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.

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

In Addiction Counselling, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help clients address the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors and work toward recovery. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and harm reduction techniques to help clients develop healthier coping strategies and regain control over their lives. Together, we identify triggers, break destructive patterns, and build a foundation for long-term sobriety. My approach focuses on empowering clients, promoting self-awareness, and supporting sustainable change, all while respecting their unique journey toward healing.

Addiction, whether to substances, alcohol, or behaviours like gambling or pornography, often serves as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional pain, loss, or unmet needs. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving these patterns beneath the surface. I provide a safe, compassionate space to help you understand addiction’s roots and develop healthier ways to cope, build resilience, and reclaim control.

Struggling with addiction can feel isolating—but you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we start from where you are. Together, we’ll explore the roots of addiction, work gently with shame, and build self-compassion. Using evidence-based approaches, I support you in finding lasting change at your own pace.

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.

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 can be a scary thing that is often surrounded by ambiguity and confusion: why do I continue to use when I know it is bad for me? Why do I want to use in the first place? Why can't I seem to stop using and why cant I change? In working with clients, step 1 of our work is figuring out the answers to these questions and figuring out why addiction occurs in the first place. After this, we explore tools, resources, and therapies that will best work for clients in helping them create the changes they need and to promote the lives they want.

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.

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.

Many turn to substances or behaviours to numb deep pain from past trauma. I provide a safe, compassionate space to explore that pain without judgment and uncover healthier ways to cope. Together, we address underlying wounds, develop emotional resilience, and build practical strategies to manage triggers. Clients leave feeling more empowered, grounded, and capable of reclaiming control, creating balance, and reconnecting with their values and life purpose.

While substance use typically begins as recreational activity it can become habit forming and often develops addictive behaviors interfering with other areas of our lives, such as relationships, jobs, and finances. To increase awareness and insight into the reasons for using, I offer evidence-based treatment while providing you with options along the continuum of the Harm Reduction approach towards abstinence. We will explore any underlying emotional needs and relationships. By gaining insight to any ambivalent thoughts and feelings around changing patterns of substance misuse I will support you in the setting and achieving of personal goals. Schedule a free consultation today.