Addiction Therapists in Alberton, ON.

There are many forms of addiction. Understanding what addiction is and how it affects day to day life is a necessary part of the recovery process. Unfortunately it can affect work and relationships. Many times it negatively impacts health. Making a decision to get help is important as accountability is a key component to recovery and healing. Therapy can provide tools for coping as well as learning to deal with the challenges one faces living with addiction.

Pornography and gaming addictions are about coping, escaping, or feeling in control—often at the cost of relationships, motivation, and overall well-being. Over time, it can feel like your brain is wired to chase the next hit of stimulation or distraction, even when part of you wants to slow down or stop. Matt supports individuals to rebuild confidence, reconnect with real-life relationships, and find healthier ways to manage your emotions such as anxiety or boredom. Reducing or eliminating these behaviours also helps recover your time, focus, and sense of self.

Addiction can feel like an insurmountable barrier to a fulfilling life, but recovery is possible with the right support. My approach combines Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you address the complexities of addiction and develop effective coping strategies. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of your addiction, build a support system, and create a personalized plan for recovery. Whether you're dealing with substance abuse or behavioural addictions, I’m here to support you in achieving lasting change and a healthier life. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to start your path to recovery.

Addiction to substances or behaviors can be devastating and all encompassing. Working with a therapy style which suits each individuals personal values and beliefs can be helpful in moving towards change. Concentration on relapse prevention can offer opportunities to celebrate small successes and build resilience for long standing health and wellness.

It is very difficult, and it is a process, to make the changes necessary to stop abusing substances or performing an addictive behaviour e.g. gambling. Often there is a misconception that the difficulty in quitting has something to do with moral character or willpower, but nothing could be further from the truth. By the time a substance or behaviour becomes a problem in someone’s life there have been changes in the brain and body that make quitting a complex process. Through exploring the role the substance/behaviour originally played in the life of the individual, the underlying issue creating the feelings the substance/behaviour “soothes” can be determined and a new coping skill learned.

If we do something repeatedly, that we would rather not do, then we have an addiction. The problem with addictions is that people get hurt. The addicted person may not recognize the seriousness of their situation, but eventually both the addict and their loved ones suffer tremendously in a state of helplessness. Many families have been destroyed from addictive behaviour such as substance addiction (drugs/alcohol), gambling, sexual addictions, gaming/internet addictions. A counsellor can help. Workshops, groups, individual or family counselling can assist in breaking the devastating cycle of addiction. Coping skills and emotional awareness to negotiate compelling urges and compulsive in

Addictions grip both the mind and the body in ways that feel unrelenting. When caught up in the cycle, it may seem like recovery is out of reach. However, in the comfort of a caring, empathetic, non- judgmental therapist who understands the link between your brain and addictive behaviours, new patterns and routines of adaptive living can be enabled. As a therapist who embodies these qualities and is knowledgeable in replacing old habits with ones that will enrich your life, my goal is to assist you every step of the way in ensuring this is the reward for your commitment.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been adapted to show benefits with addictions. A primary focus with DBT is noting that unwanted thoughts and behaviors are learned and reinforced. Our sessions will aim to identify and break the negative reinforcement cycle. This approach uses counselling and builds skills that aims to increase feelings of control over dangerous behaviors, experience feelings without avoidance or escape, rebuilding skills for common problems, and finding a sense of connection in the world to move towards happiness.

We have years of experience with addictions and mental health issues. Some of our therapists are recovering addicts and truly get it on a personal level. We also support clients in other areas of addiction such as food addiction, shopping, gaming, gambling and sexual behaviours. It takes great courage to be honest and face our addictions. We believe we are capable to help our clients through the therapy process and can support their needs.

Are you struggling to overcome addiction? You do not need to struggle alone - any addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, pornography, internet, or any other behaviour that you want to change - is powerful. Our thinking patterns, behaviours, emotions, and the pure power of habit itself re-inforce each other and can keep you feeling trapped in the power of the addiction. Together we will explore how to break these cycles. Contact CBT Solutions to learn how this highly effective, evidence based treatment can help you.

Addiction comes in many packages. Many people who suffer from addiction may suffer from multiple layers of addiction. Addiction is a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or in a behavior for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite detrimental consequences. Because addiction affects the brain’s executive functions, individuals who develop an addiction may not be aware that their behavior is causing problems for themselves and others. Over time, pursuit of the pleasurable effects of the substance or behavior may dominate an individual’s activities. In some cases a referral may be made.

Sex addiction is one of the hardest addictions to treat because it’s not about avoiding/quitting the “poison”, rather, managing sexual desire in the right context. And since it’s based in shame, internal discomfort & self-loathing, approaching it from a moral judgment standpoint only exacerbates the problem. As such, I conduct the treatment process from a place of understanding, so the client can reach in their darkest places to identify triggers and we can address them – the process also works with porn addiction. I take a multi-prong approach – identifying & treating root causes, eliminating the addictive cycle, replacing it with constructive ways of self-soothing, and building self-esteem

I have helped literally thousands of men who struggle with pornography addiction and the grief it brings to their marriage. The toxicity of shame and secrecy help keep this struggle private until caught. This addiction is not an easy one to win against on your own and needs the attention of a therapist. Most men have no idea why they are so locked into this addiction. In the last few years, women too are becoming increasingly more caught in the web of porn addiction, equally with no idea why. Although porn addictions look sexual they are often another issues being acted out sexually. This is where I have been so successful in helping people with this addiction and find the freedom they want.

My approach to addiction is not about managing cravings or enforcing control. Addiction is the visible symptom of a deeper fracture — disconnection from self, others, and the sacred. It is a response to unresolved trauma, attachment injuries, and existential pain. Our work is not about behavior management but about restoring right relationship — with your own inner life, with the wounds that shaped you, and with the possibility of living in a way that no longer requires the addiction to survive.

In my approach to addictions I work with clients to understand how the addiction may be helping them to cope and help them to learn alternate healthy coping mechanisms. Addressing related underlying issues may also be important in helping clients to leave the addiction behind. Although clients often find it difficult to let go of the addiction, they slowly feel ready as they begin to take steps and have more positive life experiences, which are also explored during therapy. Client strengths, motivations, hopes, and values are also considered and through these approaches clients begin to feel safe, satisfied, and happy living their life without the addiction.

My approach to addictions counseling is holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in deep compassion. I view addiction not as a flaw or failure, but as a coping strategy often developed in response to unresolved pain, trauma, or unmet emotional needs. Through gentle exploration and therapies such as, mindfulness, and somatic awareness, I support clients in understanding the underlying drivers of their addictive patterns. Together, we build healthier coping strategies, restore self-trust, and reconnect with purpose and meaning—empowering lasting change and emotional freedom.

Addiction is a very complex issue, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the impacts of addiction are far reaching. While there are many factors that contribute to addictions, it is imperative to learn about emotional regulation in order to learn how to manage them. Individuals struggling with addictions find themselves in a continuous viscous cycle fighting uncomfortable emotions. Individuals continue with addictions because drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. provide immediate and temporary relief from their environment and their painful emotions. My focus with addiction counselling is teaching emotional regulation and behavioural modification strategies.

Is replacing your addiction with more healthy practices a significant challenge as you struggle with addiction. I can help with strategies to divert your attention from addiction. I can also offer a place to discuss shame and overcome. In addition, we can talk about ways to repair your relationship with yourself and the people in your life.

Learning to process emotions is a key component to addiction recovery. Getting in touch with your emotions, learning what your emotions are telling you, and how to manage and meet your needs in healthy ways is essential to staying free from addictions. Addictions often cover up unprocessed pain that needs attending to. We have therapists that can help you on our journey to living free from addiction.

If we do something repeatedly, that we would rather not do, then we have an addiction. The problem with addictions is that people get hurt. The addicted person may not recognize the seriousness of their situation, but eventually both the addict and their loved ones suffer tremendously in a state of helplessness. Many families have been destroyed from addictive behaviour such as substance addiction (drugs/alcohol), gambling, sexual addictions, gaming/internet addictions. A counsellor can help. Workshops, groups, individual or family counselling can assist in breaking the devastating cycle of addiction. Coping skills and emotional awareness to negotiate compelling urges and compulsive in

It can be hard to know where to begin when dealing with addiction because its roots can run deep into the fabric of our lives. When working with individuals who experience addictions, I first seek to understand and appreciate each person’s story and work to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where healing can begin. My own experiences with addiction and recovery have helped me to understand the healing power of compassion, acceptance and encouragement. Reach out today to learn more about my approach and your journey to healing.

I help clients reconnect to their values and goals, to their relationships and to themselves. I work with clients to help them identify what keeps their cycle of addiction going despite their efforts to change. Knowing the purpose that their addiction serves allows for opportunity to meet that purpose in a healthier way. When this shift happens, clients feel in control of their lives and confident in their ability to handle challenges. My priority is for my clients to create lasting change that allows them to live the life they want with meaningful relationships, increased self-worth, and optimism for their future.

While I do not offer specialized addiction counselling, I do work with clients who present with addiction issues that are causing challenges in their relationships. I offer clients information about addiction, including common signs and symptoms, potential consequences, and available treatment options so that they can better understand their struggles and feel motivate to seek specialized help. I provide a supportive environment, acknowledge clients' challenges and validate their experiences without judgment.

Struggling with substance use or addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in addiction therapy. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of your substance use, identify triggers, and develop personalized strategies for lasting recovery. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors, I’m here to support you in taking back control of your life. Recovery is not just about breaking free from substance use—it’s about rediscovering your strengths and building a life you feel proud of. Healing is possible, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s take that first st

Whether you’re struggling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, therapy with me offers a safe, compassionate space to explore the deeper “why” behind it. Together, we turn toward the addiction using a biopsychosocial lens that considers the emotional, physical, relational, and systemic factors at play. Through curiosity and compassion, we work to understand the origin of the addiction and its role in trying to soothe or protect. This process invites empowerment, healing, and self-connection. Recovery is possible, and taking this step is an act of bravery toward reclaiming your story, your strength, and your sense of self.