Addiction Therapists in Barrie, ON.

In order to understand addictions, we have to first understand that it is a symptom of a much larger issue. By working with me through their addiction, clients often find that they get to the root of the issue that may be causing relapses or active addictions. Clients often develop new ways to cope with what is going on around them and begin to understand certain aspects of themselves that maintains the addiction cycle. Once they discover these aspects and reprocess certain memories, living in recovery becomes much more attainable.

People engage in addictive behaviours many reasons, and the context matters. I will meet you wherever you are at in your recovery, even if you are unsure if this is something you really want. We only work on reducing or eliminating a behaviour (such as using drugs) if you have identified reasons that it pulls you away from the type of life you want to live or the type of person you want to be. If that is the case, we’ll figure out what situations, emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, or other experiences hook you and control your behaviour in ways that you have identified are unhelpful. I will support you in unhooking from these experiences so that you can build a meaningful life.

We are social beings who thrive when we feel connected to others. When we are unable to connect with our loved ones, we feel painful disconnection. These feelings of disconnection can lead us to explore other strategies to feel good, even temporarily. The use of substances or addictive behaviours can temporarily reduce our feelings of emotional and physical pain while increasing our sense of pleasurable feelings. Because it is temporary, we must continue to engage in these addictive practices to cope with feeling disconnected, and our use becomes more problematic and destructive. Together, we will explore the disconnection that is driving the addictive behaviour.

My approach to counselling is attachment based and trauma informed. I have extensive training in emotionally focused therapy, the gold standard in couple's therapy, which I apply in my work with couples, families, and individuals. Addiction often isolates us and keeps us from forming meaningful and intimate relationships with those most important to us. During our sessions I will be engaged and focused on helping you to make the positive changes you are looking to make and helping you to build stronger and more authentic relationships.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and understanding its roots is key to recovery. While I do not offer therapy sessions for addiction, we have several addiction specialists at Psychotherapy Collective who are available to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our profiles at https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addictions, please contact one of our trained professionals at Reflection centre. We provide a safe, compassionate, nonjudgmental environment to support you and your family’s needs through this difficult time. "The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain." - Gabor Maté

While substance use typically begins as recreational activity it can become habit forming and often develops addictive behaviors interfering with other areas of our lives, such as relationships, jobs, and finances. To increase awareness and insight into the reasons for using, I offer evidence-based treatment while providing you with options along the continuum of the Harm Reduction approach towards abstinence. We will explore any underlying emotional needs and relationships. By gaining insight to any ambivalent thoughts and feelings around changing patterns of substance misuse I will support you in the setting and achieving of personal goals. Schedule a free consultation today.

Having an addiction is not a sign of weakness or lack of character. In fact, reaching out for help and being open to change takes a great deal of strength. My approach is one of openness and non-judgment. I follow a harm reduction approach meaning that I respect my clients right to set their own goals which will then guide our sessions. I appreciate that not everyone is ready to, nor wants to, work towards full sobriety. Harm reduction is about reducing the negative impact that substance use has on that person’s well-being and life. I strongly believe that any positive change is a success. If you think that my approach would work for you, please book a free consultation.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and understanding its roots is key to recovery. While I do not offer therapy sessions for addiction, we have several addiction specialists at Psychotherapy Collective who are available to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our profiles at https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

My work with addictions has included providing therapy to individuals and couples who struggle with many life issues which has led to the development of alcohol, drugs, sex, or other types of addictions. My approach includes a thorough assessment, co-developing a treatment plan, and ways to help you become accountable and self-reliant. I believe in harm reduction as a focus toward developing a healthier lifestyle.