Addiction Therapists in Kimberley, 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.

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 treatment is a challenging and ongoing process that requires a lot of support. What is often helpful for clients is using a CBT approach or a DBT approach which has been shown with evidence-based research to help manage addiction. Some of the focusses in counselling with addiction is often to prevent relapse, have better communication, improve family relationships, discovering better and healthier ways to cope than using the addiction. We would also discuss other factors that can help manage the addiction, such as meditation, religious involvement, and others.

Working through addiction can be a raw and difficult process, that often reveals the pain that the addiction was helping to disguise. My approach to treating addiction applies cognitive awareness and mindfulness strategies to managing and reducing addictive tendencies and impulses. Addiction tends to thrive in isolation, so having a guide to help anticipate the struggle of addiction, identify and exercise strategies that are clinically effective in relief of addiction, and trauma.

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.

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.

“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.