Addiction Therapists in Montebello, CA.

I strongly believe that the first step in overcoming an addiction is to feel supported in a safe and comforting therapeutic environment. Without trust, it is nearly impossible to address the issues, including shame, that so often accompany substance abuse. My approach is to help my clients learn to identify the thoughts and beliefs (often negative thoughts about themselves and their lives) that lead them to turn to drugs or alcohol. Treatment helps the client unlearn old patterns of behavior and to learn new ways of coping with situations and thoughts that may have led them to use substances in the past.

I approach addiction in a non-judgmental and empathic manner. have a variety of experience working with several forms of addiction including drug and alcohol addiction and various forms of behavioral addictions. I completed my dissertation on the topic of sex addiction and thus have worked extensively in this area. I believe that the underlying dynamics associated with any addiction must be examined.

There is so much guilt surrounding addiction. You get angry at yourself for not being "strong enough" to combat it. Your addiction has been your way to cope. No, it is not healthy, but you first must have some compassion for yourself and what got you here. Overcoming addiction requires intensive treatment, support, and a plan. Will power is simply not enough. I can help you create a plan that will give you the best advantage to overcoming the chains of addiction so that you can be free to live your life and enjoy your loved ones, and regain trust in yourself again.

Are you addicted to pornography, visiting massage parlors, paying for sex? Have you tried to stop and failed? Are you leading a double life, afraid of being found out? Has your partner discovered your secret life? There is hope if you're ready to change your life. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental place for addicts and their partners to share the shame of a double life and the pain of betrayal. I will help stop the out-of-control behavior and re-engineer your life to develop healthy intimate connections. There is hope and you will not be alone in the journey. Go to www.sexhelp.com for an online assessment.

My work at a residential drug treatment facility for three years complements my 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist. In addition to substance abuse and codependence issues, I support individuals with sexual compulsivity issues. I refrain from labeling this as an "addiction" per se, as does ASSECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists). Treatment may sometimes involve significant others and family, as all are affected.

Don't know if you're an "addict"? Are you SURE you are? Whether someone just accuses you of addiction or you've been around the recovery block a few times, you'll find qualified and understanding help at CCRG. But nobody REALLY understands you? Try us! You'll find real understanding and patience, skill and knowledge, motivation and support. Would all that help? Call us and let us help.

Addiction can ruin lives. Whether it is a substance (like alcohol of drugs) or a behavior (like eating or gambling) it stimulates that part of or brain that is the reward center and makes us feel pleasure. Humans, not surprisingly, like all animals, seek pleasure and avoid pain. We can get addicted to such a degree that we lose sight of the important things in our lives; our family, friend, job etc. Anything and everything can get side-lined by our addiction. Breaking free can be hard, it can involve many attempts and yet the rewards are enormous. I don't have the magic bullet but I can walk alongside you and help you on the path to recovery and sobriety.

I have many times worked in therapy with clients who struggle with addictions, among other issues. I have studied Motivational Interviewing, which is remarkably helpful in addictions work. Clients feel supported and not judged, and are able to find their internal motivations for change. Therapy with me can complement work in separate addiction treatment as well.

Often the quickest and easiest way to stuff away negative thoughts and emotions or to just shut down and go numb is to self-medicate. Whether your substance of choice is drugs, alcohol, food, prescriptions, porn, or video games, you have fallen into the habit of dealing with life by turning to your substance. Breaking this cycle takes work and dedication but it is possible! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Seeking Safety will help you identify your triggers, create a plan to cope with those triggers in a healthy way, and begin to create a support network. Addiction is one of the struggles where support is vital to one's recovery! You're not supposed to do it alone!

Most addictions whether they are gambling, pornography, internet, alcohol, drugs, or shopping are all rooted in the desire toward pleasure seeking and all result in an outcome which is unable to sustain that pleasurable experience. Often people seek treatment when the behaviors result in destructive outcomes. When a spouse or family member of an addicted person or the addicted person themselves, admits the behaviors are resulting in negative outcomes and the person is unsuccessful in stopping the behavior we define this as an addiction. We provide insight as to what is the root cause and teach them better coping skills.

I view addiction as the compulsive overuse of a self-prescribed stress management tool. The addiction may be to a person, activity, or substance. But regardless of how addiction manifests itself, the goal is to understand what the client gets out of it, and find healthier, sustainable ways to manage their stress. But regardless, but in addiction counseling is to assess the compulsive behavior, so I can understand where it comes from and what keeps .

Addictions can come in many forms. Some struggle with alcohol and drug addictions, while others struggle with gambling. Still others may struggle with internet pornogrpahy or video games. The common reasons for getting hooked are either boredom, the desire to seek pleasure or simply to just have have fun. The hardest reason to admit an addiction is that it is a way to cope with life's difficult problems. Whatever your reason, if any of these addictions are affecting your work or relationships, it's probably time to seek professional help. Caring and quality professionals are non-judgemental, teach you to cope with difficult emotions, and find alternative outlets for spending your time.

Addiction is complex and encompasses many entities. One of them is the participation in an AA program, another one the therapist. I can help on the therapeutic side, as addiction is often connect to underlying trauma. We will work through the trauma and the tools needed, while AA provides the tools required for sobriety. It's an ongoing process, providing growth and stability over time.