Addiction Therapists in Georgetown, ON.

I know from the inside what it is like to live with an addiction. I have been in recovery from my own for several years now. I also know this field as well as almost anyone. I am an international expert in addictions and the author of a national award-winning textbook on addictions counselling, now in its second edition. If you want someone who combines lived experience with genuine expertise, I have been a practising psychologist since 1986. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Clients who come to me with addictions or substance misuse challenges will be met with a non-judgemental, consistently optimistic approach. Together, we will address the causes and course of the substance use, and resolve the issues that acted as the catalyst. We will identify possible triggers, develop effective strategies for harm-reduction and/or recovery, depending on the readiness, and goals of the individual. The pace of therapy will be guided by the client, and relapse will be accepted with understanding and compassion. Without question, it is difficult to overcome an addiction. But with the right support, insight and motivation, it is more than possible.

Addiction is rarely a stand-alone issue. It often develops as a response to deeper experiences such as trauma, emotional pain, stress, or unmet needs. Lasting healing requires more than simply managing cravings. In my work, I support clients not only in coping with urges, but in understanding and healing the root causes of addiction. Using trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), I help clients address the underlying patterns that sustain addictive behaviors and support meaningful, lasting recovery.

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.

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 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 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.

Addictive behaviours may feel like comfort to the vacuum left by aloneness or detachment. The feeling of aloneness can start early. Children require a lot of emotional interaction to develop trust that their needs for support and caring will be met. If they don’t experience positive attachments, they may turn their needs for love and caring into physical cravings, which are easier to fill, and develop relationships with their addictions because they're more in control of them than those they look to for love and attention. I create a therapeutic environment in which individuals can deepen their understanding of their feelings and learn to trust their inner resources to connect with others.

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.

Feeling out of control and unable to stop engaging in harmful behaviours can feel shameful, over-whelming and hopeless. My approach to addiction treatment is based in a harm reduction model. This approach acknowledges that maintaining abstinence may not be a realistic goal. Without judgement we will work together to set realistic goals that seek to reduce the negative impacts of your addiction. You may choose to explore the roots of your addiction and any other related issues. It will always be up to you. Please reach out for a consult so we can assess whether I am the right therapist to help you move toward change and stability.

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.

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.

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.