*The mission of GrayTonic is to provide awareness and acceptance for those questioning their relationship with alcohol through education and support while empowering a decision of change.
This mission is solely based on the gray area of drinking.
What is gray area drinking?
Gray area drinking is the wide space that exists between abstinence and alcoholic. Society has led us to believe this is binary, either black or white. You are an alcoholic or you are not. That is simply not true. More people live in this gray area than persons identifying as an alcoholic. Gray area drinkers typically do not experience a “rock bottom” or major life disaster. They appear to be living a “normal” life from the outside but struggling internally to understand why their drinking is causing difficulty for them. They want to be social drinkers. They do not want to be labeled as having a problem with their drinking.
What does it mean to Question the Drink℠?
Question the Drink℠ is awareness, a conversation starter, a seed being planted, a nugget of reality. It also means, to be honest, to observe and to be educated, all while providing yourself with grace. It is thinking THROUGH the drink and asking what would happen if you continued? It means to be in the driver’s seat. To be the ONE in control. It is YOUR choice.
As a movement, QTD means to provide awareness and acceptance to the non-drinker in society. This is done by educating the restaurant industry to include more than just iced tea, soda, and water on their menus. It also means to change the way society views someone in recovery or someone that is sober-curious. Join our private Facebook group, Question the Drink by visiting the QTD page. Be sure to join our mailing list for updates as we proceed forward with the movement!
I am not ready to give up drinking just yet. Is this for me?
Yes. While most of my clients are ready to be alcohol-free, we will discuss what is holding you back and observe how alcohol is currently serving you. If it makes sense, we will explore moderation. Either way, you will not be asked to quit drinking, only educated and supported. You will be in control of deciding your next move.
Who is your typical client?
My typical client is someone that is curious as to where they are with their relationship with alcohol or another type of coping aid. Most are professionals juggling to have work/life balance, that are stressed-out and overwhelmed with “life”. They are living a functional life on the outside but wrestling internally with an overabundance of stress, shame and embarrassment. I coach both men and women.
Who is the program NOT for?
If you are a chronic alcohol abuser, identify as an addict, alcoholic or currently abusing medications with alcohol, this coaching program is NOT for you. Please seek professional medical attention.
I've tried monitoring, self-help programs and cutting back on my own but nothing has helped. How do I know this will be any different?
While there are no guarantees, the answer is I believe wholeheartedly it will. Here’s why – we will be exploring the cycle of how our thoughts become actions. You will gain the tools to rewire your thinking which, therefore, leads to change. Once you grasp the full understanding behind the “why”, you can make decisions by achieving clarity first to move to the next level. Together, we will follow the proven framework supporting this theory and you will see firsthand how this approach works.
I am a successful professional that is living a very functional life. I don’t see myself as an alcoholic but know my drinking is getting out of control from time to time. I don’t want to join any social community group online; as I need to protect my identity. Will I have to disclose anything or join a group?
Friend, this was my story for so many years! This program was designed with you in mind. I get it. I didn’t want to feel pressured in any way either. While I do believe sharing in the commonality is super helpful and extremely beneficial, you will not be asked to join anything you are not comfortable with. All information between you and I is strictly confidential and not shared with anyone, ever. Period.
Is there a long term commitment to work with you?
Some people get exactly what they need from the Discovery call. Other people need more intensive and long term support. The majority of my client work with me 1:1 for 3 months or 6 months, depending on their needs. The great news is that I can help you decide what the best choice is for you.
Are you a licensed therapist or part of the medical community?
Although I worked in the medical field for several years, I am not a licensed psychotherapist or a recovery counselor. I am a certified life coach that works with the sober curious, gray area drinkers, mindful drinkers and anyone that is medicating themself with a coping aid. My #1 goal is to help you gain clarity around your relationship with drinking, or your “crutch”, so that you feel empowered to make a decision in ALL areas of your life.
Why the name GrayTonic?
The name GrayTonic came to life as I was wearing a favorite t-shirt that says, “Gym & Tonic”. Although I don’t love the gym, I do work out most days. Ironically, tonic water has been my “go-to” drink of choice. After a good chuckle, I realized how perfect this was. You see, it is a cross between what it means to be in the gray area of drinking and finding the power questions needed to discover clarity. The word tonic means medicinal/restorative drink, a pick-me-up, boost, strengthener, and energizer. Combining this meaning with the ambiguous gray zone is how GrayTonic earned its name.
Now, if I could only learn to love the gym…😉
