Addiction Therapists in East York, ON.

In order to understand addictions, we have to first understand that it is a symptom of a much larger issue. By working with me through their addiction, clients often find that they get to the root of the issue that may be causing relapses or active addictions. Clients often develop new ways to cope with what is going on around them and begin to understand certain aspects of themselves that maintains the addiction cycle. Once they discover these aspects and reprocess certain memories, living in recovery becomes much more attainable.

Do you or a loved one need help for alcohol or substance abuse? Are addictions to pornography, sex and/or the internet hurting the people in your life? Do you have a gambling, drug, alcohol, food, sex, work, and/or shopping addiction (s) that are impacting your life? Are you impacted by your family member's addiction? Counselling for addiction and codependency is available. I am an adult child of an alcoholic. I am a recovering addict myself. It takes one to know one, and it takes one to help one! You do not need to struggle alone, let me be your one! I've Got your Back. We can work holistically and also utilize the 12 Steps. Note: I am a Cannabis Friendly Psychotherapist

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and understanding its roots is key to recovery. While I do not offer therapy sessions for addiction, we have several addiction specialists at Psychotherapy Collective who are available to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our profiles at https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

Addiction counseling can be a powerful process when a client feels ready and open to change. Addiction is often rooted in unresolved trauma, and meaningful healing comes from addressing both together. I offer trauma-informed, client-centered support that integrates evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and harm-reduction strategies. By working through the underlying emotional pain alongside the patterns of addiction, individuals can begin to rebuild what may have been lost—regaining a sense of stability, self-worth, and resilience on their path to recovery.

Addictive behaviours often develop as ways of coping with trauma, big emotions, stress, or painful experiences. In my work with addictions, I draw on ACT, DBT, IFS, and CBT to help clients understand the underlying patterns that contribute to substance use or compulsive behaviours. Rather than focusing on stopping the behaviour, we explore the needs and pressures that may be driving it while building healthier ways to respond. My clients benefit from learning practical tools to manage urges, develop greater self-compassion, and reconnect with values that support long-term well-being through sustainable change.

I have had extensive experience working in front-line settings such as Vancouver’s Downtown East Side in the addictions field and have become highly familiar working with both abstinence-based and harm-reduction approaches to addiction and concurrent mental health concerns. It’s important to me that my approach is client-centred, meaning that I work from the individual client’s goals and degree of readiness. My therapeutic approach integrates mindfulness, CBT, the Stages of Change Model, and trauma counselling. I also help clients explore the underlying factors contributing to the addictive behaviours and teach alternative coping strategies in order to promote lasting change.

Approaches to addressing addictions really vary from one treatment setting to another. My approach focuses on helping people manage their addictions. Not everyone chooses abstinence, and not everyone needs to. In fact, for many problem drinkers learning to become a controlled drinker can offer a more sustainable way of living. I tend to work with people to help them manage their addictions in a way that is sustainable, and in a way that works for their personal situation.

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.

Addiction can occur with many substances and activities - alcohol, street drugs, prescription drugs, caffeine, food, porn, sex, gambling, Together, we will gain insight into the root of your addiction and the purpose it has served in your life. I will provide us with the compassionate and supportive dynamic essential to your journey of creating the life experience you desire.

Addiction is extremely complicated, painful and overpowering. You're a great person! One who wishes to have a 'normal life'. But it's not happen. You're trapped, unable to break the chains. You have tried your very best to break the chains, but they are too strong, too big. This is where I come in. Allow me to help you. The 2 of us have a greater chance to break the chains than you have by youself. I have seen many people secure themselves from various types of addiction(s). Call me. I will coach you to freedom.

Addiction is often an attempt to cope with intolerable feelings. As humans, we use substances or behavioural addictions as a form of escape. Often they are pleasurable at first and then we become trapped. The goal of therapy is to understand what pain we are trying to numb and avoid. We must work through these experiences to truly overcome our addictions.

As smart as we humans are, we can so easily fall into habits and addictions that defy reason and rationale, yet every habit is born from a positive intent. From my deep understanding of classical conditioning and behavioral change, I can help you to uncover the origins of your addiction and work to break free once and for all. I currently have a 90% success rate for smoking cessation using hypnosis using methods that are tailored specifically to each of my clients, since I truly believe that one size does not fit all. Are you ready to get the help you need?

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