Addiction Therapists in North Cowichan, BC.

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.

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.

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.

In addiction counseling, I support people wherever they are in their journey—whether considering change, working to reduce use, or committed to stopping completely. Addiction often masks underlying issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems, so we address both the addictive behavior and what's driving it. Using a non-judgmental, motivational approach, I help you clarify your goals and develop practical strategies that work for your life. We focus on the root issues keeping the cycle going and build sustainable change. Whether you're struggling with substances, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors, you'll find collaborative support without shame or pressure. Family members seeking assessment and guidance for a loved one are also welcome.

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.

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.

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.

I am honoured that you are interested in my services and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been described as slightly non-conventional in the counselling world, which suits me perfectly, and also tends to suit youth who are trying to stand up to the force of the problems in their life. I am very comfortable working with this population, and I feel fortunate that I can connect with teens the way I do, conventionally or in a way that makes sense to them.

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.