Addiction Therapists in Whitchurch Stouffville, ON.

Art therapy and counselling approach addiction through a trauma-informed lens that recognizes substance use or compulsive behaviours as attempts to cope. Therapy supports exploration of the emotional, relational, and embodied patterns connected to these behaviours. Creative expression and somatic awareness can help increase insight, build safer coping strategies, and support a more compassionate relationship with oneself.

I have had extensive experience working in front-line settings such as Vancouver’s Downtown East Side in the addictions field and have become highly familiar working with both abstinence-based and harm-reduction approaches to addiction and concurrent mental health concerns. It’s important to me that my approach is client-centred, meaning that I work from the individual client’s goals and degree of readiness. My therapeutic approach integrates mindfulness, CBT, the Stages of Change Model, and trauma counselling. I also help clients explore the underlying factors contributing to the addictive behaviours and teach alternative coping strategies in order to promote lasting change.

We can get adicted to anything that makes us feel good! Especially living in an "addictively oriented" society, it is easy for anyone to become addicted to a variety of things, like substances, relationships, processes, etc. I help people understand the process of addictions, and together we can work to overcome both the addiction itself, as well as learning to deal with the usually very human desires which are feeding it. The goal is to be able to life with, or through, the good and the bad without getting stuck in unhelpful ways of coping with life's challenges.

Addiction can take many forms—substances, behaviours, or patterns of coping—and often impacts every aspect of a person’s life. In addiction counselling, I provide a safe, judgment-free space to explore the underlying emotional, relational, and situational factors driving the addictive behaviour. My approach combines evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EFT, and trauma-informed care to help you understand triggers, build healthier coping strategies, and strengthen emotional resilience. Together, we work on repairing relationships, restoring self-worth, and creating a sustainable plan for recovery.

Approaches to addressing addictions really vary from one treatment setting to another. My approach focuses on helping people manage their addictions. Not everyone chooses abstinence, and not everyone needs to. In fact, for many problem drinkers learning to become a controlled drinker can offer a more sustainable way of living. I tend to work with people to help them manage their addictions in a way that is sustainable, and in a way that works for their personal situation.

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

Addiction can take many forms — alcohol and substance use, gambling, porn, gaming, or other compulsive behaviours — and it rarely exists in isolation. At Durham Psychotherapy, we understand that addiction is often rooted in pain, trauma, anxiety, or unmet emotional needs. Our registered therapists take a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to addiction counselling, helping clients explore the underlying drivers of their addictive behaviour, develop healthier coping strategies, and build a sustainable path toward recovery. We use evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and trauma-informed care to support clients at every stage — whether they are just starting to question their relationship with a substance or behaviour, or...(view profile to read more)

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.

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.

Are you experiencing difficulties with alcohol and substance use or abuse? Are you concerned that you have an addiction? Perhaps you are family member or friend who is concerned that someone close to you has an addiction. In therapy, we can explore your alcohol or drug use and its impact on your life and relationships. Together we can look at what decisions might be beneficial for you and your goals and we can work to unearth what is underlying some of the choices you have made and continue to make in your life. As a non-judgmental, caring professional, I can work with you to help reach the goals you set for yourself. I provide support and guidance to concerned family members and friends.

You might be questioning your relationship with substances or noticing patterns that don’t feel healthy anymore. Maybe it’s a way to cope, escape, or just get through the day, but now you're ready for something different. Therapy with us offers a space to explore your experiences without shame or judgment, and to build healthier ways to cope, reconnect with yourself, and move toward a life that actually feels good.

I am a Psychotherapist and Addictions Counsellor and having been through an addiction myself I understand what it takes to work through an addiction. I have built up a number of tools and modalities to teach others to gain strength and self-esteem. Addiction is a very broad topic, one that can't be written in a few sentences. I have the confidence in my abilities to help you through your addiction(s) I will create a safe environment for you and your loved ones while going through your challenging time. If you’re not sure if you have an addiction, feel free to call or email me. I have the patience and understanding to meet your needs where ever you’re at today.

With the fast pace and challenges of life, you do not have to face them alone. Sometimes you need a helping hand and a friendly ear to talk to. It's my passion to help people. I offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to improve their resiliency, and uncover their strengths using a client centered approach and different modalities to meet needs .

Addiction brings pain and chaos individuals, couples and families. I see addictions as poor and destructive coping mechanisms and work with individuals and couples to interrupt the behavior and work to process the pain underlying the behavior. I am very familiar with 12 step programs and CSAT work that help individuals and couples make sense out of the addiction. I also work within a complementary framework of attachment and the importance of strong close inter-dependent, not co-dependent relationships with the most important people in one's life, family. Call me for a consult about your particular needs and situation.

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.