Addiction Therapists in Ottawa, ON.

Addiction and or overuse or abuse of drugs, prescription medicine, and or alcohol is toxic for the client and toxic for the family. Admitting a problem, or reluctantly agreeing to seek help at a loved one's suggestion is the first step. My counselling is abstinence based until otherwise agreed upon. Moderation can be a goal with some however, typically only after at least a year of abstinence. Addiction counselling is non judgement, not contemptuous but demands honesty and disclosure. The goal is abstinence and relapse prevention in a supportive, caring and healing model.

The Addiction Psychology Service at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships is a private, office-based service offering individualized and flexible psychological assessment and treatment of substance use and gambling difficulties. Substance use and gambling are part of the lives of many individuals. Occasionally, some experience problems with their physical and mental health, personal relationships, or school or work as a result of substance use or gambling. CFIR therapists offers scientifically-based, short-term or long-term psychotherapy options to assist clients in changing their substance use or gambling behaviour.

I have a harm reduction approach to addiction. I am able to work with individuals that are managing their addictions and are wanting to decrease their usage. I can help with developing a plan to avoid triggering situations, developing safety and support plans. I can also help individuals to utilize coping strategies to better deal with powerful thoughts. However, I want to stress the importance of attending a treatment facility if the issues are severe.

Any form of addiction (alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, gambling, etc) can be addressed by helping people to learn how to tolerate their emotions. It's not easy to learn, but learning to tolerate having feelings and gaining control over your emotions is a rewarding experience. Sometimes a more in-depth approach is required, in which case I would help you to find a program that would meet your needs.

I will provide a confidential, compassionate and caring space to help you address your most distressing thoughts, emotional reactions, behaviours and relationship difficulties associated with your addiction. Collaboratively we will set treatment goals that address your needs and concerns. In our work together, we will clarify your ambivalent thoughts and feelings about changing substance use and work to enhance motivation and readiness to change substance use patterns. I will also work with you to increase your awareness and insight into the multiple reasons and functions of your substance use and we will try to access and explore emotions and needs underlying the addiction.

“What is addiction really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.” Alice Miller (in; Breaking down the Wall of Silence). “In the search for truth human beings take two steps forward and one step back. Suffering, mistakes and weariness of life thrust them forward, but the thrust for truth and stubborn will drive them forward. And who knows? Perhaps they will reach the real truth at last.” Anton Chekhow (in; The Deal) Conquering addictions is a life long process, filled with pitfalls and temptations. Therapeutic engagement is best thought of as a progression of stages, not in any particular order, but best taken in....

In a supportive and empathic environment I help people suffering from an addiction to develop trust, build motivation to change, implement and maintain strategies to change as monitor their recovery process and journey of self-discovery. I work with both cognitive and behavioral techniques on the cycle of addiction as well as insight-oriented methods to develop a healthier and more productive whole person.

Addictions are a form of self-medication or self-soothing. When we are stressed or upset about something, we just want to 'feel good.' Addictions are the result of relying for too long on some substance or behavior that 'feels good' - and then turns into a pattern of behavior, or an addiction. The process of therapy for addictions, whether substances, internet porn or other problem behavior that has become an addiction, involves becoming aware of of the 'dis-ease' that resulted in the development of the addiction, and addressing that through your counseling.

Gaining recovery from addiction will help you to feel empowered and more in control of how your life enfolds. You can begin to proactively choose beneficial goals and outcomes, rather than being at the mercy of a behaviour or a substance. Gaining the ability to live in the present--rather than, consciously or unconsciously, constantly focusing on capturing a future state promised by a substance or behaviour--can offer you new-found appreciation and joy in your everyday surroundings and bring you back to self-love.

The underlying issues and struggles are explored in a climate of safety and a non-judgmental setting. Whereas difficult feelings are discussed and dealt with but in new and constructive ways. It is with greater self-awareness of their thought patterns and behaviours ensuring accountability that prevents a high risk of relapse. Choosing personal behavioural goals of either abstinence or reduction in defining their successes proves rather empowering.

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.

Addiction is a complex disease that affects the functioning of the brain and body. It causes serious damage to families, relationships, communities and workplaces. Common symptoms of addiction include loss of control, preoccupation with using, continued use despite consequences, failed attempts to quit, high tolerance and withdrawal. At Valiant Recovery, our specialty is addiction treatment, and we offer services such as professional intervention, detoxification, 30, 60 or 90-day residential rehabilitation, and a sober living program for our alumni. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed with the help of our expert addiction specialists.

My intention is for you to feel comfortable. I can support you: • Show you ways you can sustain your hope in times when you are in crisis; • To have courage and be better able to look at your available options & choices; • To encourage you to have hope & confidence that you can resolve your issues; and • In your healing & growth. When you ackowledge you have a problem and want to find a solution, you are much closer to resolving it. When you are in a crisis you have the motivation to step out of your old habits that no longer serve you well. I serve adults & young adults 16 + & seniors. I am here to help you.

Dealing with addiction is not easy. Addictions can put barriers between people and their relationships, families, work, and well-being. When the source of addiction becomes more important than everything else, it is time to seek help. I have worked with people from all walks of life: those who are working, with families; those who have experienced chronic homelessness as the result of their addictions; and those who are concerned about increased use of a substance or behaviour (drugs/alcohol/sex/gambling/shopping, etc.). I work with clients from a harm reduction perspective, in order to minimize the damage that a substance or behaviour is causing in a person's life.