Addiction Therapists in Whitby, ON.

Addiction is a misunderstood disease that affects both the sufferer and those who love the sufferer. People who struggle with addiction often feel overwhelmed and confused by their lack of ability to control their behaviour, as well as deep shame and frustration. Addiction therapy can help us understand the roots of addictive behaviours, the purpose they serve and other more helpful ways to meet those needs. Therapy can provide support, tailored support plans, coping strategies and resources to assist in developing a personalized recovery that works well for you.

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.

Merriam-Webster’s definition states: Addiction: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble). The key word is harmful. In this light, one could even postulate people can be addicted to arguing and fighting, to the chemicals released from the adrenal gland during "fight or flight"? Did you know the actual term “addiction” was originally used in the slave trade? (S. Luper-Foy C. Brown (ed.) (1994). Drugs, Morality, and the Law. Garland). When a slave was sold to the “owner”, they were said to be addicted to their master which meant “tied to”. Well, if you and I can be tied to something… yes… we can be untied! www.jeffpacker.com

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.

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 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.

Contrary to what is believed, addiction usually starts with a positive impact on a person’s life and even sometimes saves their life. However, as the time goes by, this creative adjustment becomes outdated and turns into a problem. Therefore, working with addiction should not be about illuminating the symptoms or the manifestations of the addiction, but rather trying to understand the reasons underlying the addiction and the function that it used to serve. A successful recovery is only possible through understanding and even respecting the addiction. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Transform your approach to overcoming addiction with a blend of Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. This unique combination empowers clients by identifying personal goals, building on strengths, and addressing the emotions behind addictive behaviors. Motivational Interviewing fosters commitment to change, Solution-Focused Therapy enhances resilience, and Emotionally Focused Therapy deepens self-awareness. Together, these approaches offer a compassionate path to lasting recovery, helping clients regain control and reconnect with their best selves.

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