Addiction Therapists in Regina, SK.

Addictions are almost a universal problem. Over 25 years I have listened to many stories of how we can fall into the trap of addiction. Drugs, alcohol, sex, work, smoking and gambling are only a few challenges people often face. An evidenced based best practice tool for addictions is Mindfulness Based Behavioral Therapy. This tool allows you to slow down and see the patterns of thought that may be creating the problem. There is significant hope in working with addictions!

Addictions and co-dependency 'go hand-in glove'. Most couseling issues have this component aggravating their situations. Alcohol, drugs (illegal), food, shopping, pornography, sex are the ones we most deal with. Often there is more than one addiction in operation. The mood altering substance or behavior is 20% of the problem and the other 80% is a living/relationship problem. Addictions affect the entire family. We provide help for you and yours in addressing these areas of your life.

Addiction affects not only the person with the addiction but family members, work colleagues and friends. My focus in addiction counselling is to help these people who are in relationship with the addicted person. I can help the clients understand how the addiction affects them; help them regain a sense of clarity that has been lost; help them make decisions about their own behaviour related to the addicted person and help them make healthy decisions about their own lives.

I have training in Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused therapy both of which are used extensively when helping people who have substance abuse issues. I do require the client come to sessions clean and sober. With many years of experience in helping people with addictions, I am able to quickly assess where they are at and help develop a plan with the client to help them on their road to recovery.

Addiction can destroy lives and counselling can help a person with their addiction as well as heal hurts that have resulted from the behaviors that were a result of the addiction. Counselling also can educate clients on what addiction is and what it does to the body and mind as well give clients tools to be able to rebuild their lives and find meaning without the crutch of drugs or alcohol.

In addiction treatment, we will assess the nature and severity of the problem as well as any other potential mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or another diagnosis. We will establish goals based on your desired outcomes. We will explore skill building in many functional and emotional areas with an eye toward reduction in addictive patterns and increase in satisfaction in every day life.

It is not uncommon for people who are struggling with grief and/or trauma to also struggle with addictions. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, shopping, food can become unhealthy coping strategies that strip us of our entire lives as we know it. I'm here to tell you that it is possible for you to reclaim your life...if you desire to...it won't be easy but it will be worth it. I grew up in an alcoholic home. I fell in love with people who were addicted. I understand the havoc addictions can inflict upon individuals and families. I also understand the freedom that comes when addictions aren't an active part of your life anymore.

Maureen utilizes a 12 step model of counseling/therapy to address issues of sex, alcohol, drug &/or gambling addiction that affects the whole family. Feelings of fear, shame, guilt, loneliness, & resentment are often associated with this problem. Through a systematic step-by-step process, she helps you work through personal issues & helps you to experience release from addiction that is holding you captive. You gain insight & hope for a better future and learn to live your lives happy, joyous & free as you apply the principles associated with recovery. If you are affected by someone else's addiction she will help you discover ways to respond, cope & find serenity even in the midst of chaos.

I firmly believe that all people have addictions, with some more problematic for our significant others. If you have been coerced into treatment, your goals may be our first analysis. My approach is to identify and heal the trauma that caused significant pain in your life leading you towards craving comfort. We will then identify the emotional triggers and chains of events that lead to acting out. From there we can determine how and why your choices for acting out are being made and who are safe people, and what are safe places and activities for you. The result is being able to freely choose behaviours that are more in keeping with your core values. I specialize in partners of sex addicts

Addiction is the outward expression of the emotional turmoil you are feeling. Usually, escaping your painful emotions is driving the addiction. Unfortunately, addiction can take on a life of it's own. Because of this, we need to carefully consider intensive in-patient treatment as an option. It will be your choice and I can support you in a referral for such treatment. It is possible to work with addiction by reaching under the addiction to the emotional turmoil you want to avoid. In working with trauma, past abuse, low self-esteem, etc. we can build up your core self to be strong and grounded. In this way, addictions has no role or function in your life once you embrace who you truly are.