Debbie Brolan
Alcoholism and addiction are prevalent in our families, communities and nation at large. The disease is everywhere, and it affects individuals from all walks of life. As the oldest child in an alcoholic home, I personally and professionally understand the dysfunction, disconnection and pain caused by addiction. I grew up struggling with low self-esteem, codependency and perfectionism issues, and abused alcohol myself until entering into recovery in my early 20s. I knew that I wanted to—that I had to—change. Now, with almost four decades in recovery, it is my sincere passion and honor to help individuals and families suffering from the effects of alcohol and other drug abuse. It is my goal to help people understand the pervasive and physiological nature of addiction, develop effective coping skills, strengthen relationships and reclaim their lives.
Working as a substance abuse counselor is a second career for me. It’s one that I have wanted for a long time and that I am highly impassioned by. I care deeply, and I enjoy working with many different people. Over the years, I’ve counseled people from all walks of life — from the indigent and homeless to professionals and executives. Although we all come from different backgrounds. I see more likeness than difference in all of us. We all grapple with day-to-day challenges — struggling to foster balance in our lives.
I believe that everything is related and interconnected, which is why I take a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment. In sessions, we discuss everything that is going on in your life, from relationships and work to self-esteem and stress, all which impact your overall wellbeing and ability to live with freedom and ease. We’ll discuss how and why you have used substances (for instance, do you use to “speak up” or “numb out”?), current and past history, present-day coping strategies and your core belief systems. And, together, we’ll evaluate the role alcohol and other drugs have played in your life, identify ways in which you can heal from the trauma that often accompanies addiction, break through denial and explore the changes in behavior that can help you live in a way that supports your best self. By addressing and confronting our fears we can begin to let go of old patterns of behavior and make changes on a daily basis, in the present moment, that bring relief and even comfort.
Even after decades in recovery, I still work a program myself, both through AA and Al-Anon. A 12-step program has been instrumental in my recovery, but there are many paths to healing and getting and staying sober.
It is important for me to be authentic. I’m a warm, open person who is easy to talk with. I believe in fostering genuine connections, and I’m not afraid to be vulnerable. In fact, the point of vulnerability between two people is one of the places I find spirituality. Mainly, it is my goal to offer the compassionate support and practical guidance that helps maintain the motivation to enact and maintain positive change.
Work is a big part of my life. I’m passionate about helping others along their road to recovery. Outside of work, I love nature and art. I have an appreciation for beauty and believe that everyone is innately creative. Currently, one of my goals is to become a better photographer. I love to practice yoga and take long walks, soaking in the present moment and mindfully noticing the colors and textures around me. I think that practicing mindfulness can go a long way in helping us on our paths to healing, recognizing that nothing exists outside of the present moment, and that the present—this moment, this day—is a beautiful gift.
I truly believe that there is a path to healing for everyone, and you don’t need to travel the road of recovery on your own. If you’re seeking substance abuse counseling in Houston, TX, I invite you to call me directly at 281-435-9864. I’m happy to discuss your situation, needs and goals and answer any questions you have about substance abuse treatment, my practice and Kagey Family Counseling.
Debbie Brolan, LCDC is a licensed chemical dependency counselor in the state of Texas. Debbie completed a 4,000-hour internship at Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center, where she continued to work providing chemical dependency counseling and education for residential, partial and IOP patients and their families before going into private practice. Debbie has been awarded for her work, including an outstanding achievement award from Coleman College for a seminar she organized and facilitated in Human Service Technology that brought together law enforcement officials, teachers, addiction counselors and lawyers to collaborate and present on the challenges of substance abuse in our communities. Debbie has facilitated many recovery groups and taught recovery-focused classes on topics such as mindfulness meditation and art therapy.
