Addiction Therapists in Port Coquitlam, BC.

There is an interesting connection between trauma and addictions. When events or situations are perceived as life threatening or overwhelming (even though this might not be a conscious realization), the response to such overwhelming pain is logically to self-medicate. Treating addictions requires gently addressing how clients manage emotional, physical, and mental pain and sensitively building resources to find better coping strategies while healing old wounds.

Addiction is a complex disease that affects the functioning of the brain and body. It causes serious damage to families, relationships, communities and workplaces. Common symptoms of addiction include loss of control, preoccupation with using, continued use despite consequences, failed attempts to quit, high tolerance and withdrawal. At Valiant Recovery, our specialty is addiction treatment, and we offer services such as professional intervention, detoxification, 30, 60 or 90-day residential rehabilitation, and a sober living program for our alumni. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed with the help of our expert addiction specialists.

I worked for many years for a retreat centre and I have seen and worked with many addicts. I think that it is essential that someone suffering from an addiction is wanting help and change for themselves. I help the person with an addiction look at what negative core beliefs created the addiction in the first place.There are many types of addictions and although some take the form of alcohol or drugs, the most insidious are the emotional addictions. Understanding the "pay off" for the addiction is an important component for wanting change. It can also be helpful to work with then family members of an addict to help them understand what they can do to help their family member.

We will work together to identity your commitment level for change. We will work on setting small, achievable and realistic goals. Small changes will eventually lead to bigger ones. We will also need to look at any unresolved trauma or other challenges that may be contributing to your addiction. I will be supportive, attentive and create a safe place for you to heal. You will learn to address the real pain instead of numbing yourself with your addiction. You will be able to be honest with yourself and others, feel empowered and start living your life to your full potential.

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.

“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)

I know from personal experience how terrifying it is to overcome an addiction, but I truly believe that everyone is capable of change. If you're feeling unsure about taking this step, we can move slowly and work toward the changes you're thinking about making. We will work together to build an individualized treatment plan, and you won't be forced to do anything you don't want to do. There are many different models of recovery, and I don't believe that there's a one size fits all approach. If you're stuck in an addiction and you feel scared and hopeless, I understand how you feel and I can offer you a safe and confidential space to start moving toward recovery.

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.

After working with clients that struggled with drugs and alcohol addiction, I learned that these clients need ongoing support after they leave their treatment programs. I help clients explore their stresses, traumas, and their mental and physical vulnerabilities to address the issues behinds their addictive behaviour patterns. The treatment plan includes an incorporation of mindful exercise and CBT techniques to regulate stress responses and reduce the stressors. Other evidence based techniques and literature is included in the plan to assist the client in adjusting to physiological and mental changes with no addiction and replacing it with positive changes.

If you struggle with any form of addictive behavior I can help you regain control over your life. In therapy you will learn to identify your triggers and permission giving thoughts, manage cravings, regulate your nervous system, self-soothe distressing feelings, cope with stress, prevent relapse, and deal with underlying issues such as childhood abuse, trauma, and mental illness.

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.

Addictions are ultimately a strategy for coping with distress. Bach counselling assists the client in identifying key issues underlying addiction along with using CBT, Mindfulness and DBT. Understanding how the addiction supports the client, developing alternate tools for coping and an increased tolerance for discomfort are key elements of overcoming 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.