Addiction Therapists in East York, ON.

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.

Addiction can take many forms — alcohol and substance use, gambling, porn, gaming, or other compulsive behaviours — and it rarely exists in isolation. At Durham Psychotherapy, we understand that addiction is often rooted in pain, trauma, anxiety, or unmet emotional needs. Our registered therapists take a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to addiction counselling, helping clients explore the underlying drivers of their addictive behaviour, develop healthier coping strategies, and build a sustainable path toward recovery. We use evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and trauma-informed care to support clients at every stage — whether they are just starting to question their relationship with a substance or behaviour, or...(view profile to read more)

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?

Addiction can impact many areas of life, leaving you feeling trapped or powerless. In therapy, you’ll find a supportive environment to understand the underlying causes and patterns of addiction. Together, we’ll develop strategies to break unhealthy cycles and build healthier coping skills. Clients often experience greater control, improved wellbeing, and hope for a sustainable path toward recovery and a more fulfilling life.

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

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.

You might be questioning your relationship with substances or noticing patterns that don’t feel healthy anymore. Maybe it’s a way to cope, escape, or just get through the day, but now you're ready for something different. Therapy with us offers a space to explore your experiences without shame or judgment, and to build healthier ways to cope, reconnect with yourself, and move toward a life that actually feels good.

I am a Psychotherapist and Addictions Counsellor and having been through an addiction myself I understand what it takes to work through an addiction. I have built up a number of tools and modalities to teach others to gain strength and self-esteem. Addiction is a very broad topic, one that can't be written in a few sentences. I have the confidence in my abilities to help you through your addiction(s) I will create a safe environment for you and your loved ones while going through your challenging time. If you’re not sure if you have an addiction, feel free to call or email me. I have the patience and understanding to meet your needs where ever you’re at today.

Addictions often develop as ways to cope with pain, stress, or unmet emotional needs. In my work, I approach addictions with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment. Using a trauma-informed, Gestalt and somatic perspective, I help clients explore the underlying emotions, triggers, and relational patterns connected to their behaviors. Together, we increase awareness of urges, body sensations, and automatic reactions, while building healthier ways to regulate the nervous system. I also support clients in strengthening boundaries, self-compassion, and accountability. Through this process, clients often gain greater insight, emotional resilience, and a stable foundation for lasting change.

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.

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

Addiction often develops as a way of coping with emotional pain, stress, trauma, or difficult life experiences. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on understanding the role that substances or behaviors have come to play in your life, rather than simply trying to eliminate them. Together, we'll explore the underlying patterns that contribute to addiction, strengthen healthier coping strategies, address triggers, and work toward meaningful, sustainable change. Therapy also focuses on rebuilding self-awareness, relationships, and a sense of control as you move forward in recovery.

My approach to addiction focuses on understanding behaviour through a lens of coping, survival, and unmet emotional needs rather than moral failure. Clients are supported in identifying triggers, developing healthier regulation strategies, and building alternative sources of relief and connection. Therapy also explores underlying patterns that maintain addictive cycles. Clients often benefit from increased self-awareness, reduced shame, and the development of sustainable tools for change, supporting greater stability and long-term recovery-oriented growth.

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.

My approach to treating addiction revolves around understanding the emotional factors underlying addictive behaviors. Clients explore emotions and experiences without shame in a non-judgmental space. Together, we develop personalized strategies for recovery and relapse prevention. Empathetic support helps clients gain insight into triggers and healthier coping mechanisms. The benefits include self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and breaking free from addiction for a more fulfilling life.

I view addiction not just as a problem but an unhelpful solution to a different problem. Often, we turn to addiction to get away from something else. It is that “something else” that we would try to understand in our sessions. We will then work to find healthier ways of coping to replace the addiction. I also specialize in helping reduce cannabis use, which may not be addictive as a substance but has addictive effects. It is never too late to start this journey. Call today to book a free consultation.

With the fast pace and challenges of life, you do not have to face them alone. Sometimes you need a helping hand and a friendly ear to talk to. It's my passion to help people. I offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to improve their resiliency, and uncover their strengths using a client centered approach and different modalities to meet needs .

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.

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

Along with a more conventional form of therapy for addictions, I will also focus on the cause of addictive behavior and will utilize less conventional methods of ferreting out the conditions, criteria, and even purpose (how does addictive behavior benefit you?) behind the behavior. Addictions are a complicated issue, and the more the client understands the deeply rooted causes of their behavior the better chance he or she may have in controlling the condition. It isn't just about stopping the behavior but discovering the meaning behind the choices being made.

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

We can get adicted to anything that makes us feel good! Especially living in an "addictively oriented" society, it is easy for anyone to become addicted to a variety of things, like substances, relationships, processes, etc. I help people understand the process of addictions, and together we can work to overcome both the addiction itself, as well as learning to deal with the usually very human desires which are feeding it. The goal is to be able to life with, or through, the good and the bad without getting stuck in unhelpful ways of coping with life's challenges.

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.

Art therapy and counselling approach addiction through a trauma-informed lens that recognizes substance use or compulsive behaviours as attempts to cope. Therapy supports exploration of the emotional, relational, and embodied patterns connected to these behaviours. Creative expression and somatic awareness can help increase insight, build safer coping strategies, and support a more compassionate relationship with oneself.

Addiction isn’t a failure—it’s a coping strategy that may have outlived its purpose. Whether you’re struggling with substance use, compulsive behaviours, or emotional dependence, we offer a non-judgmental space for healing. We’ll help you understand the emotional roots of the addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and reconnect with what matters most. Recovery is not about perfection—it’s about rebuilding your life with honesty, self-compassion, and hope.