Addiction Therapists in Laguna Beach, CA.

Scientists have researched for years to isolate and locate a physiological marker that would identify someone’s predilection for addictive behavior. However, even if they were successful, any addict could tell you that addiction is much more than a physical problem. No matter the addiction, multiple factors contribute to the descent into this common form of mental illness. Physiological factors do play a role in addictions, as well as do family, cultural, environmental, and psychological considerations. So, which is it for you? If you are a typical addict, all of them apply to a certain extent. Relapses into addiction after typical rehab treatments, usually occur when all factors haven’t been ....

As an addictions counselor, I understand the importance of providing a non-judgmental, open, safe space where you feel comfortable to share about your use and explore how you'd like to address this behavior. Whether your goal is complete abstinence or a harm reduction strategy, I will work with you to identify the most effective ways to accomplish your goal. Many times in addiction work it is more about the feeling we are trying to achieve from the addictive behavior we are engaging in. This is why it is important to understand and implement alternative healthier strategies that achieve a similar feeling or result. When we do this; change is possible.

In this generation, the growth of individuals with addictions is very significant. Addictions originally were isolated to alcohol and drugs. Today’s addictions are understood to also include, food, sex, money, gambling, video, internet, internet games, internet chatrooms, internet pornography and other types of prolonged, repeated and out of control behaviors and actions. Addictions take over a person’s ability to have of self- control of the action which leads to the fogging of any will power to stop the addictive activity even when a matter of great importance comes in conflict with the addiction. Addictions ruin people and all relationships surrounding them. Addiction counseling explores underlying factors leading to the addiction and looks to find...(view profile to read more)

In my work with clients battling addictions I work to help them discover the root causes for their addictive behaviors and find new ways to resolve them. We work collaboratively with their support system to create healthy lifestyle habits and associations, resolve old recurrent pain, set new healthier boundaries in their work and personal relationships, and find new meaning for their lives. When there are setbacks, my clients learn to explore them in a non-judgmental environment designed to help them move forward toward the sober, healthy life and relationships they are seeking.

I specialize in working with internet, video game, cell phone, social media, and porn addictions. These process addictions have acquired a power over you that is difficult to break. I take a multi-faceted approach to helping you experience the change you desire. I use Motivational Interviewing to help you solidify your desire to change, I utilize abstinence based strategies and methods to help you establish and sustain sobriety, I help you learn how to replace these addictions with real relationships and interests that foster real relationships and I support you in identifying or establishing a natural support network that helps you to maintain and sustain the new changes in your life!