Addiction Therapists in Jasper Place, AB.

I have been clean and sober nearly 26 years. I am familiar with 12-step approaches to treating addictions and compulsions, and sympathetic to those who find them uesful. There are, however, many who need help but cannot find it in 12 step programs. I am able to meet many of these where they are, and help them in ways they are able to use. Addiction and compulsions, like all conditions that respond to psychotherapy, are phenomena that are overcome through personal growth.

When working with clients who have addictions, it is important to understand family history, underlying triggers, and enabling factors to better manage the disease. Addiction treatment with me generally includes psychoeducation, challenging negative thought patterns, coping skill development, and relapse prevention, planning. My goal is to help clients intellectualize their substance use and improve their methods of coping so they can finally regain control over their addictions and their lives. Once clients are able, we may also work on repairing their self-image and relationships with others as these can often be damaged by addictions.

Are you tired of feeling like a substance has more control over your life than you do? You're drinking, drug use or other substance use may be affecting your relationships, your confidence, and the way you see yourself. You may know that you are capable of so much more, but struggle to access that part of yourself. I won't judge you or reduce you to your substance use/abuse or addiction. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you understand what's driving it, what you're trying to cope with or escape, and what keeps pulling you back. Together, we'll work toward healthier ways of dealing with what hurts, rebuilding trust in yourself, and creating more control in your life.

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.

Addictions are not problems, they are bad solutions. We always need to find the underlying problems and find effective solutions for them before we can let go of the stop-gap solution - whether the addiction is to a substance, a person, or an activity such as sex or gambling. There is always fear and pain underlying the addiction. We must learn to accept these feelings in order to free ourselves.

I have worked with individuals and families impacted by addiction and substance use, approaching these issues through a lens of trauma, attachment, and self-compassion. I support clients in exploring the underlying pain, patterns, and unmet needs that contribute to addictive behaviours, while developing healthier coping strategies and restoring self-worth. Healing is supported through connection, understanding, and practical skill-building.

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.

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

Dealing with addiction issues starts with an understanding of the purpose the addiction serves in one's life. Simply trying to stop the addictive behaviour will not address or alleviate the root cause of the issue. New, more problematic behaviours will likely result just develop. In order to deal with addictions, healthier options must be recognized and embraced. And to be able to do that, we must first become comfortable with our own selves. We need to be able to be honest about what works and what does not work in our own life.

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.