|
|
Client's Experiences:
|
I have to be honest and tell you that I was NOT looking forward to this experience at all This was my first DUI, first alcohol offense, my first traffic violation in years. The whole thing just didn't seem right or fair. And now there were classes to go attend… three hours each for two months! If the purpose of the drill was to make sure I felt like a low-life and a criminal and for it all to just go on and on and on… then it was working.
I found First Step Counseling on the internet. First, I looked through the list of approved providers on the DMV website. Then I called and checked out some with websites of the their own. There were several things that drew me to First Step. I liked the location. I like the structure of their classes. I found the price to be excellent compared to many in the local market. When I finally talked to Nikki on the phone, she was about the first person in the whole experience, so far, who was friendly and warm and understanding.
I am an educator myself, both a teacher and a school administrator. I know a good class and a strong curriculum when I see it. After 24 hours-on Level II Education with Larry at First Step, I am much happier than I thought I would be when I started out. While the textbook and pe-planned instruction are O.K., it was the personalization of the classes that made it work for me.
Two things stand out especially: First, the teacher was open to and able to work effectively with the wide range of people in the class. As students we brought a wide variety of experiences, a range of ages and lot of different needs. Larry was non-judgmental, while being direct in addressing each individual’s needs. Second, I am pleasantly surprised how much I learned from the other people in my classes. Some people were there for every session I attended. Some people I saw only once. New people came every week. We shared our backgrounds and experiences with each other ever week. While I have learned from my mistake and am intent NOT to repeat it, I think that I learned more from my many classmates. And if I am successful in that intention to not "re-offend," I will credit much of my success to my classmates’ experiences and their willingness to share with me.
The intent of the State of Colorado in this process is crystal clear: I can not drink and drive, period, not anymore. The excellent work done by First Step Counseling, its classes and staff will help me achieve that outcome more than anything else I have experienced in this whole process.
MS
|
I was very nervous and angry when I came to my first class at First Step. I'd never had a DUI and had no idea what to expect. Surprisingly, the next eight weeks turned out to be informative and interesting. I met a group of people who were in the same boat as me and who I could talk to about what I was going through. Although the therapist had an easygoing style, she impressed upon us, with facts and statistics, how serious drinking and driving is.
L.R.
The main thing I felt when I got my DUI was shame and embarrassment. I was so angry with myself for making that kind of mistake…I'm a teacher! It really struck me when Kathryn said that some people feel too much guilt and some people not enough. She put it in perspective for me and I started to realize that I'd made a mistake and as long as I learned the lesson and never did it again, I had no reason to be ashamed.
J.R.
My experience at First Step was very beneficial. The staff and counselors were great to work with. I went through both the education and the therapy and felt as though I left a better person. Every participant, no matter what his or her situation, was treated fairly and with respect. I would highly recommend First Step.
L.B.
My time at First Step has been a life saver and a home saver. It had a lot to do with keeping my marriage together and also my sanity. I came here on my own. I just needed somebody to talk to and it was the people of First Step.
J.W.
|
|
|
|
|
