Addiction Therapists in Sechelt, BC.

We work to tailor our services to fit the unique beliefs and knowledge that people hold about substance use. We recognize change is a process that can be both challenging and rewarding. With non-judgmental support, flexibility, compassion and creativity, we strive to assist people in setting and achieving meaningful goals. Island Clinical Counselling substance use services are customized for youth, adults, and older adults and include: Consultation Assessment Out-patient therapy Referral to withdrawal management (detox) programming Referral to in-patient residential and/or supportive recovery programming Relapse prevention planning and ongoing therapy Harm Reduction Family Members/Carers

My approach to addiction combines compassion with evidence-based strategies, recognizing it as both a coping mechanism and a symptom of deeper pain. I help clients explore the emotional, psychological, and neurological roots of their addictive patterns while building practical skills for recovery. Using trauma-informed therapies like DBT, EMDR, and CBT, we’ll address shame, triggers, and cravings while fostering self-compassion and resilience. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan for sustainable change—whether through harm reduction or abstinence—focusing on healing core wounds and rebuilding a life of connection and purpose.

I approach addiction as a symptom rather than a flaw, recognizing that it often stems from deep long-standing emotional pain and unmet needs. In a safe, nonjudgmental space, I help clients explore the underlying emotions driving addictive behaviours and work through unresolved experiences that contribute to these patterns. Together, we replace harmful coping strategies with healthy, self-loving practices that support emotional regulation, resilience, and personal growth. Clients benefit from gaining insight into themselves, cultivating self-compassion, and building sustainable habits that promote long-term wellbeing and recovery.

As a counsellor with years of experience working with addiction and its effects on the family, I have the skills to help you gain insights, change your behaviours, heal your pain and recover a sense of wholeness for life. My goal is to help you find a way out of the bondage of self hate, shame, and pain that is often caused by living with addiction. I believe that with hard work, you can regain the hope that this disease steals.

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 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.

When I worked in addiction treatment centres, I found that addiction was not the problem but the solution. I like to explore what is happening prior to the addiction and why a person feels like this is the best solution. I aim to make it non-judgmental, explore honest challenges, and find ways to bring SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Oriented) goals. I believe addiction doesn't 'just happen' but is a solution to a problem that needs to be addressed in a better way.

“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 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.

Addictive and compulsive behaviors can make you feel out of control and can affect your personal, professional, and family life. I can help you with evidence-based tools and strategies you can use right away. I can also help you resolve the underlying emotional patterns which create the need to compulsively gamble, drink, eat, or use substances. I specialize in assisting with pornography, cybersex, sex addiction, internet addiction, gaming, social media, and drugs and alcohol. My skills and training are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness therapy, and other depth oriented approaches. Exploring your past patterns and where they come from can also be helpful.