Phase 4: Resilient Change
The final phase of the C.A.R.E. model is Resilient Change, recognizing that the journey doesn't end with initial adjustments to cannabis use. This phase embraces a realistic perspective on sustained well-being, acknowledging that life circumstances evolve and choices around cannabis may shift over time. Resilient Change emphasizes that a return to cannabis use isn't viewed as a failure but rather as a potential adaptation within their life's ongoing context. The focus becomes connecting their understanding of cannabis use to their overall well-being, empowering them to navigate future choices with self-awareness and resilience. Ultimately, this phase supports a flexible and self-compassionate approach to long-term well-being, accepting that Change is often a dynamic and evolving process.
Approximate Sessions: 1-4
Phase 4: Essentials
1
How to Prepare?
If the client has chosen abstinence:
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Referral sources
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Cannabis anonymous meeting
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Colligic recover information if available.
If the client has chosen reduction, help them understand what it means to be in resilient change and have Resilient change plans printed.
2
Goals of the Phase
The clients decide what they want to do moving forward; help them think about if it becomes problematic again and when they would reach out for more help. Review skills they have acquired and how they can use them.
3
Key Skills
Help them develop a Resilient Change plan.
Clarify Values: A Values sort can help identify students' core values
It can be helpful to review DBT distress tolerance skills again at this stage when making the Resilient Change plan.
Hear about Resilient Change
Key Takeaways:
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Phase 4, "Resilient Change," focuses on maintaining positive changes in cannabis use and progress toward goals.
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Emphasize that fluctuations in cannabis use are normal and not a sign of failure.
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Help students develop adaptability in their cannabis use based on their life circumstances and goals.
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Support students in creating a plan that includes their gains, goals, coping skills, and knowing when to seek professional help.
Having explored their cannabis use and made informed choices, the focus now shifts to supporting clients in sustaining their desired changes. Whether they've chosen abstinence or a reduction in use along the harm reduction spectrum, the key is to develop a maintenance plan that honors their goals collaboratively. For those reducing their use, identifying potential high-risk situations and developing coping strategies becomes important for navigating those challenges. We can also connect clients with relevant resources to support their chosen path, which might include Cannabis Anonymous, recovery housing options if abstinence is their goal, or other community supports that align with their individual needs and preferences for Resilient Change.
What is Resilient Change?
Resilient Change is similar to sustained change but there are some fundamental differences.
Self Determination
Resilient change empowers clients to define their own best interests regarding cannabis use, recognizing that sustained well-being is about client-led choices, not rigid adherence to a specific reduction plan.
Flexibility
Resilient Change is fundamentally flexible, acknowledging that a client's chosen level of cannabis use can adapt over time, increasing or decreasing as life circumstances and perceived impact on well-being shift.
Goal Focused
Resilient Change is goal-focused: client wellness is measured by progress toward their goals, and when goals are unmet, it signals an opportunity to reconnect with their therapist for support and adjustment.
Case Vignette:
Tony
When Tony returned, he seemed noticeably positive. He reported that he had stopped smoking cannabis altogether. Surprised, I explored his decision. He explained that after successfully reducing to 4 days a week, he was able to engage in satisfying sex with his partner. We discussed relapse prevention and what support he could utilize if needed in the future. He expressed a strong intention to remain abstinent. I affirmed his choice of abstinence, while also normalizing that his relationship with cannabis was his to define. I emphasized that choosing to use again in the future would not signify failure.
Alexa Young, CA