Q & A with Jacqueline Mullis, MA – Director of Addiction Counseling Services for OPI Living Programs
In a recent discussion, we sat down with our Director of Addiction Counseling Services for OPI Living programs, Jacqueline Mullis, MA, and discussed her involvement and department’s role with program participants. The Department of Addiction Counseling Services supports the Optimum Performance Institute, specialized OPI Intensive and our new Intensive Outpatient Services.
Q: How do you individualize your approach with participants?
A: Each participant is on a different part of his or her journey and it’s important to recognize this piece. Some participants work best with utilizing art as a therapeutic outlet, while others find that creating a relapse prevention plan is best from day one.
Q: What changes have you seen in participants?
A: Recently, I have seen participants willing to go above and beyond in their basic treatment requirements for my department. For example: Participants are now willing to attend weekly meditation meetings to support their recovery in addition to weekly 12 step meetings. I am also seeing more passion in our participants as they are looking for additional ways to express themselves, their values, hopes and dreams within the OPI community as well in the greater community.
Q: How have you motivated, inspired and supported OPI Living program participants?
A: Working on an individual level with participants has indeed motivated them. I have found that using creative art projects as a way for the participant to express how they are feeling has been inspiring for many as well.
Q: What have you learned from program participants?
A: I have learned from participants that as humans we truly thrive while living in a community of friends who are supportive of our own growth processes. We are meant to live amongst people who want the BEST for themselves and others.
Q: Have you been inspired by OPI Living program participants?
A: Yes! What inspires me the most about our participants is that no matter how many times they experience a “relapse of emotion,” they continue to get back up again and work hard to push forward.
What also inspires me is that they have created a support network among their peers in recovery that encourages them to move ahead in their lives while in recovery with each other.