Sponsor vs Therapist

In A.A. and many other 12-step programs, it is suggested that one get a sponsor. The role of the sponsor is basically to help his/her sponsee to learn the meaning of the 12 steps and to be a person to whom the sponsee can talk freely and openly about his/her problems. Of course, the sponsor is just another recovering alcoholic going through their own challenges of life. A good sponsor probably will not put up with the excuses or irrational justifications of a drunk; in other words, a no-nonsense person.

The sponsor is not meant to be all things, especially not a therapist, as few sponsors will have any training in that area. I came across this and thought I'd pass it along.


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPONSOR AND A THERAPIST

1. A sponsor isn't all that interested in why you drank.
2. A therapist thinks your problem is lack of self-esteem and negative self-image; a sponsor thinks your problem is you.
3. A therapist wants to pamper your inner child; your sponsor thinks it should be spanked.
4. A sponsor thinks your inventory should be about you, not your parents.
5. A sponsor thinks you should not confront your parents, but rather make amends to them.
6. The only time your sponsor uses the word "closure" is before the word "mouth."
7. A sponsor thinks boundaries are things you need to take down ... not build up.
8. A therapist wants you to love yourself first; a sponsor wants you to love others first.
9. A therapist prescribes care-taking medication while a sponsor prescribes prayer-making and meditation.
10. A sponsor thinks anger management skills are numbered one through twelve.
11. Because you've been sober ninety days, a therapist recommends you make a list of all your goals and objectives for the next five years ... starting with finishing up that degree. A sponsor thinks you should continue cleaning coffee pots and occasionally mopping.
12. Lastly, a sponsor will not lose his/her license if he/she talks about God.