Addiction Therapists in Picture Butte, AB.

Addiction can take many forms -- from substances and food to pornography, sex, gambling, internet gaming, work, spending and finance. Addiction develops as a way to deal with pain and depression when something better hasn't been found. But there are better ways! Self-awareness, effective communication, self-worth, healing from trauma and pain, ability to form strong, genuine relationships, connecting with your deep human spirit -- all these are pathways towards a sober and purposeful life. It is never too late! Start early!

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!

Do you feel that your drinking is stopping you from living the life you've dreamed of? Are you tired waking up with a pounding headache, dragging yourself out of bed thinking, “why did I do that?" Does a couple of drinks end up being a runaway train? Do you worry that if an emergency happened, you won’t be in proper shape to help your loved ones? Are you sick and tired of having your life revolve around alcohol? If you answered yes to any of the above, counselling can help. With powerful techniques, accountability, and genuine warmth, I help clients fully understand and master their drinking habits - so they can finally have the robust health, career, and relationships they deserve.

Addictions are hard but not hopeless. I my self battled with my own addictions. Along with education I also have understanding at a deeper level due to my personal experience. The substance that you are addicted to is not so much the issue as is the feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviours. Processing ones story within therapy allows a person to step one foot closer to freedom and hope in a better life. It is a risk to reach out and be vulnerable. The key is to keep picking oneself back up and keep trying.I look forward to hearing your story and journeying with you as you process it.

Often we fall into the trap of seeing the addiction as the problem. In fact, it is actually a symptom. I often tell clients with addictions that if I were to have the flu and suddenly got sick, the mess on the floor is not the problem. The flu bug inside of me is the problem and the mess on the floor is the symptom of that problem. In order to treat addiction as a symptom it then becomes necessary to explore how it got started and what environmental and personal choices are present that keep this addiction active.

Addictions are one of the primary reasons individuals seek mental health support. One of the most untreated, untalked about addiction is sex addiction, hypersexual disorder or compulsive sexual behaviour. I currently under supervision with CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist). If you would like more information on this disorder or treatment, please feel free to email me. You can also link to these websites for more information: www.recoveryzone.com or www.sexhelp.com

Addictions can be challenging and feel like they are robbing you of time, health, and/or relationships. I meet clients where they currently are, and help move them to where they want to be. My foundation is trauma informed and I use Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing, Harms Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model of Change, somatic awareness, and other strategies.