Addiction Therapists in Ottawa, ON.

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.

Addictive behaviors can be really difficult to give up. But, just because it is difficult does not mean it can't be done. We have learned to engage in our addictive behaviors for different reasons and what we have learned can be unlearned. With Cognitive Behavior Therapy, we identify our reasons for engaging in such behaviors and the thoughts that go with it. We get rid of the irratiional and enabling thoughts and replace them with more rational thinking so we start to feel better thus, choose to engage in more fulfilling replacement behaviors. To quit the addictive behavior, we do not have to want to quit. What we have to want is something more than the addictive behavior.

Becoming addicted to a substance is an indication that you are running away from something in your life. There is something in your life that is too painful to face. Using has become your coping mechanism and it has now stopped working as the consequences of using have become too great to ignore. Identifying and facing the pain in your life is a huge step that requires someone to walk alongside. You will need coping tools and a warm support to keep you on your goals while encouraging you to step outside your comfort zone. We will explore the reasons for any relapse and set up new coping mechanisms to help you cope with the pain in your life.

In my counselling and hypnotherapy practice when I am working with a person who has addictions I impress upon them the fact that in the true definition of addiction it is a life-long challenge. For example, an alcoholic is an alcoholic for the rest of their life. They can also choose to be "dry" (without alcohol) for the rest of their life. It is actually very important to acknowledge when a person is addicted because then it does not mean that the person is "weak" or not really trying to rehabilitate themselves when they experience a fall-back. It reinforces the necessity of staying away from the addiction because of the serious impact that it has on their career path and social life.

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.

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.

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.

Addiction - drug, alcohol, food, work, sex, gambling, food - we can use almost any substance or process addictively- to numb shame, to feel better, control mood, cope and survive. The problem is it never fills us up - the addict can never get enough. It is a very big and positive step to come in and talk about an addiction, because denial is a cornerstone of addiction. I do not have a "one answer fits all" approach, nor am I naive about the hold an addiction can have. I will motivate and make available treatment options, as well as offering individual support as long as required.

“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.

While using a motivational interviewing and stages of change approaches Clients struggling with addictions will set realistic goals in their recovery. In therapy they will work on developing awareness of the triggers that have contributed to their addiction and work on developing better coping strategies to increase their chances of remaining sober or reducing their drug/alcohol intake.

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 work with adult and adolescent clients who are struggling with a wide variety of addiction issues (e.g. substances, eating, gaming, gambling, sex, etc.), and who are in different stages of working on these issues. Addictions often begin as a way to regulate emotions, or cope with anxiety or pain but sometimes these issues can take on a life of their own. I support clients to examine the role that addiction issues may be playing in their lives, and work with clients to find an approach to recovery that best suits their needs.