Addiction Therapists in Woodbridge, NJ.

I show people who are misusing substances that overcoming an addiction is quite possible. I emphasize work and practice at coping skills. I first help the individual to judge only their self-defeating behavior but never to put themselves down as a person for being addicted. This helps reduce guilt, shame, anxiety and denial. We focus on developing coping skills to handle problems and change behavior. I show the individual how to develop emotional and behavioral control even when life is difficult and stressful. I teach how to increase frustration tolerance. I lay out a specific plan for coping with temptation. I build and maintain motivation for staying with the recovery process.

Addiction usually stems from trauma. Feelings from trauma can be so crippling and painful that clients see no choice other than drowning the pain in addiction. Addiction numbs the pain. My primary goal is to create a safe space for clients to find the trauma that they have buried deep so we can revisit it, process it, feel the pain, make space for the feelings associated with it which ultimately heals it bit by bit. When a client can do this over time, the addiction releases its grip since it’s no longer afraid of the pain that it had to numb all this time.

Audrey will help you work through addiction as a symptom to a bigger problem instead of the core problem in your life. She will help you identify behavioral patterns and negative core beliefs about yourself and the world around you. Through this you will work through develop healthy coping skills outside of substance use and develop a fully developed esteemable life you can be proud of.

Addiction: Alcohol, Drugs, Porn, Sexual, Gambling, & Over Spending Do you really believe that your addiction is ruining your life then you are ready for us to work together. However, having said that, if you are addicted, you need more than will power. To “beat your addiction” you need new strategies and tools, and you also have to develop a practical plan to be able to combat your addiction that would involve additional techniques. To learn about 7 different therapies that can be used to treat addiction go to: http://drmartytashman.com/a-note-to-the-person-struggling-with-addiction

Clients will benefit from the specific approaches I use for co dependency through motivational interviewing and holistic therapies. I will seek to motivate the client to maintain their sobriety by identifying his or her intrinsic motivations and values. A holistic approach views all parts of a person's health as equal, including the body, mind and soul. When treatment focuses on the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms of addiction, a person can overcome their substance abuse and see improvement in other aspects of their life.

Using a Harm Reduction approach to treatment of addictions has proven to be an effective model for intervention with a wide range of substance and behavioral addictions. A Harm Reduction approach helps the addict formulate goals and structures behaviors around their attainment. Goals are set by the individual and treatment is supportive, collaborative, and goal-oriented.

Addictions range from alcohol and drugs to internet, money, gambling and many other challenges. Do you find yourself struggling to get back on your feet only to fall right back down on your face even harder than the last fall. You cannot do it alone. Willpower is helpful but it is not enough for many forms of addiction. It is time for you to admit that you need help and support to get to recovery.

Drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, love, food, netflix etc. WORK! You would not use them to survive feelings that are otherwise unbearable, if they didn't. Unfortunately, there is simply never enough, or the consequences become dangerous and/or intolerable. Eventually the feelings of neglect, isolation, alienation, paranoia and loneliness return. Treatment for addiction will allow you to accept your feelings and your past so that you can regain control over your life and choices, heal relationships, and restore your sense of esteem, dignity and agency.

In order to recover from compulsive disorders or substance abuse and addiction, a person must stop their dysfunctional behavior. While recovery may be that simple, it is certainly not easy. Substance abuse is at least a psychological habit and may also be a physiological one as well. People often use and abuse substances in an attempt to address an internal disturbance or upset, and mask feelings of inadequacy or other issues. Nevertheless, with a commitment to the process of recovery, and a willingness to take an honest look at oneself, it is amazing the progress people can make. I take a very direct, but supportive approach in helping individuals to make their lives more manageable.

I help my clients become aware of how they protect against their feelings. These are called addictions We can use anything as an addiction if our intention is to avoid our feelings or to use something to make us feel worthy. I can help you manage the loneliness, helplessness and heartbreak that you may be avoiding with your addictions. Once you know you can handle your feelings then you no longer have to protect against them and can let go of your addiction.

This is an area of treatment where I have seen many miracles. Successfully moving beyond substance dependence and abuse is not a matter of will power and character. Paradoxically, being strong willed and independent can work against recovery; addictions are very 'sticky' and five decades of research and experience confirms that attempting to keep them in check without help does not work. Twelve step programs (AA, NA, CA, etc) are the ‘gold standard’ of recovery, and are tried and true methods of achieving lasting abstinence. I possess a strong 12 Step program background, but know that not everybody can walk into a meeting and feel at home. Come for a consultation and see what is possible.