Addiction Therapists in Murrayville, BC.

Addiction is the symptom of the core issue. People who suffer with addiction often feel out of control, fractured, chaotic, and suffer guilt, shame, embarrassment, anger, and mental health issues. They often miss work or have relationship breakdowns. I work with people from a completely non-judgemental basis. Treating the whole person is essential to attaining a long lasting healthy life.

Darcy Bailey & Associates offer specialized intervention for teens, youth and young adults with potential drug and alcohol problems. We will provide a treatment plan specific to the issues a well as explore any possible underlying issues related to the substance use. Counselling can help a teen and parents: -to cope and manage in healthy ways - deal with the underlying uncomfortable feelings the drug and alcohol use may be covering up - understand the role of substances - assisting and supporting parents as to how to help their youth and how to respond

My hope for clients facing challenges with addictions is that they will develop an openness and willingness to explore the underlying issues related to the addictive behaviours. Clients will benefit from looking at childhood factors and relationships issues, both past and present. Clients will identify any limiting and self-defeating beliefs which may have contributed to harmful and alienating behaviours. Clients will learn to replace negative thought and behaviour patterns with self-affirming thoughts and behaviours. They will also explore and create support systems. It is my hope that clients will develop greater self-acceptance and kindness to Self.

Have you ever had fresh baking in the house that were saving for Christmas or some other celebration? You had to stop yourself from eating it. How it called your name while you were watching TV, or sent visions of sugar plums dancing in your head while you were hungry cooking dinner? Well that is a small snap shot of the feeling of addiction. Having such a strong compelling desire to experience the rewarding outcome, regardless of how short-lived it might be. Well not all compulsions ( or addictions) are only as dangerous and life changing as a 5 lb weight gain encountered by January 2. Some addictions can own us to the point that there is nothing left of who we really are, or were.

Addiction can impact all areas of your life. You may feel like you are stuck, know that you need a change but not sure where to start. Through counselling we will explore what needs to shift in order for you to experience lasting changes. I will provide you with the necessary resources and tools and help you to greater understand yourself and your addiction.

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.

I have been working in the addiction field for many years now and recognize that there is a common theme underlying addictive behavior, whether it be substances or activities. The alcoholic and the workaholic both face the prospect of dying prematurely and alone, but society views one with scorn and one with admiration. Many people are reluctant to seek help for addictive behavior because they know someone else "has it worse". Don't let other people convince you that your problem isn't a big deal. If it matters to you, then it's worth talking about. I come from a place of compassion, non-judgment, and empathy, three ingredients missing in the lives of many people who struggle with addiction.

Whether you are struggling with an addiction such as alcohol or drug abuse, video gaming addiction, shopping addiction, gambling, ecc, most likely life is an emotional roller coaster for you AND the person who loves you. Addiction recovery is not about willpower but about identifying the underlying causes of your addiction OR your enabling behaviour and finding appropriate coping mechanisms to deal with stress and emotional overwhelm in healthy ways. As a certified Addiction Counsellor I specialize in working with LOVED ONES of addicts as well as the individual struggling with addiction using a blend of somatic and cognitive psychotherapy which has proven to be extremely effective.

People's lives are often ruined by addictions. These include alcohol, drugs, gambling and even shopping. Often our addictions are a result of attempting to cope with the stresses of life. Clients are given more effective and constructive ways to deal with these issues in their everyday life. Once they have a basis for correct thinking, they are also better equipped to strengthen their resolve.

When we feel empty or broken and unable to fix ourselves, we will do anything to avoid experiencing the resultant hurt, pain, anger, or boredom. What may be a harmless pastime for others becomes for us a destructive addiction. Feelings that compel addictive behaviour may be difficult to face, but there is hope for another way to live. Our approach involves exploring current goals, relationships, family history, triggers, thoughts, as well as strengths, supports, and resources. We have successfully supported people, and their families, struggling with alcohol, drugs, internet, food, shopping, love, sex, pornography, and other addictions to live fuller, healthier and happier lives.

My treatment approach to dealing with addictions is focussed around identifying the person's values, the use of mindfulness based 'tools' and strategies and finding out the causes of the client's dependence on drugs or alcohol. I find that individual counselling combined with external support is sometimes useful, e.g., 12 step programs, but not for everyone.

There are many forms of addiction (ie., drug, alcohol, work, food, gambling, exercise, work). Many people find self help groups that follow the 12 step program helpful. Other people like to take a more personal form of support around their addiction issues. In that case, individual counselling can be helpful. The counselling I provide for clients with addiction issues is to help them set specific reachable goals. Coming to regular counselling appointments seem to help clients set up a personal accountability tool for themselves. Reaching goals can be celebrated and setbacks examined to determine how to move forward again with success.

Addiction develops when one does not feel that they can manage the challenges or difficulties that happen in one's life; whether it be trauma, abuse, difficulties in relationships, feeling alone and not understood. When negative life events happen intense emotions that are painful also happen and often that is when folks will find something to take their mind off of the pain and temporarily onto something else that can turn into an addiction causing more struggles and difficulties in life. I work to help individuals understand that the addiction can be overcome by understanding and working through the causes and difficulties one had to face in order to find relief from the addiction.

I consider myself an expert in addiction therapy. My focus is not the addictive substance or activity. I focus on the root cause for why you engage in the various activities for the purpose of self-medication. As we flesh out the emotional and traumatic scars from past life events, you will find that your desire to self-medicate reduces significantly.

I have been trained in EMDR which has been shown through several studies to be very effective in treating addiction issues. EMDR is an approach to counselling that uses bilateral stimulation to process and desensitize past events that are "locked" in the nervous system in their raw sensory components. EMDR can be used to treat past trauma, which is often the root of addiction issues, or treat the addiction itself if no past trauma is identified. EMDR, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that involves giving the client tools and resources to identify triggers, make different choices, regulate emotions, and find new ways of coping, can be very effective in treating addiction.

As a Psychologist specializing in the treatment of both substance addictions and behavioural addictions (e.g. gambling and sex), I employ an integration of modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement, mindfulness, and relapse prevention. I focus on treating each client where he or she is at, utilizing evidence-based approaches and collaborating with other health professionals, if necessary, to bring about the best outcomes. I address the many variables, such as poor coping, underlying depression/anxiety, and life stressors that contribute to the problem, emphasizing the development of enduring skills that will outlast the client's time in treatment.

Addictions begin as a way to hide from life. Addictive behaviours initially may help individuals cope with unpleasant and hurtful aspects of life, but they eventually limit that person's full and joyous experiences. Counselling helps individuals to embrace their life. Clients learn to slowly and safely take control of and full responsibility for themselves, including their past mistakes, their current struggles and their future hopes and dreams. They learn to replace their unhealthy addictions with healthy coping strategies which promote growth, self-esteem, and heart-felt connections.

Addiction is a symptom, it is based on the belief that there is something wrong with me. The underlying cause of this behaviour is a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. Once the belief in general unworthiness is corrected and replaced with loving acceptance, healing is inevitable. The belief in guilt and past behavior that is unforgiveable is an error that needs correcting, not punishing.

Has an addiction to sex, porn, alcohol, drugs, or any other addiction caused problems in your life? Has an addiction caused problems in your relationship or your family? If so, my counselling approach can bring understanding of the reasons of your addiction and ways you can manage issues more effectively. We will discuss your unique situation and address underlying causes of the addiction and offer solutions to get your life back on track and live a more fulfilled and happy life.

Addiction often starts with someone just trying to feel better. Sometimes you just don't want to feel the pain anymore. Many people with addictions have a history of trauma. The trauma causes enormous anxiety and pain that is extremely hard to live with. The addictions make them feel temporarily better, but they go wrong and begin to cause even more loss and distress. People try to get over their addictions, but in addition to the awful physical withdrawal, the traumatic symptoms that led them to the addictions in the first place are waiting there to greet them. That is why therapy for addictions recovery needs to focus on trauma processing and not just behaviour management.

In terms of addiction counselling, I am client centred which means the process will depend on the client’s goal, whether it be abstinence or harm reduction. Ultimately, the end goal is to teach skills and tools to avoid relapse and to gain a full understanding of the problem. I will help the client develop a treatment plan that will be tailored to their addiction and individual needs.Through counselling, we will explore, identify and learn techniques on how to cope with possible triggers that increase risk for relapse. The client will not only learn how to recognize and avoid moods, thoughts, and situations that contribute to cravings, but will also learn how to replace negative thoughts and feelings with healthy ones that will help the client to continue with their journey.

If you have an addiction you are likely using a substance or addictive behaviour to manage your life and to help you get through the night ... Addictions have a down side, of course, which is why you are looking for help. There is often trauma or grief waiting to be managed and these feelings can be very intense. The consequences of your addiction often impact your relationships and may be connected to past relationship stresses. You don't need to face these things alone. We can explore your situation together and find ways to support you in creating new strategies for managing your addiction. From there, you can create a healthier and happier life.

Gently and respectfully, we work with the wisdom of the body to find your life back. We work to develop a strong observer self, as it allows you to notice yourself as separate from your feelings and experience and is critical for emotional safety and growth. Sometimes, just learning how to bring awareness and presence into your body can be a profound and helpful experience. If you are using a 12 step program, you may learn a process called 'focusing', to enrich and enhance progress.

Many people suffer from various addictions, whether it be drugs and alcohol, sex, gambling, social media or video gaming. Most people use their drug of choice as a way to cope with various stresses they have in their lives. I help clients recognize their stressors and also uncover what is going on with them that they need to self-regulate using their addictions. I also look at their pasts and often use narrative therapy and genograms to help them process some of their past life trauma and family upbringing.

Stuck in a rut? Trying to get out, but don't know how? Don't like AA? Let me help you unshackle yourself from that annoying addiction. Personalized help, skill building, and non-judgemental support in overcoming an addiction. Call 604-657-9534 now if you are ready to take a step into the first day of the rest of your life.