Addiction Therapists in Fort Saskatchewan, AB.

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. I know what it is like to be an addict. I have been in recovery from my addiction for several years now. I am also an international expert in this field. My American textbook called “Addictions Counseling Today: Substances and Addictive Behaviors” was published recently. I have been a practicing psychologist since 1986. If you need a competent psychologist, book now at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

I work with clients navigating compulsive patterns—whether it’s substance use, porn, social media, or other behaviours that create guilt, distance, or loss of control. My focus is not on medical detox or abstinence-based programs, but on the emotional and relational roots behind the pattern. Together, we build awareness, reduce shame, and create structure for lasting change. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or on the edge of losing something important, therapy can help you regain clarity and start choosing differently—before things spiral further. You don’t have to be at rock bottom to begin.

Our Therapists at Rivers Edge Counselling can help you to • Find the cause of your addiction and manage it effectively • Learn how addiction works and take necessary steps to reduce it • Control emotions and quit unhealthy habits • Coping with the stages of change • Understanding your own self and develop self esteem • Develop skills to understand your addiction

What emotions are your addiction trying to mask? What are you escaping from? Is your addiction costing you your relationship, your family, your work? Your addiction or dependency, is serving a purpose. Let’s explore, understand and uncover what that purpose is and what the core issues are. It’s time to lead a healthier and more intentional life.

Change is hard. However, you made a first step and recognized there is a problem. Next step is to find a caring professional who will support you on your road to recovery. I want to be that person for you. I want to give you time and space to share with me your thoughts, emotions, needs, desires, struggles, and questions. I want to empower you to take control.

Addictions come in a variety of forms such as alcohol and drugs, pornography, media, the internet, sex and sexual intimacy, relationships, and many others. What is common to all types of addiction is the negative impact such patterns can have on our lives, our loved ones, and things we hold dear in life. If you are caught in the chains of addiction and find yourself unable to break free, I can help you. I want to give you the power to walk down the path of recovery and to mend the damage that addiction has created in your life. In therapy we will invest the time and energy to discover what has led to addiction for you, and use proven methods to resolve the sources of addiction.

My approach to addiction treatment is supportive, non-judgmental, and rooted in understanding the underlying emotional and psychological needs driving the behavior. I use evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness to help you develop healthier coping strategies, build self-awareness, and reconnect with your values. We’ll work together to reduce shame, strengthen emotional regulation, and support lasting change through compassion, skill-building, and a focus on what truly matters to you.

Addiction comes in many forms - from drugs and alcohol to exercise and eating to porn and gambling and a variety of others. For some of these addictions, there can be more of a physiological or even genetic component. For all addictions, we see two key aspects: 1) avoidance of pain, discomfort, suffering, conflict, memories and 2) seeking of enjoyment, fun, pleasure, and comfort. And yet, it's never satisfied and you may feel like you just can't stop, like you're on a hamster wheel that you can't get off. That's where therapy can come in to support you in working towards change. You deserve support in these challenges. Reach out and let's work towards a more hopeful future for you.

Are you feeling like your life is spiralling out of control? Do you feel that something is preoccupying your thoughts or making it difficult to focus on your daily life? Addiction comes in many forms, including substance abuse and computer/video game addiction. The root of addiction is often deeper than it appears, and I can work with you to uncover and understand your addiction, and then develop healthy coping strategies tailored to your unique context.

Addiction is often the surface problem, it's a way of staying away from a greater pain that is below the surface. Doing addiction counselling with me is a gentle and compassionate process of tending to the real issues below the addiction, so that there is no longer a need to engage in this harmful behaviour. When you pull out the roots of a weed, the weed will not grow back, and real change has been achieved!

I have advanced training in the assessment of addictions. In order to have any success with addictions counselling there has to be some level of commitment to deal with the discomfort of giving up or at least reducing the addiction. Family and relationships are core to the success of the counselling. Addictions are powerful coping techniques that don't really work. Dealing with addictions means dealing with the pain and past hurts that have not healed or been properly dealt with. Any successful additions therapy means diving deeply into ones life and the beliefs one has developed over a whole lifetime. Connecting to a deeper spiritual set of values can be a tremendous help and support

Often, an individual's relationship with substance use such as drugs alcohol or will change over time. For example, the person might’ve initially used it only once a while in a month as to get away from his/ her stress and have some pleasurable time, but very soon it become an everyday necessity for the user. Did your relationship with your substance use change from the time that you started to now? Do you still use for the same reasons, or have those reasons changed? Have you done the bad things under the influence of substances that you wouldn’t have done if you haven't consumed? Feel free to contact to learn how counseling can help you.

Is your drinking or drug use starting to impact areas of your life that were once untouched? Are you starting to see a negative impact on your relationships, your self esteem, and/ or your work? Even if you're not sure if your substance use is actually a problem, I can help you figure that out in a safe, non-threatening way. I want to help you form your BEST life, and to not feel stuck in the same patterns that discourage you. Let me encourage you towards the life you dream of. Send me an email or call today to book an appointment!