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Our Four-Step Approach

Strategies designed to help make moderation work for you

Our Four-Step Approach is based on decades of scientific research showing that moderation-focused treatment can be very effective for problem drinkers. Moderation approaches are based on the premise that mild to moderate drinking problems are learned (habitual) behaviors that can be changed. Utilizing a variety of cognitive-behavioral and other self-control techniques, combined with practical straightforward advice, our Four-Step Approach is designed to motivate and empower clients to take control of their alcohol consumption and prevent a return to harmful drinking patterns.

A unique feature of our Four-Step Approach is its focus on both the behavioral and psychological aspects of problem drinking. Not only is problem drinking a habitual behavior linked to certain types of “high risk” situations, but it can also be a form of emotional “self-medication,” as many people drink excessively when feeling anxious, depressed, or otherwise emotionally upset.

Since drinking never solves emotional (psychological) problems, but only makes them worse, learning better ways to manage negative moods and emotions is an essential part our treatment approach. As psychologists and psychotherapists, we address not only the drinking behavior itself, but also the emotional and psychological issues that frequently contribute to the development and maintenance of harmful drinking patterns.

What are the Four Steps?

Once you have met with Dr. Washton for the initial consultation and jointly decided that moderation is an appropriate and realistic goal for you, the Four-Step process can begin.

  • Step One is designed to enhance your motivation and readiness to change your drinking behavior. We will work with you to assess the pros and cons of your drinking and to develop a detailed action plan that includes specific drinking limits and techniques to help you modify your drinking behavior. For many, but not all clients, this means starting with a temporary period of not drinking at all for at least 2 to 4 weeks—a strategy that has been shown to increase the chances of succeeding at moderation. Some of the benefits of starting with abstinence include learning how to: (a) break your habitual drinking pattern; (b) establish an alcohol-free baseline; (c) experience life without alcohol; and, (d) pinpoint your drinking triggers. It also helps to set the stage for trying moderation.
  • Step Two is designed to help you learn and practice a toolbox of self-control control skills. This includes not only keeping an accurate log of your alcohol consumption, but also learning how to avoid or safely manage “high risk” situations most likely to trigger excessive drinking. It also includes finding healthy alternatives to drinking to help enhance your life and prevent boredom.
  • Step Three is designed to help you learn how to maintain moderation and avoid falling back into a pattern of harmful drinking. We will also help you learn how to respond appropriately to slips and relapses. Should they occur, the goal of treatment is to get back on track as soon as possible and prevent relapses from happening again.
  • Step Four is designed to address other issues in your life that may have contributed to the development of your harmful drinking pattern in the first place, and/or been part of the negative fallout from your drinking. These issues may include, for example: (a) problems managing anxiety, depression, or other negative feeling states; (b) communication problems and other relationship conflicts; (c) self-criticism, guilt, and lack of self-acceptance; (d) problems with anger management and assertiveness; and, (e) job or career crises—just to name a few. Whatever these issues might be, as professional psychotherapists, we are fully trained and capable of helping you to deal with your emotional and/or psychological issues.

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New York Office: (212)-944-8444
New Jersey Office: (609)-497-0433

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Your Private Consultation with
Dr. Washton

You will be seen personally by Dr. Washton for the initial consultation to evaluate your drinking patterns and formulate an individualized treatment plan. Once you have set up your appointment with Dr. Washton, please download, print out, and fill out the New Patient Questionnaire and bring this form with you to the appointment.