Abstract:This article introduces the concept of flow state as an existential‐humanistic tool to increase optimal experience and life enjoyment. We define what is flow state, discuss its connections to existential‐humanistic thought, and provide a case exemplar for future applications to self and counseling, as well as identify limitations and implications.
“…For some clients, participation in sporting activities cultivated an experience of deep embodiment, their descriptions comparable to flow‐states [42], allowing reprieve from stressful cognitions and other worries common to early AOD recovery.‘I get into this zone and I just feel so in tune with everything in my body, my breathing, and I finish it – I don't just feel good because of exercise, but I feel good because my mind is just completely quiet, and I just feel – I don't know, it's a weird experience, I don't know how to explain it’. (Brett, outpatient client/previous residential)…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Flow‐states have been associated with greater aptitude for coping with stress and suffering [53] and could be utilised in the process of recovery. The potential of flow‐states as a tool for counselling has recently been reported on [42], however, its application to AOD treatment has not been explored.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…It takes, but it gives'. (Abby, residential client) For some clients, participation in sporting activities cultivated an experience of deep embodiment, their descriptions comparable to flow-states [42], allowing reprieve from stressful cognitions and other worries common to early AOD recovery.…”
IntroductionChallenges associated with the integration of physical health within alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services persist. The construct of recovery capital has gained currency within the sector, however, its potential in understanding the integration of physical health within AOD treatment has not been examined. This study explores the role of physical health in the process of recovery, examining the potential of ‘recovery capital’ frameworks to enhance integrated care.MethodsInterviews were conducted with residential and outpatient AOD services across New South Wales, Australia. Qualitative data was collected from clients (n = 20) and staff (n = 13) and transcribed. Data were systematically coded and analysed using the iterative categorisation method.ResultsUnmanaged physical health issues compromised recovery, particularly when associated with hopelessness and pain. Improved physical health ameliorated sources of negative recovery capital such as boredom, social isolation and mental health symptoms. When addressed during treatment, physical health facilitated recovery capital resources through knowledge and skill acquisition, increased autonomy, enjoyment and immersive experience. Benefits extended to domains of ‘social capital’ (social connection) and ‘cultural capital’ (physical appearance).Discussion and ConclusionsPhysical health offers variegated pathways for building recovery capital. Findings support calls for a more assertive approach to addressing physical health when AOD treatment occurs outside of primary care settings. Future research should examine the potential of recovery capital as a heuristic for optimising care of physical health issues and health‐related behaviour within AOD treatment services.
“…For some clients, participation in sporting activities cultivated an experience of deep embodiment, their descriptions comparable to flow‐states [42], allowing reprieve from stressful cognitions and other worries common to early AOD recovery.‘I get into this zone and I just feel so in tune with everything in my body, my breathing, and I finish it – I don't just feel good because of exercise, but I feel good because my mind is just completely quiet, and I just feel – I don't know, it's a weird experience, I don't know how to explain it’. (Brett, outpatient client/previous residential)…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Flow‐states have been associated with greater aptitude for coping with stress and suffering [53] and could be utilised in the process of recovery. The potential of flow‐states as a tool for counselling has recently been reported on [42], however, its application to AOD treatment has not been explored.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…It takes, but it gives'. (Abby, residential client) For some clients, participation in sporting activities cultivated an experience of deep embodiment, their descriptions comparable to flow-states [42], allowing reprieve from stressful cognitions and other worries common to early AOD recovery.…”
IntroductionChallenges associated with the integration of physical health within alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services persist. The construct of recovery capital has gained currency within the sector, however, its potential in understanding the integration of physical health within AOD treatment has not been examined. This study explores the role of physical health in the process of recovery, examining the potential of ‘recovery capital’ frameworks to enhance integrated care.MethodsInterviews were conducted with residential and outpatient AOD services across New South Wales, Australia. Qualitative data was collected from clients (n = 20) and staff (n = 13) and transcribed. Data were systematically coded and analysed using the iterative categorisation method.ResultsUnmanaged physical health issues compromised recovery, particularly when associated with hopelessness and pain. Improved physical health ameliorated sources of negative recovery capital such as boredom, social isolation and mental health symptoms. When addressed during treatment, physical health facilitated recovery capital resources through knowledge and skill acquisition, increased autonomy, enjoyment and immersive experience. Benefits extended to domains of ‘social capital’ (social connection) and ‘cultural capital’ (physical appearance).Discussion and ConclusionsPhysical health offers variegated pathways for building recovery capital. Findings support calls for a more assertive approach to addressing physical health when AOD treatment occurs outside of primary care settings. Future research should examine the potential of recovery capital as a heuristic for optimising care of physical health issues and health‐related behaviour within AOD treatment services.
“…The pandemics disrupted individuals' sense of normalcy and purpose, presenting situations that seemed meaningless, chaotic, and absurd, prompting a reevaluation of values and life goals. Shannon et al (2024) and Burt and Tosado II (2024) addressed the existential challenges faced by Black men during the dual pandemics. Both articles proposed separate theoretical frameworks, including Black existentialism (Bonner et al, 2021;Vereen et al, 2017) and Black liberation narrative therapy (Haskins et al, 2023) and an integrated approach that combines epigenetics and existentialhumanistic counseling (Burt & Tosado II, 2024), to help Black men create meaning from their experiences of systemic racism and health disparities.…”
The coronavirus and anti‐Black racial violence dual pandemics of the early 2020s brought multiple existential concerns that aligned with the four existential givens of human experience, namely, life and death anxiety, community and isolation, meaning‐making and absurdity, freedom of choice and responsibility compared to determinism, and existential guilt and shattering. These themes are examined through an analysis and summary of the seven articles included in this special issue. These seven articles substantiate a need for further research and widely implemented interventions that emphasize culturally affirming and sustaining humanistic and existential counseling practices paired with advocacy for systemic change that enhances community solidarity alongside meaning‐making and identity preservation. This approach aims to support people from marginalized communities in navigating compounded challenges during dual crises such as the early 2020s syndemic polycrisis.
“…Neuroscience books for counseling also exist containing chapters pertaining to diversity, marginalization, and multiculturalism (Field et al, 2017). That said, even with these examples, there are very few that address multiculturalism and neuroscience together (Burt & Gonzalez, 2021). As stated previously, the absence of cultural principles is disturbing.…”
With the recent proliferation of neuroscience‐backed literature in counseling, the lack of connection to multiculturalism is disquieting. The critique is that there is a dearth on the application of neuroscience with clients of color, specifically Black populations. This article provides a critique of neuroscience and its implications and applicability for Black populations. The rationale for the specificity was to give counselors a concrete method to apply with an underserved populace, coupled with specific clinical considerations/guidelines.
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