Addiction Therapists in Cranbrook, BC.

Substance use disorders often develop out of a complex interaction between biological, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual factors. I work with my clients to identify and address the unique constellation of factors that have contributed to the development of and that perpetuate their substance use disorder. In addition, it is my experience that substance use disorders frequently exist alongside other mental health disorders, especially anxiety, depression, trauma and mood disorders. Effective therapy must address the whole person in order to effect lasting change, and it is critical that any co-occurring mental health problems be treated at the same time whenever possible.

Addiction counselling provides a vital platform for individuals to confront and overcome substance or behavioral dependencies. Within a compassionate and structured setting, addiction-focused therapists employ evidence-based techniques, like Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help individuals grasp the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a strong foundation for recovery. By participating in addiction counselling, individuals can gain the tools necessary to break free from destructive patterns, manage cravings, and embark on a transformative journey towards sustained sobriety and improved well-being.

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 is about numbing mental, emotional or physical pain. The person with the addiction suffers and so do the people who love them. I have helped hundreds of people with substances use disorders move towards sobriety by addressing trauma and other co-occurring mental health challenges. We can uncover your unique mental, emotional and physical triggers for drinking/using and the self-soothing and grounding techniques that help you tolerate distress without using. Recognize the self-limiting stories that keep you stuck, and harness the power you already have make healthier decisions, feel more peace and become the person you want to be.

Helping people work through their underlying issues often decreases their coping with addiction behaviours. Insight therapy is important and usually involves attachment understanding. While the work may require additional community supported programs, clients can expect a genuine and thus challenging approach to the choices they are making that are not helpful to help them thrive in life. To empower people with a greater self-awareness leaves them with the choice.

What emotions are your addiction trying to mask? What are you escaping from? Is your addiction costing you your relationship, your family, your work? Your addiction or dependency, is serving a purpose. Let’s explore, understand and uncover what that purpose is and what the core issues are. It’s time to lead a healthier and more intentional life.

“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)

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.

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.