Addiction Therapists in West Vancouver, BC.

There is no magic bullet to treating addictions. Many addictions stem from a trifecta of circumstances: (1) a biological / chemical dependance (eg. alcohol leads to chemical changes how our brain and body's nervous system functions and communicates) , (2) a cognitive dependance (I deserve a drink at the end of the day, it helps me relax), and (3) a behavioural (eg. having a drink at a social event is normal, or helps me loosen up). Often addiction is a (not so) perfect storm of these three issues. The good news is that the Cognitive and Behavioural components are quite easy to begin to address; and, in turn, the biological / chemical component is also adjusted.

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.

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.

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.

“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)

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.