Addiction Therapists in Toronto, ON.

When we experience difficult times, it can be easy to turn to substances and distractions to numb the pain. This is a natural protective strategy. Some clients seek to stop this completely, while others seek to find a way to better manage their current use. Our aim is to find out what is best for you. If you feel stuck and could use support, read out to use and let's explore where to start.

Addiction can affect all aspects of a person's life from their work to their relationships. At 3 Chords we work with individuals to regain control of their lives. This is done through engaging in critical thinking, learning to effectively engage in decision-making, learning how to effectively communicate and practice interpersonal skills, increasing self-awareness, self-control, and building resiliency.

Approaches to addressing addictions really vary from one treatment setting to another. My approach focuses on helping people manage their addictions. Not everyone chooses abstinence, and not everyone needs to. In fact, for many problem drinkers learning to become a controlled drinker can offer a more sustainable way of living. I tend to work with people to help them manage their addictions in a way that is sustainable, and in a way that works for their personal situation.

Addiction can be a scary thing that is often surrounded by ambiguity and confusion: why do I continue to use when I know it is bad for me? Why do I want to use in the first place? Why can't I seem to stop using and why cant I change? In working with clients, step 1 of our work is figuring out the answers to these questions and figuring out why addiction occurs in the first place. After this, we explore tools, resources, and therapies that will best work for clients in helping them create the changes they need and to promote the lives they want.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques for addictions are used in the form of reinforcement and conditioning as learning processes in the development of addictive behaviours. There are various skills that clients learn to identify and change problem behaviours to reduce or abstain from drug use. This entails monitoring early warning signs for drug or alcohol cravings, identifying high-risk environments and situations associated with substance use, exploring negative consequences of continued substance use, and developing effective strategies for coping with temptations to use and avoiding triggering high-risk environments.

In Gestalt therapy, we work toward seeing the whole person. This whole-person seeing includes viewing addictive patterns as creative responses to our environment, rather than problems to be fixed/solved directly. We will work together to build new self-supports so that you can ride the waves of anxiety and strong emotion that come with big life changes. We will focus on increasing your awareness about your personal responsibility in the addictive cycle, as well deepening your understanding of how and why you've come to respond to life in these ways.

I am a Psychotherapist and Addictions Counsellor and having been through an addiction myself I understand what it takes to work through an addiction. I have built up a number of tools and modalities to teach others to gain strength and self-esteem. Addiction is a very broad topic, one that can't be written in a few sentences. I have the confidence in my abilities to help you through your addiction(s) I will create a safe environment for you and your loved ones while going through your challenging time. If you’re not sure if you have an addiction, feel free to call or email me. I have the patience and understanding to meet your needs where ever you’re at today.

Our therapists will provide a safe and supportive space to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop strategies for recovery. They can help individuals gain insight into their addictive behaviors, identify triggers, and learn healthier coping mechanisms. Tools will be offered to manage cravings, build resilience, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, therapy can address any co-occurring mental health issues that may contribute to addiction. Furthermore, they will provide a non-judgmental environment where individuals can receive support, guidance, and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.

Addiction often occurs because of some other underlying issue, which could be ADHD, trauma, abuse, neglect, etc... We will work together to try and uncover what you are trying to bury or not acknowledge with the addiction. I will work with you on developing coping skills and strategies to reduce or stop the addiction (your choice), but until we get at the reason underneath, they are only going to provide a band aid solution. If you are ready to dig deep and more fully understand yourself, I'm ready to go on that journey with you.

My approach to addiction utilizes a variety of methods including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and emotion-based therapy. In working with addiction, individuals may struggle in different ways, and as a result, the solution needs to be person-specific. My approach includes a root-cause analysis that explores the underpinnings of the addiction towards a sustainable solution for treatment.

Addictive behaviours may feel like comfort to the vacuum left by aloneness or detachment. The feeling of aloneness can start early. Children require a lot of emotional interaction to develop trust that their needs for support and caring will be met. If they don’t experience positive attachments, they may turn their needs for love and caring into physical cravings, which are easier to fill, and develop relationships with their addictions because they're more in control of them than those they look to for love and attention. I create a therapeutic environment in which individuals can deepen their understanding of their feelings and learn to trust their inner resources to connect with others.

As an addiction counselor, I approach each client with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore the root causes of their addiction and work towards lasting recovery. I use evidence-based practices and work collaboratively with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and challenges. Through counseling, clients can gain insight into their addictive behaviors, develop coping strategies for triggers and cravings, and learn skills to manage and maintain their recovery over time.

I support individuals who want to make changes in their substance or behaviours they find problematic. In addition to this, I support individuals who MAY want to make changes, or are unsure if they are ready to make that change. Having clear goals and expectations of your preferred future is an important foundation of our work together. I ask clients to commit to at least 6-10 sessions as we embark on this journey together.