In a world where those battling mental illness are often marginalized and misunderstood, one would hope that the organizations entrusted with their care would show compassion, understanding, and support. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Telecare, a mental health service provider that claims to prioritize the well-being of its clients, has adopted a troubling approach to care, one rooted in the controversial practice of "tough love." This approach becomes even more concerning when we consider Telecare's close association with 12-step programs, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where victim blaming is often disguised as a necessary step toward recovery.
The Dark Side of 12-Step Programs
Alcoholics Anonymous, a program that has helped many people find sobriety, is not without its flaws. At its core, AA teaches that individuals must take responsibility for their actions—a principle that can be empowering for those struggling with addiction. However, this philosophy can take a dark turn when applied to victims of domestic violence, rape, and child abuse.
In AA meetings and groups, it's not uncommon for victims of these heinous acts to be told that they are somehow at fault for the abuse they've suffered. They're often encouraged to "make amends" with their abusers, a concept rooted in the 8th and 9th steps of the program, which involve making a list of all persons one has harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them all. But what if the harm was done to them, not by them? For many, this practice not only re-traumatizes but also perpetuates a cycle of abuse, where victims are led to believe that they are somehow responsible for the actions of their abusers.
Telecare’s Complicity
Telecare’s integration of 12-step programs into their treatment plans means that many of their clients, who are often among society’s most vulnerable, are subjected to these damaging ideas. Telecare promotes 12-step meetings and encourages participation in groups that, while helpful for some, can be incredibly harmful for others, particularly victims of abuse.
The concept of tough love, which Telecare seems to have fully embraced, often translates to a harsh and unsympathetic approach to care. Clients are expected to "take responsibility" for their situations, even when those situations involve trauma inflicted by others. This mentality not only ignores the complex nature of trauma but also places undue blame on the very individuals who are in need of compassion and support. It shifts the burden onto the victims, absolving the system and abusers of their responsibility.
The Consequences
The consequences of this victim-blaming mentality are severe. Clients who are subjected to these practices may experience worsening mental health, increased feelings of shame and guilt, and a sense of hopelessness. For some, this can lead to a dangerous downward spiral, where the very system designed to help them becomes a source of further harm.
Brian's recent death on the streets, a tragic consequence of Telecare's "tough love" policy, is a stark reminder of what happens when we fail to support those in need. His substance abuse and schizophrenia were met not with empathy or comprehensive care, but with blame and rejection. Telecare's refusal to provide further housing or treatment directly contributed to his untimely death, a fate that could have been avoided had the organization adopted a more compassionate approach.
A Call for Change
It's time for a shift in how we approach mental health care. Victims of abuse and trauma deserve support, not blame. Telecare, and other organizations like it, must reevaluate their association with 12-step programs and the damaging effects of the tough love approach. Recovery should be about healing, not about assigning blame or demanding apologies from those who have already suffered enough.
As a society, we must demand better for those who are most vulnerable. We must hold organizations like Telecare accountable for the harm they cause and advocate for a system that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of every individual, regardless of their past or the challenges they face.
WRITE YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS AND STOP TELECARE NOW!!!
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS!!!
Dan and Bonkers
