Addiction Therapists in Shawnigan Lake, BC.

Gravitate Counselling Inc.'s counsellors help clients struggling with addiction to process past trauma that may be contributing to their struggles, explore their readiness for change, identify triggers and higher risk situations, develop skills to reduce or eliminate harmful substances or behaviours in their life, build a support network to help sustain positive change, and make a plan that supports lasting change. Counselling for addiction can also focus on identifying and addressing damage to other areas of life due to the addiction, including relationships, finances, employment, health, and more.

I’m committed to building a supportive and collaborative therapeutic space, honouring the strategies people have developed to navigate their struggles, while helping them find new approaches that better serve them here and now. I love supporting clients in developing tools to manage anxiety, resolve trauma, and build thriving relationships so that unhelpful coping strategies are no longer needed.

I am guided by your willingness to make a change, your believe in your ability to make that change, and the priority that making this change has in your life. An addiction has usually such a strong grip on a person, who is often also alone and has tried many times before; that extraordinary patience, perseverance, and continued refocusing is needed. At the same time, the many people that succeed every day after having tried many times, are proof that it can be done. My focus is to support your willingness, ability, and priority within a structured plan of carefully chosen activities that are realistic and meaningful.

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.

There are many kinds of addictions including substance, sexual, internet, porn, shopping, shoplifting, some phobias and gambling. Specialized addictions counseling and medical intervention are advised where appropriate. Janice Graham will support you by helping you understand why you turn to addictive behaviours. You will identify the needs you are trying to meet and plan ways to resolve these needs and meet them in ways that do not destroy yourself and your relationships or involve you with the law. The place of 12 step programs and other support groups will be reviewed. My treatment approach is compassionate and accepting.

Addiction treatment is a challenging and ongoing process that requires a lot of support. What is often helpful for clients is using a CBT approach or a DBT approach which has been shown with evidence-based research to help manage addiction. Some of the focusses in counselling with addiction is often to prevent relapse, have better communication, improve family relationships, discovering better and healthier ways to cope than using the addiction. We would also discuss other factors that can help manage the addiction, such as meditation, religious involvement, and others.

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.

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.

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.