Addiction Therapists in Chemainus, BC.

As a counsellor with years of experience working with addiction and its effects on the family, I have the skills to help you gain insights, change your behaviours, heal your pain and recover a sense of wholeness for life. My goal is to help you find a way out of the bondage of self hate, shame, and pain that is often caused by living with addiction. I believe that with hard work, you can regain the hope that this disease steals.

I am adept at support clients in finding the root of their addiction whether it be trauma or challenges with emotional regulation. Addictive behaviour always makes sense. Unfortunately, there is still so much shame, judgement and misunderstanding when it comes to addiction. I will help you make sense of your addictive behaviour and achieve freedom.

Often in life, stress, responsibility and unhappiness can lead to managing/medicating with a variety of substances; marijuana, alcohol, gambling, sex, internet, drugs, ect. This can lead to an unbalance in the usage of these substances, create a significant strain and negative affect on relationships, family, work and one self. We will work to uncover the motivating force that has driven to substance abuse and help to regain control. Through this work we will strive to regain a healthy and balanced life, free of addiction or dependency.

We work to tailor our services to fit the unique beliefs and knowledge that people hold about substance use. We recognize change is a process that can be both challenging and rewarding. With non-judgmental support, flexibility, compassion and creativity, we strive to assist people in setting and achieving meaningful goals. Island Clinical Counselling substance use services are customized for youth, adults, and older adults and include: Consultation Assessment Out-patient therapy Referral to withdrawal management (detox) programming Referral to in-patient residential and/or supportive recovery programming Relapse prevention planning and ongoing therapy Harm Reduction Family Members/Carers

“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)

Addiction counselling with me involves taking the time to unpack the dynamics that contribute to coping through addiction. With me you can expect a non-judgmental space, and to move at a pace you are comfortable with. Together we will take a compassionate and curious approach, locating strengths and supports and practicing mindfulness to grow in a sense of agency in decision making.

Addiction is the symptom of others issues. People abuse substances for a variety of reasons such as: to supress pain, to feel more confident, and to deal with an unresolved trauma. Addiction often spirals out of control, results in feelings of guilt and despair; as well as alienates the user from her or his family and friends. However, addiction can be overcome. Relationships can be repaired. I offer professional support to both the person facing addiction and their family to learn strategies to deal with the underlying issues, set boundaries, and develop skills to address your own or your loved ones substance abuse.

When I worked in addiction treatment centres, I found that addiction was not the problem but the solution. I like to explore what is happening prior to the addiction and why a person feels like this is the best solution. I aim to make it non-judgmental, explore honest challenges, and find ways to bring SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Oriented) goals. I believe addiction doesn't 'just happen' but is a solution to a problem that needs to be addressed in a better way.

Olivia has a deep passion for helping individuals overcome addictions and specializes in guiding clients through various struggles. As a Certified Sexual Recovery Therapist, Certified Partner Betrayal Trauma Therapist, and Certified Partner Recovery Therapist, she brings expertise in addressing sexual addiction, love addiction, and their impact on relationships. Olivia has experience leading freedom and life transformation groups, empowering clients to reclaim their lives and find healing. She also works with those battling other addictive behaviours. Her compassionate and informed approach fosters hope, growth, and long-term transformation for individuals and their loved ones.

Addiction comes in many forms and if left untreated can come to control us. Urges become overwhelming as we feel there is little we can do to resist repeating the same behaviour over and over again. Disrupting the cycle is challenging and evidence suggests it's crucial to have support. I take a wholistic approach, including addressing the biological underpinnings, the psychological drive to repeat, and the social causes of addiction. I incorporate aspects of SMART recovery, and am familiar with the 12 steps approach. No one road to recovery is right for everybody. Without judgement, I will help you find the way fits for you, whether it be a reduction approach or abstinence.

Understanding what our addiction means, how it takes control over our behaviour and choices in life is an early step in recovery. You may be filled with pain and self-hatred, wanting escape, and that drives us into addiction. The need for relief, however brief, destroys lives. Together we can understand and heal your trauma. You have to want change more than anything, but you can do it. Cognitive Processing Therapy can help you heal from your trauma and get on the sober path.