Why We Don't Force The Twelve Steps at Seasons

TL;DR:

Dr. Tiffany Towers explains how Seasons accommodates clients who haven’t found traditional 12-step programs fulfilling. While AA meetings are available, they’re not mandatory, and the program exposes clients to alternative recovery communities like SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and Dharma Recovery to help them find approaches that truly resonate.

About Dr. Tiffany Towers:

Dr. Tiffany Towers has developed a philosophy of recovery that honors individual differences and personal fit in treatment approaches. Her extensive clinical experience across diverse treatment settings has shown her that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addiction recovery. With her doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology and years of work in substance abuse treatment programs, Dr. Towers has witnessed clients struggle when forced into recovery models that don’t align with their personal beliefs, learning styles, or spiritual perspectives.

Her background in theater and creative arts has particularly influenced her understanding of how different people connect with different narrative frameworks for recovery. Just as some actors thrive in method acting while others prefer classical approaches, Dr. Towers recognizes that some clients find meaning in the spiritual surrender of 12-step programs while others need the cognitive-behavioral focus of SMART Recovery or the mindfulness-based approach of Dharma Recovery.

As Clinical Director at Seasons, Dr. Towers has implemented a philosophy of “recovery exposure” rather than recovery prescription. She believes that lasting recovery happens when clients discover approaches that genuinely resonate with their values and lifestyle, rather than being forced to adopt methods that feel foreign or uncomfortable. This individualized approach to community building reflects her commitment to meeting clients where they are rather than where treatment protocols think they should be.

Video Transcript:

Some people come to our program with a history of previous rehab experiences or trying AA or 12-step-based programs, and they don’t feel fulfilled or that it really clicks with them. And that’s okay. We do offer opportunities for our clients to attend AA meetings in the Malibu area, but we don’t mandate it. And we also offer exposure education to other ways to build sober community. So there’s SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Dharma Recovery – all of these things we provide little bits of exposure to, and then if it clicks for you, by all means attend it outside of our programming and make it a part of your aftercare plan.

Key Insights:

Dr. Towers demonstrates a refreshingly non-dogmatic approach to recovery programming. Her statement “And that’s okay” validates clients who may have felt like failures for not connecting with traditional AA approaches, removing shame from what is actually a common experience.

The concept of “exposure education” rather than mandated participation allows clients to explore various recovery philosophies without pressure. This sampling approach helps people discover what genuinely resonates rather than forcing compliance with a particular model.

By mentioning specific alternatives like SMART Recovery (cognitive-behavioral), Refuge Recovery (Buddhist-based), and Dharma Recovery (mindfulness-focused), Dr. Towers acknowledges that different spiritual and psychological frameworks appeal to different personality types and belief systems.

The emphasis on incorporating chosen approaches into aftercare planning shows respect for client autonomy while ensuring long-term support systems are in place.

Reflection Questions:

• What recovery or personal growth approaches have you tried that didn’t feel like a good fit, and why?
• What aspects of your personality, beliefs, or learning style might guide you toward certain community or support approaches?
• How important is it for you to find a recovery community that aligns with your values rather than just following what’s most available?

Related Topics:

This video addresses alternative recovery models, individualized treatment approaches, community building in recovery, the importance of personal fit in healing programs, and creating flexible aftercare plans that honor client preferences.