What’s this page about?
You have clients that use substances but you aren’t sure if its a problem or how to address it if it is problematic.
You’ve learned a ton in school and in your career. There’s one area where you might not have gotten the training you need. I’m here to help bridge the gap between our training and our practice in relation to substance use in our clients.
You might be wondering…
- Should I address my client’s use of marijuana?
- Is my client’s use of alcohol going to impact our therapy work?
- When should I refer out to a substance use specialist?
Adding substance use
to your scope of practice is
easier than you think.
Doing therapy is hard work, made harder when addiction is thrown into the mix. Many of us didn’t get the training we needed to deal with substance use, and finding the knowledge that you need to fill that gap can be difficult.
As therapists we are uniquely skilled in helping clients make positive changes and gain the insight needed to do things differently in their lives. This includes their use of substances. What we need isn’t more skills, we need information and some guidance.
That’s where I come in.
Hi, I’m Betsy Byler, MA.,LPC-SAS, LPCC, ICS
It is my passion and mission to share with therapists the ways they can address substance use using their existing skills. I love taking topics that are typically aimed at substance use counselors and sharing them in a way that is relevant and tailored to meet our needs.
I’ve spent much of my career training therapists to feel comfortable talking with their clients about substance use. I am able to take substance use information and principles and translate them into the world of mental health. We aren’t all going to be substance use specialists, and we don’t need to be!
Instead, by adding substance use to your scope, you can expand your ability to treat the whole person and better meet your client’s need, bringing more hope, healing and freedom to the people you serve.
I’ve been a therapist since 2003. I have a passion for treating trauma, working with substance use and training therapists in both of those areas. I’ve been able to work in a variety of different settings from inpatient, to in-home therapy to outpatient therapy.
From the beginning of my career I quickly learned that I didn’t have all the information I needed to do this work. I had clients who were using substances and I realized I had no idea what to do. I had found my way into my own recovery from substances, but I didn’t know how to translate that to my clients. I spent years gathering all the information I could so that I could feel competent in my work with substance use.
When I became the clinical supervisor I committed to myself and to those who worked on our team that we would be able to feel confident and competent in this area. I’m so excited to bring this information to you so that you can bring more healing and freedom to your clients!
I have designed a comprehensive live taught course to help bridge the gap between our training and our work. It is designed for therapists by a therapist with the information we need to feel confident addressing substance use.
Registration opens in September 2023
(Cohort starting October 3, 2023)
Featured on…
Shrink Rap Radio:
Episode 727
The Bubble Hour:
S9 E21
All In:
Episode 180
The Intentional Clinician:
Episode 68
The Trauma Therapist Project:
Oct 27, 2022
Episode 809
The Practice of Therapy:
Episode 242
Only Trying to Help:
Episode 57
What it’s like to work with me…
I’m known for being down-to-earth, candid, genuine, honest and caring. I am always myself, blue language and all. I’m not here to be a vague guide nor am I here to dictate. I let people know when its my opinion (and why) and when it’s a research-based fact.
I believe our work is important, vital even, to the fabric of our communities. I take our role seriously, ethically and value our personal lives above all.
I believe we get to be ourselves and that authenticity improves the quality of the relationships with our clients. I am relational in all areas of my life.
I believe there is a way to do the right thing, even when it’s hard or even when it’s not profitable or popular. One of my long standing quotes is “We’re going to do the right thing and try to not get fired.”
During consultation, I will listen so that you feel supported and I will offer suggestions and feedback. I will not judge anyone for lack of knowledge, bias, apprehension or any other things that come up. I am a safe person.
I’d love to work with you!
Charting the Course is almost here!
Develop the skills you need to effectively address substance use without needing to specialize. The live taught course is happening this summer! (Registration opens in May 2023)