Unconventional Thoughts on Addiction from a Psychotherapist
Joy Hilliker writes about the problem of stigmatizing addiction, and the need for care that affirms dignity, sees fully, and does not turn away in disgust.
Joy Holt-Hilliker graduated from The Seattle School with an MA in Counseling & Psychology. She is currently working in private practice in West Seattle with adults and couples. Joy’s main area of concentration and client base are those who have been raised by or partnered with a person dealing with Narcissistic pathology. The road of recovery after one’s mind has been hijacked by a person pathologically Narcissistic is arduous, and it involves the rebuilding of a mind and the person. Joy has repeatedly worked with addictions that were born out of a learned and used coping mechanism by the one opposite the Narcissist.
Joy loves the PNW, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, trekking, and being outside. She also enjoys music, concerts, and has found art to be another language to communicate subconscious feelings—feelings that have not made it up to our awareness level yet.
Her best times are spent with her family, her two daughters, Hannah and Summer, and Golden Retriever Daisy.
Joy Hilliker writes about the problem of stigmatizing addiction, and the need for care that affirms dignity, sees fully, and does not turn away in disgust.
Last month, a group of students moved into the building for the one-week Artist Residency, an annual opportunity for artist-students at The Seattle School to live in community and explore the creative process. This year’s theme was “Becoming Whole,” and the work created during the residency is currently on display in our 2nd Floor Gallery. […]