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Anderson (Andy) D. Orr, M.Ed., MRE, LCAS(NC), LAT(WY)
I have about twenty-five years
of substance abuse and mental health counseling experience and specialize in applying Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy to
substance abuse and related emotional-behavioral problems. I am licensed in North Carolina
as a "Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist," and in Wyoming
as a "Licensed Addictions Therapist." I have a Master of Education degree in counseling from North
Carolina State University, as well as a Master of Religious Education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
in Wake Forest, NC (please don't hold the latter against me).
I believe it is an objective statement to say that
I was one of the early pioneers in NC to offer substance abuse counseling and treatment based on the behavioral sciences
rather than "12-step" spirituality. From my perspective, it
is vital for people to have access to realistic, sensible, and effective counseling that is free of spiritualism and
religiosity. One could say I believe it is a "spiritual" principle that people have the right (per
the US Constitution) to not have spiritual/religious dogma forced on them in order to get help with overcoming addictive
behaviors. I am not opposed to spiritual/religious programs or approaches. I simply affirm that people should have the freedom
to "opt out" of spiritually oriented programs -- and still get professional help. I have tried to champion
this cause and offer a professionally responsible alternative since the early 1990's (when, as far as I know, there were absolutely
no non-12-step treatment options in NC.) I experienced significant substance use
problems in my late teens/early 20's but recovered from these problems without professional treatment or twelve-step participation.
To illustrate one of the reasons why I'm not categorically opposed to religious/spiritual approaches, I can tell you that
I broke my addictive cycle by emersing myself in my church and religious community. Never-the-less, while I do not consider myself a so called "recovering addict," I do consider myself a,
"recovering Southern Baptist." While sensitive and respectful of spiritual/religious concerns or interests, I do
not believe spirituality or twelve-step groups are necessary ingredients for recovery. Spiritual/religious oriented programs
have been and continue to be helpful to many people but they are not appropriate for everyone. I am dedicated to offering
a more humanistic approach that presents people with a practical and sensible alternative based in the behavioral sciences.
Additionally, I serve as the "volunteer advisor" for the Raleigh
SMART Recovery® Group and have been a member of the SMART Recovery® board of directors.
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Old Faithful Geyser - Yellowstone Natl. Park
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