The experience of feeling different or feeling like an outsider is part of the addictive experience and also familiar to many gifted people. We will explore why many gifted people turn to substances or processes to help regulate their intensity, perfectionism, sensitivity or despair. Other gifted people use to manage feelings associated with trauma, exploitation or neglect. Others may use to manage their intense spiritual nature.  

Lisa Erickson, MS, LMHC will present basic addiction concepts before moving on to the specifics that are related to giftedness.  

The presenter will describe important differences between the needs of gifted adolescents and their families and the needs of adults. Among adolescents, she will discuss two types of family structures that may be a contributing factor to addiction. For adults, developmental concerns are prominent but quite different. She will share anonymous examples from her clinical practice with gifted adults to illustrate her points.  

Lisa welcomes discussion and is experienced with the emotions that this topic may evoke. She values a good exchange and hopes participants gain a deeper understanding of their and their loved ones’ experiences. 

Lisa has a full time psychotherapy practice in Seattle serving gifted adults, half of who struggle with addiction. She has taught    addiction treatment to graduate psychology students, been a program director at a large outpatient drug and alcohol treatment  program, and taught about giftedness at a national training for drug and alcohol treatment providers a new topic in the drug and  alcohol treatment community. Lisa likes bridging the gap between professional paradigms to better recognize and serve the needs  of gifted people. You can learn more about Lisa at www.lisaerickson.net 

$40, Click here for complete details.