Addiction Therapists in Chase, BC.

Addictions do not exist within a vacuum - there are deeper causes and perpetuating factors. I work with you as a unique individual to make decisions and changes that are meaningful and sustainable for you. Your support network also plays a role. I include the system within which you live to help you maintain or build healthy supports that will help foster an enviornment to help you change and maintain the changes that you want to make.

Addictions can appear in many forms including substance addictions, internet addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, pornography, social media, excessive exercise, food, etc. Strong cravings with a loss of control can lead people to become addicted in spite of possible dire consequences. Counselling is one of several possible treatments available for addictions. Individual, group and family therapies have been found to be helpful in order to inform a client regarding the harmful effects the addiction may have on themselves, their friends, family and society. Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being is often critical for the rehabilitation process.

Addiction can be complicated and there can be many layers of struggle. My approach is to understand where a person has come from in order to understand what has brought them to counselling today. I am informed by the Response Based Approach, Narrative Therapy, and Systemic Family Therapy. It is important to work together in a way that protects the client's dignity and worth. Goals and treatment are negotiated with clients and are collaborative.

“It was a long and heavy day and I just need to break the edge.” “I communicate better after few drinks” “I can’t fall asleep if I don’t have my…” When a substance becomes a “priority”, or becomes overused, it begins to creep into and destroy an individual’s health, family, relationship and even work. The question becomes "Do I have control over it or does it have control over me?". Often substances are used as coping mechanism without realizing that it often creates even more anxiety and depression, leaving a person feeling more stress and low down the road. Feeling anxious without a "quick fix" or a “temporary Band-Aid” is a strong indicator that a person is or has lost control with the desired substance. In counselling, we work to support...(view profile to read more)