Addiction Therapists in Oak Ridges, 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.

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.

Struggling with addiction? You're not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future. We offer a compassionate and supportive space where you can feel safe to heal. By combining my expertise in medicine, psychology, and public health, we'll create a personalized plan to address the root causes of your addiction. Together, we'll develop healthy coping mechanisms, rebuild relationships, and empower you to take back control of your life. Imagine feeling strong, free, and in charge – that's what's possible. Let's work together towards a life of recovery and rediscover the joy you deserve.

Any addiction engages in a behavior, for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeat the activity, despite the detrimental consequences. Addiction may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, drugs, nicotine, shopping, food, sex or behaviors such as gambling. There is evidence that addictive behaviors share key neurobiological features: They intensely involve brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Working on underlying issues and dealing feelings is the best way out.

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.

In Gestalt therapy, we work toward seeing the whole person. This whole-person seeing includes viewing addictive patterns as creative responses to our environment, rather than problems to be fixed/solved directly. We will work together to build new self-supports so that you can ride the waves of anxiety and strong emotion that come with big life changes. We will focus on increasing your awareness about your personal responsibility in the addictive cycle, as well deepening your understanding of how and why you've come to respond to life in these ways.

As a therapist, I know how challenging it can be to manage addiction. Addiction can impact the quality of our lives, our relationships, and our connection to ourselves. Therapy can provide a safe space to navigate addiction and explore what you wish for in relation to the substance or behaviour. Discussing the addiction can also provide us useful clues as to what roots the addiction, allowing us to navigate the core issue at hand and explore preferred coping strategies. Connect with me today for a free consultation to begin your healing journey.

With ample experience in the arena of addiction (especially Sexual Addiction), I can help you break the cycle that has hindered your path to health. You will gain self awareness in why you keep going back to the addiction even though you don't want to. You will learn to manage your triggers that kick off the addiction cycle so that you will make better choices.

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

While I have had little training for addiction, I can offer counselling for the anxiety, depression, family relationship challenges, and boundary-setting related to the addiction. Addiction often requires medical professionals, counsellors, family and a strong support system so I am often a member of a team helping a person and/or family. My passion is to find a cause for the use of addiction and this is explored with family of origin history and processing of past trauma experiences.

I practice Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, where we work together to look at the underlying reasons why you have been using substances or behaviours that i believe you started using because they were effective in giving you pleasure, or escape, and have now started to interfere with daily functioning and prevent you from living the way you want to live. We work towards your goals, which can be moderation, safer use, or even abstinence - you're in charge.

I provide a cognitive behavioural approach to addictive behaviours. During therapy sessions we work together to identify the thoughts and habits that lead to unwanted behaviours. We then discuss and develop new thoughts and habits to change the addictive behaviours. Addictive behaviours addressed in session include; alcohol, food, drugs . In session we also discuss changes in mood related to the addictive behaviours

As an addiction counselor, I approach each client with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore the root causes of their addiction and work towards lasting recovery. I use evidence-based practices and work collaboratively with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and challenges. Through counseling, clients can gain insight into their addictive behaviors, develop coping strategies for triggers and cravings, and learn skills to manage and maintain their recovery over time.

Clients benefit by learning to identify and manage triggers for use, by finding new strategies for dealing with cravings, urges, thoughts, feelings, people, places, and things. Underlying reasons for use can be explored so that clients can better understand the dynamics of their use. Stabilization is achieved by working on goals for use and on maintaining these goals. Slips and relapses are treated as opportunities to learn and grow. A Harm Reduction model is used. Client and therapist work together in this caring non-judgmental space to identify the stage of change and to increase motivation for a healthy life. Clients benefit from learning how to reach out to others for support.