Addiction Therapists in Barrhaven, ON.

“What is addiction really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.” Alice Miller (in; Breaking down the Wall of Silence). “In the search for truth human beings take two steps forward and one step back. Suffering, mistakes and weariness of life thrust them forward, but the thrust for truth and stubborn will drive them forward. And who knows? Perhaps they will reach the real truth at last.” Anton Chekhow (in; The Deal) Conquering addictions is a life long process, filled with pitfalls and temptations. Therapeutic engagement is best thought of as a progression of stages, not in any particular order, but best taken in....

Addictions are a form of self-medication or self-soothing. When we are stressed or upset about something, we just want to 'feel good.' Addictions are the result of relying for too long on some substance or behavior that 'feels good' - and then turns into a pattern of behavior, or an addiction. The process of therapy for addictions, whether substances, internet porn or other problem behavior that has become an addiction, involves becoming aware of of the 'dis-ease' that resulted in the development of the addiction, and addressing that through your counseling.

I will provide a confidential, compassionate and caring space to help you address your most distressing thoughts, emotional reactions, behaviours and relationship difficulties associated with your addiction. Collaboratively we will set treatment goals that address your needs and concerns. In our work together, we will clarify your ambivalent thoughts and feelings about changing substance use and work to enhance motivation and readiness to change substance use patterns. I will also work with you to increase your awareness and insight into the multiple reasons and functions of your substance use and we will try to access and explore emotions and needs underlying the addiction.

In a supportive and empathic environment I help people suffering from an addiction to develop trust, build motivation to change, implement and maintain strategies to change as monitor their recovery process and journey of self-discovery. I work with both cognitive and behavioral techniques on the cycle of addiction as well as insight-oriented methods to develop a healthier and more productive whole person.

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.

I have a harm reduction approach to addiction. I am able to work with individuals that are managing their addictions and are wanting to decrease their usage. I can help with developing a plan to avoid triggering situations, developing safety and support plans. I can also help individuals to utilize coping strategies to better deal with powerful thoughts. However, I want to stress the importance of attending a treatment facility if the issues are severe.

Any form of addiction (alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, gambling, etc) can be addressed by helping people to learn how to tolerate their emotions. It's not easy to learn, but learning to tolerate having feelings and gaining control over your emotions is a rewarding experience. Sometimes a more in-depth approach is required, in which case I would help you to find a program that would meet your needs.

The underlying issues and struggles are explored in a climate of safety and a non-judgmental setting. Whereas difficult feelings are discussed and dealt with but in new and constructive ways. It is with greater self-awareness of their thought patterns and behaviours ensuring accountability that prevents a high risk of relapse. Choosing personal behavioural goals of either abstinence or reduction in defining their successes proves rather empowering.

The Addiction Psychology Service at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships is a private, office-based service offering individualized and flexible psychological assessment and treatment of substance use and gambling difficulties. Substance use and gambling are part of the lives of many individuals. Occasionally, some experience problems with their physical and mental health, personal relationships, or school or work as a result of substance use or gambling. CFIR therapists offers scientifically-based, short-term or long-term psychotherapy options to assist clients in changing their substance use or gambling behaviour.

My intention is for you to feel comfortable. I can support you: • Show you ways you can sustain your hope in times when you are in crisis; • To have courage and be better able to look at your available options & choices; • To encourage you to have hope & confidence that you can resolve your issues; and • In your healing & growth. When you ackowledge you have a problem and want to find a solution, you are much closer to resolving it. When you are in a crisis you have the motivation to step out of your old habits that no longer serve you well. I serve adults & young adults 16 + & seniors. I am here to help you.

Addiction is a complex disease that affects the functioning of the brain and body. It causes serious damage to families, relationships, communities and workplaces. Common symptoms of addiction include loss of control, preoccupation with using, continued use despite consequences, failed attempts to quit, high tolerance and withdrawal. At Valiant Recovery, our specialty is addiction treatment, and we offer services such as professional intervention, detoxification, 30, 60 or 90-day residential rehabilitation, and a sober living program for our alumni. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed with the help of our expert addiction specialists.

While using a motivational interviewing and stages of change approaches Clients struggling with addictions will set realistic goals in their recovery. In therapy they will work on developing awareness of the triggers that have contributed to their addiction and work on developing better coping strategies to increase their chances of remaining sober or reducing their drug/alcohol intake.

Dealing with addiction is not easy. Addictions can put barriers between people and their relationships, families, work, and well-being. When the source of addiction becomes more important than everything else, it is time to seek help. I have worked with people from all walks of life: those who are working, with families; those who have experienced chronic homelessness as the result of their addictions; and those who are concerned about increased use of a substance or behaviour (drugs/alcohol/sex/gambling/shopping, etc.). I work with clients from a harm reduction perspective, in order to minimize the damage that a substance or behaviour is causing in a person's life.

I specialize in work with couples post sobriety. If you have completed an in patient treatment program or are in process of maintaining sobriety or maintaining a clean lifestyle I can help. I understand the changes in relationships that addictions bring. I also understand relationships can shift dramtically when one partner becomes clean and or sober. I will help you find a new way of being together or in relationships now that the path to sobriety is the one you are on.

I started my career working in youth treatment centers and then moved on to providing addiction support to adults as well. I provide counselling on many forms of addiction such as drugs, alcohol, sex, love, gambling and internet. I often find that individuals suffering with addictions also suffer in their attachments to others, and their feelings of connection. I hope to provide a safe connection where addiction patterns can be explored and changed.

In my counselling and hypnotherapy practice when I am working with a person who has addictions I impress upon them the fact that in the true definition of addiction it is a life-long challenge. For example, an alcoholic is an alcoholic for the rest of their life. They can also choose to be "dry" (without alcohol) for the rest of their life. It is actually very important to acknowledge when a person is addicted because then it does not mean that the person is "weak" or not really trying to rehabilitate themselves when they experience a fall-back. It reinforces the necessity of staying away from the addiction because of the serious impact that it has on their career path and social life.

Gaining recovery from addiction will help you to feel empowered and more in control of how your life enfolds. You can begin to proactively choose beneficial goals and outcomes, rather than being at the mercy of a behaviour or a substance. Gaining the ability to live in the present--rather than, consciously or unconsciously, constantly focusing on capturing a future state promised by a substance or behaviour--can offer you new-found appreciation and joy in your everyday surroundings and bring you back to self-love.

Addictions can take over your life, and they can at times still your hope. But, there is a way to overcome addictions and many have done it. I specialized on guiding individuals through a process of self-discorvey that ultimately, leads them to understanding themselves and their behaviours. Once, you add understanding to the addictive mind, change and transformation is possible. Treating addictions from a holistic perspective, allows individuals to treat the mind, the body and the soul as one. My approach includes working with the individual but also, it can include working with the relatives who are impacted by the addiction of their relative.

Addiction and or overuse or abuse of drugs, prescription medicine, and or alcohol is toxic for the client and toxic for the family. Admitting a problem, or reluctantly agreeing to seek help at a loved one's suggestion is the first step. My counselling is abstinence based until otherwise agreed upon. Moderation can be a goal with some however, typically only after at least a year of abstinence. Addiction counselling is non judgement, not contemptuous but demands honesty and disclosure. The goal is abstinence and relapse prevention in a supportive, caring and healing model.