Children of Addicted Parents . . . ACOA . . by Diane Geiser ( Presented at Northwest Suburban School District)

VISIBLE SUCCESS DOES WHAT IS RIGHT (VISIBLE TRAITS)
INADEQUATE (INNER FEELINGS)
REPRESENTS TO THE FAMILY = SELF WORTH, FAMILY CAN BE PROUD
CHARACTERISTICS; HIGH ACHIEVER, FRIENDS, SPORTS

HOSTILITY, DEFIANCE (VISIBLE TRAITS)
HURT GUILT (INNER FEELINGS)
REPRESENTS TO THE FAMILY=TAKES THE FOCUS OFF THE ADDICTED PARENT
CHARACTERISTICS; NEGATIVE ATTENTION, WON’T COMPETE WITH THE FAMILY HERO

WITHDRAWN, LONER (VISIBLE TRAITS)
LONELINESS, UNIMPORTANT (INNER FEELINGS)
REPRESENTS TO THE FAMILY=RELIEF, CHILD PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
CHARACTERISTICS; INVISIBLE, QUIET, FEW FRIENDS, FOLLOWER, TROUBLE MAKING DECISIONS

FRAGILE INMATURE NEEDS PROTECTION (VISIBLE TRAITS)
FEAR (INNER FEELINGS)
REPRESENTS TO THE FAMILY=FUN AND HUMOR, COMIC RELIEF
CHARACTERISTICS; HYPERACTIVE, SHORT ATTENTION SPAN

THERAPIST NEEDS TO BE ATTENTIVE TO THE INNER FEELINGS SO AS NOT TO EXAGERATE THESE FEELINGS

Possible future characteristics (without help/intervention)
Responsible for everything, marry dependent, trouble maker in school, later in the office,
Little zest for life, problems with authority, ulcers/stomach problems, unable to complete goals
Work-alcoholic, unplanned pregnancy, problems maintaining relationships, cannot talk,
Trust and feel.

Possible future characteristics (with help/intervention)
Balanced lifestyle, independent, leadership/risk taker, good relationships, increased self esteem,
Ability to see reality, able to express feelings (can trust, talk, and feel), able to complete goals

Dianne Geiser
(WWTW) Delavan, WI, Nov 1992
(847) 549-6000
diageiser@juno.com

Diane Geiser is a therapist, corporate consultant, trainer and staff developer. She is available for consultation, coaching and or individual, group counseling.
www.geiser-keystone.com
847.549.6000 or 1.800.549.3004
Email: diageiser@juno.com.