By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G Saying yes when you mean no, or quickly smoothing over relational friction, feels like responsible behavior. In reality, it’s a barrier to genuine intimacy and ironically the confidence you acquire from being yourself. This work can feel uncomfortable at first. I always picture it like fighting through the breaker […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G Have you ever heard yourself saying “Sure, I can do that,” while your chest tightens into a hard knot? Have you agreed to take on an extra work project, help someone out, or attend a social event, only to feel your stomach drop the second the words leave your […]
The Weight of the Wreckage “Am I broken beyond repair?” “How do I start over when I feel like I’ve burned every single bridge?” “Is it really possible to rebuild my life after losing so much money, time, and trust to my addiction?” “Will my family ever look at me the same way again?” These […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G Have you ever found yourself staring at your phone late at night, reading a text that probably meant nothing, but your brain insisted it meant everything? Suddenly, you’re convinced that you’ve completely ruined a relationship, or that you’re failing at life. Your mind starts spinning in circles, creating a […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G You’ve been sober for a while now Maybe a year. Maybe ten. The crisis that brought you to your knees is no longer the center of your day. You go to work. You make it to your kid’s recital. You don’t pick up. And yet. Something is still off. […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G You’re graduating Thursday. Or next week. Or next month. And while everyone around you is asking what’s next? with bright voices, something quieter is happening inside you. You don’t know what you want. Somewhere in the picture is a substance. Maybe alcohol. Maybe weed. Maybe pills. Maybe sports betting, […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G You go to work. You meet your deadlines. You pay your bills on time. A guy told me yesterday in session that his definition of “fine” was Venmo’ing people on their birthday. He looks back now in disdain. From the outside, your life looks exactly the way it’s supposed […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G You have seen the ads. During the game, between plays, on your phone before you even open the app. “Bet $5, get $200.” “No sweat bet.” “Risk free.” You have watched friends disappear into it, or maybe you have felt the pull yourself. And at some point you started […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G Have you ever looked around at a pattern in your life and thought: why does this keep happening? Why do I keep ending up with people who make me feel like I am too much, and never enough all at once? And worse, why does some part of myself […]
By Andrew John Tucker, LCSW, CASAC-G Maybe you’ve been here before. You know something needs to change. You can feel it. But every time you get close to taking the step, a voice inside says: not yet. Wait until you feel more sure. Wait until the timing is better. Wait until you’re ready. So you […]