Addiction Therapists in York, ON.

Substance use/ Addiction is on a continuum. It can be something we occasionally due to numb out some distressing feelings, or it can be something that we can't function without. Wherever you are on the continuum, there is always room to shift. In therapy, we can help you gain new perspectives and learn strategies for managing your use, including exploring the areas of your life your use affects (i.e. relationships, emotions, healing, functioning, etc.). Our clinicians greet each of our clients with non-judgment and meet you where you’re at. If you're wanting to feel more in control of your substance use- Book a consultation or session today! www.kaleidoscopecounsellingco.com

While I do not offer specialized addiction counselling, I do work with clients who present with addiction issues that are causing challenges in their relationships. I offer clients information about addiction, including common signs and symptoms, potential consequences, and available treatment options so that they can better understand their struggles and feel motivate to seek specialized help. I provide a supportive environment, acknowledge clients' challenges and validate their experiences without judgment.

Sex addiction is one of the hardest addictions to treat because it’s not about avoiding/quitting the “poison”, rather, managing sexual desire in the right context. And since it’s based in shame, internal discomfort & self-loathing, approaching it from a moral judgment standpoint only exacerbates the problem. As such, I conduct the treatment process from a place of understanding, so the client can reach in their darkest places to identify triggers and we can address them – the process also works with porn addiction. I take a multi-prong approach – identifying & treating root causes, eliminating the addictive cycle, replacing it with constructive ways of self-soothing, and building self-esteem

My approach to addiction counselling focuses on understanding the root causes of addiction and helping clients develop healthier coping strategies. Using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness, I help clients build self-awareness, address emotional triggers, and create lasting change. Clients benefit by improving emotional regulation, and strengthening their commitment to recovery.

Addiction is a cycle that seems impossible to break free from. There is a resilience in you that is more powerful than any struggle. During counselling we’ll work towards an understanding of the role of addiction in your life. What needs is it trying to fulfill? What pain does it try to soothe. Together we will develop a toolbox designed to create a life free form addiction that is full of meaning connection and authenticity.

Having an addiction is rarely a choice that an individual makes when they first decide to use a substance. Addictions can often leave individuals feeling helpless and overcome with guilt for the way the addiction has impacted their relationships. Despite this, there is hope for someone with an addiction. With supportive counselling, an individual can overcome their addiction by recognizing their triggers and building on their current life skills to handle their triggers.

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 .

A person may choose to cope with life issues by engaging in certain behaviours or by using substances. Once they start abusing a substance or repeatedly engaging in certain negative behaviours, this is known as addiction. Addiction is a disease that negatively impacts the individual suffering as well as their family and friends. Therefore, to minimize the damage and to increase the probability of efficiently overcoming the disease comes with early intervention. Using a task-centered approach will help individuals face the reality and causes of their addiction.

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.

Addiction can be a scary thing that is often surrounded by ambiguity and confusion: why do I continue to use when I know it is bad for me? Why do I want to use in the first place? Why can't I seem to stop using and why cant I change? In working with clients, step 1 of our work is figuring out the answers to these questions and figuring out why addiction occurs in the first place. After this, we explore tools, resources, and therapies that will best work for clients in helping them create the changes they need and to promote the lives they want.

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.

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.

Struggling with addiction can feel isolating—but you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we start from where you are. Together, we’ll explore the roots of addiction, work gently with shame, and build self-compassion. Using evidence-based approaches, I support you in finding lasting change at your own pace.

Addictive behaviours may feel like comfort to the vacuum left by aloneness or detachment. The feeling of aloneness can start early. Children require a lot of emotional interaction to develop trust that their needs for support and caring will be met. If they don’t experience positive attachments, they may turn their needs for love and caring into physical cravings, which are easier to fill, and develop relationships with their addictions because they're more in control of them than those they look to for love and attention. I create a therapeutic environment in which individuals can deepen their understanding of their feelings and learn to trust their inner resources to connect with others.

If we do something repeatedly, that we would rather not do, then we have an addiction. The problem with addictions is that people get hurt. The addicted person may not recognize the seriousness of their situation, but eventually both the addict and their loved ones suffer tremendously in a state of helplessness. Many families have been destroyed from addictive behaviour such as substance addiction (drugs/alcohol), gambling, sexual addictions, gaming/internet addictions. A counsellor can help. Workshops, groups, individual or family counselling can assist in breaking the devastating cycle of addiction. Coping skills and emotional awareness to negotiate compelling urges and compulsive in

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.

Many turn to substances or behaviours to numb deep pain from past trauma. I provide a safe, compassionate space to explore that pain without judgment and uncover healthier ways to cope. Together, we address underlying wounds, develop emotional resilience, and build practical strategies to manage triggers. Clients leave feeling more empowered, grounded, and capable of reclaiming control, creating balance, and reconnecting with their values and life purpose.

Addiction is a process that involves dependence on a substance or behaviour that becomes uncontrollable. It affects loved ones who end up alienated and frustrated. The addicted person often suffers from low self-esteem and negative thinking patterns that need to be examined. I provide a context for understanding the origin of the issues and explore effective strategies to deal with the current addiction and explore new thinking and behaviours that will help usher in a healthier lifestyle. Family and community supports such as AA/NA are vital in the process of positive change sustained by strategies to prevent relapse. My experience shows that underlying issues must be addressed.

In Addiction Counselling, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help clients address the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors and work toward recovery. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and harm reduction techniques to help clients develop healthier coping strategies and regain control over their lives. Together, we identify triggers, break destructive patterns, and build a foundation for long-term sobriety. My approach focuses on empowering clients, promoting self-awareness, and supporting sustainable change, all while respecting their unique journey toward healing.

Feeling out of control and unable to stop engaging in harmful behaviours can feel shameful, over-whelming and hopeless. My approach to addiction treatment is based in a harm reduction model. This approach acknowledges that maintaining abstinence may not be a realistic goal. Without judgement we will work together to set realistic goals that seek to reduce the negative impacts of your addiction. You may choose to explore the roots of your addiction and any other related issues. It will always be up to you. Please reach out for a consult so we can assess whether I am the right therapist to help you move toward change and stability.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addictions, please contact one of our trained professionals at Reflection centre. We provide a safe, compassionate, nonjudgmental environment to support you and your family’s needs through this difficult time. "The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain." - Gabor Maté

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.

My approach to treating addiction revolves around understanding the emotional factors underlying addictive behaviors. Clients explore emotions and experiences without shame in a non-judgmental space. Together, we develop personalized strategies for recovery and relapse prevention. Empathetic support helps clients gain insight into triggers and healthier coping mechanisms. The benefits include self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and breaking free from addiction for a more fulfilling life.

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

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.