Addiction Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA.

In conjunction with couples counseling, I have had extensive experience on porn and sexual addiction recovery for husbands. For drug and alcohol addictions, I am only one part of a team for these clients - they must be participating in an outside group (such as AA, CR, etc.) and be in some type of rehab program, as well as in personal counseling.

As an addictions counselor, I understand the importance of providing a non-judgmental, open, safe space where you feel comfortable to share about your use and explore how you'd like to address this behavior. Whether your goal is complete abstinence or a harm reduction strategy, I will work with you to identify the most effective ways to accomplish your goal. Many times in addiction work it is more about the feeling we are trying to achieve from the addictive behavior we are engaging in. This is why it is important to understand and implement alternative healthier strategies that achieve a similar feeling or result. When we do this; change is possible.

Clients grappling with addiction often feel a profound injury to their confidence, trapped in a cycle that seems insurmountable. In my therapy process, you will discover a compassionate and understanding environment where the underlying reasons for addiction are not only identified but addressed with clear, actionable solutions. My approach emphasizes the your unique experience, helping you to rebuild self-trust and confidence. Through personalized support and long-term management strategies, clients will find empowerment in their journey towards recovery, regaining control, and hope for a healthier future.

I specialize in helping those struggling with addiction, pain, and psychological trauma. As a psychotherapist, I'm committed to providing a safe and compassionate environment for clients to explore their feelings and experiences. I understand how difficult life can be and strive to provide personalized care that best suits each person's individual needs. My goal is to work together with my clients to gain insight and understanding into their unique situation so that they can ultimately find healing.

Many approaches to addiction emphasize willpower and deprivation, but this only works temporarily. Alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours like gambling and gaming offer short-term relief of underlying issues at a long-term cost to one's relationships and health. As an addiction counsellor, I can help you resolve underlying issues, regain control, and build a sense of meaning and purpose, so you can start living the life you want. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. I meet each client where they are at, tailoring my approach to each person's unique needs. Send me a message and we can connect for a quick call to discuss next steps.

The famed physician and author encourages us to ask not, 'why the addition' but 'why the pain?' In our society we have the ability to turn to a multitude of substances and behaviors to numb and avoid pain, many of which are not only socially acceptable but encouraged. The brain despises pain. and will do all sorts of things to not feel pain. So how do we help you navigate the painful emotions that lay beneath your use and/or behaviors? Somatic Experiencing is a somatic trauma intervention that can help us to build a foundation from which you learn not only to bear the pain but to process it, let it go and welcome in something new and different. What would you like to welcome in?

Addictions can appear in many forms including substance addictions, internet addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, pornography, social media, excessive exercise, food, etc. Strong cravings with a loss of control can lead people to become addicted in spite of possible dire consequences. Counselling is one of several possible treatments available for addictions. Individual, group and family therapies have been found to be helpful in order to inform a client regarding the harmful effects the addiction may have on themselves, their friends, family and society. Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being is often critical for the rehabilitation process.