Thinking About Referrals to Alcoholics Anonymous in Relational Ways

Abstract

This article examines Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a relational therapy, seen through the lens of the relational needs described by Richard Erskine.  AA as a resource may be underemployed by therapists who do not realize its potential to heal the relational damage suffered and inflicted by their alcoholic clients. Common misconceptions about AA are addressed, and ways for therapists to facilitate successful referrals of clients to AA are described.  The author posits that there is a synergistic benefit in combining integrative psychotherapy with the client’s involvement in AA.