If you’ve struggled with substance use, you may have asked yourself, “Why do I keep going back?” or “Why can’t I just stop?” Does this sound familiar? 

These are not signs of weakness — they’re signs of more beneath the surface. For many people, addiction isn’t the root problem; it’s a symptom. When I teach my students about treating addiction, I’m teaching them to treat the trauma fueling the substance use.

If you’re a therapist, you’ve likely felt the magic that happens when a client feels deeply seen, heard, and understood. That’s attunement. And it’s not just a nice bonus in therapy — it’s essential.

Let’s explore how increasing attunement in psychotherapy can strengthen client connection, deepen healing, and make your clinical work more fulfilling.