Addiction Therapists in Peace River, AB.

Addictions in the family significantly impact the lives of children. Family addictions can have many consequences for a child and impede his or her development in behaviour, education, and social-emotional wellbeing. Without help these children are at risk of developing severe mental health concerns including: depression, anxiety, issues with self-esteem and self-worth, issues with peers, sleep disorders, substance abuse disorders, etc. Keystone offers counselling and support for children with a family member struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, family therapy is offered to help develop healthy family patterns and strengthen relationships between family members.

I know from the inside what it is like to live with an addiction. I have been in recovery from my own for several years now. I also know this field as well as almost anyone. I am an international expert in addictions and the author of a national award-winning textbook on addictions counselling, now in its second edition. If you want someone who combines lived experience with genuine expertise, I have been a practising psychologist since 1986. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

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 deep experience helping individuals navigate addictions using twelve-step supportive therapy in a safe virtual space. Together, we explore behaviors and underlying factors while cultivating self-awareness, accountability, and healthy coping skills. My approach focuses on building resilience, fostering growth, and sustaining recovery in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Online sessions provide flexibility and security while allowing clients to engage fully with the twelve-step framework and create meaningful, long-term change.

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.

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.