Behind the Scenes with the Clinical Team

Behind every counselling session at Chabad Lifeline is a team that meets regularly to support each other, learn, and stay grounded in best practices. Twice a week, our full clinical team meets to reflect on cases, share insights, and strengthen our therapeutic approaches. This level of consistent supervision, led by our Clinical Director Karen Bresinger, is an essential part of the way we work.

Clinical Director Karen Bresinger presenting on 4-way sessions

At a recent meeting, we got to witness how theory meets practice through a presentation by our clinical director and sex addiction therapist. Karen and Jennifer introduced their longstanding practice of a 4-way session, usually involving a sex addict and their “betrayed partner.” Our youth counselors Ali and Bill, and parent coach Linda then showed their adaptation of a 4-way, a structured therapeutic meeting that includes a child, their parent, a youth therapist, and a parent coach. These sessions are designed to create connection where it's often been strained, allowing all voices to be heard and understood.

The team used an accessible image from attachment theory to explain this dynamic: the parent as a “dock,” a safe, sturdy place a child can return to. The more secure the dock, the more confident the child feels exploring the world. In families affected by addiction, rebuilding that sense of safety is central to healing.

We also learned about therapeutic tools like doubling (speaking the unspoken on behalf of a client), and the importance of play, laughter, and appropriate physical touch in re-establishing connection with children.

Finally, these concepts came to life in a 4-way session role play highlighting not only the skill of our counselors, but also the curiosity and engagement of the entire team. Colleagues jumped in with questions, offered thoughtful suggestions, and built on each other’s insights. This dynamic, inspiring dialogue reinforced just how intentional and collaborative the work at Lifeline truly is.

This session, like so many of our supervisions, reflected the depth and thoughtfulness behind Lifeline’s clinical work. It’s a window into how much time and care goes into helping families heal.