Addiction Therapists in Wellington, AB.

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.

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.

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.

In my approach to addiction counselling, I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to explore and address the root causes of addictive behaviours. IFS helps uncover the underlying emotional wounds, traumas, or unmet needs that may be driving the addiction, allowing for deep healing and transformation. By working with the different parts of the self that may be holding onto patterns of addiction, clients can better understand the internal conflicts that contribute to their behaviours. This holistic approach promotes long-term recovery by fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and the development of healthier coping mechanisms. Through this process, clients are empowered to break free from

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In our early environments, we absorb a lot of information about ourselves and the world. Sometimes this stuff is positive – like language or self-soothing, but sometimes it comes from a disruptor and is not. Things like criticism, alcohol used by a parent, detachment from parents, perfectionism, or whatever can cause limiting beliefs about one’s self.

Embracing recovery from addiction is a courageous and transformative journey, and I'm here to walk it with you. As a dedicated counsellor, I provide a safe and empathetic environment where you can heal and regain control over your life. Together, we will explore the root causes of your addiction, develop tailored strategies for recovery, and foster resilience for a brighter future. I understand the complexities of addiction, and I'm committed to guiding you toward lasting recovery and a fulfilling life. Your journey to healing starts here, where hope, transformation, and lasting change are within reach."

[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

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.