress temporarily, but it never lasts. The goal of CI interventions is to help you build self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-efficacy to support stress management and navigate triggers without harmful patterns. The structure of a session with a psychotherapist and trained Compassionate Inquiry practitioner may follow this progression:[6]
- Carefully uncover layers of childhood trauma, physically suppressed emotions, and holistic constriction
- Build rapport and safety in the therapeutic relationship
- Employ attunement techniques to help patients tap into body, mind, and emotion
- Activate the release of core stories and unconscious beliefs that may have a hold on you
Compassionate Inquiry Therapy at Crestone Wellness
Your experience up to this point has been different from any other single person on this Earth. Our job is to support your healing and recovery with a strategy that meets you where you are and helps you become the best possible version of yourself.
Every patient will participate in a detailed and comprehensive assessment to determine what the best path forward will look like. This treatment plan is fully customized and molded to your unique needs.
Our Austin-area facility is comfortable and serene and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities so you can rest and renew while you’re with us. All modalities are evidence-based and cutting-edge treatment approaches leveraging practical, sustainable techniques. We’re committed to facilitating lasting change and holistic wellness through innovative treatment, life-changing mindfulness, yoga, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compassionate Inquiry Therapy
Why is compassion important in therapy?
When patients experience compassion, they feel safe to explore their past experiences and internal processes.
What do you do if you are trapped in the past, unable to fully embrace the present moment due to trauma?
This is a scary and uncomfortable place to be. You need compassion and safety with trauma-informed care to effectively navigate childhood trauma and traumatic experiences. Compassionate Inquiry Therapy may be a beneficial treatment for you. Seek professional help today and begin holistic renewal.
Who developed Compassionate Inquiry therapy?
Compassionate Inquiry Therapy is the culmination of Dr. Gabor Maté’s life’s work. He is assisted in the further development and organization of this modality by Sat Dharam Kaur.
Sources
[1][5]O’Mullane, L. (2023, December 7). On the frontline with CI. Compassionate Inquiry. https://compassionateinquiry.com/2023/12/on-the-frontline-with-ci/
[2][3][4][6]Compassionate Inquiry. (2024). The CI approach. Compassionate Inquiry. https://compassionateinquiry.com/the-approach/
