Addiction Therapists in Penticton, BC.

Addiction is a growing problem in our today's life. But the addiction is one way that our mind has, to try to fix a trauma or to deal with an unidentified pain that your mind is registering as a real treat to your integrity. We can work to begin to find and heal that pain. It Is a journey, is not a fast process, but it is worth to walk the self-discovery path.

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.

Addiction isn’t the problem — it’s the solution your nervous system found to survive. In my counselling practice, I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space to explore the pain beneath the pattern. Together, we slow down, listen to the body, and understand what your behaviour has been protecting. Healing begins with safety, honesty, and connection. If you’re ready to meet your story with gentleness and reclaim your freedom, I’m here to walk with you.

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.

Addictions are a coping strategy gone wrong. In the beginning, using may have helped to numb the underlying emotional pain, but over time it created a new set of problems that only added to the pain, including financial problems, loss of important relationships, and problems at work. 'Triggers' are those precipitating events that give rise to cravings to use. A common trigger is emotions, especially painful emotions that are seen as unbearable so our first reaction is to do something - anything - to avoid feeling those emotions. A key step in recovery is learning to cope with emotions in healthier ways. I can help you gain the skills you need to prevent relapse and live a fuller life.

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.

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.

Having focused on addictions and mental illness in her master's program, working outpatient addictions and inpatient psychiatry at Interior Health and with youth in a residential addiction center means addictions and mental health are an area of expertise for Sheila. Trauma informed care is at the heart of finding freedom from addiction and intervetions are designed specifically to the individual's needs.