Addiction Therapists in Regina, SK.

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.

If you have been coerced into treatment, your goals may our first focus. All people have addictions, or strategies for dealing with significant pain in our lives. My approach is to identify and help heal the traumas that led to addiction. We identify the emotional triggers and chains of events that lead to acting out. From there we determine how and why your choices for acting out are being made. Once we have clearly identifiable choices - Who are safe people? What are safe places, thoughts and activities for you? - the result is freely chosen behaviours, thoughts and companions more in keeping with core values. I specialize in those with sexually compulsive behaviours & their partners.

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!

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.

As humans we inherently have a strong urge to avoid pain, and we will do so even at a great cost to ourselves. Pain avoidance is a primary driver behind addictions of all types, so most addiction treatments seek to address this. While the experience of pain, including emotional pain - sadness, fear, anxiety, etc. is real – these feelings do not need to run a person’s life. Therapy guides the development of acceptance-based skills, mindfulness techniques and self-compassion in order to change the relationship the addicted person has with painful thoughts and feelings rather than using harmful strategies to repress them.

Maureen has specific training and expertise 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.

Do you feel that your drinking is stopping you from living the life you've dreamed of? Are you tired waking up with a pounding headache, dragging yourself out of bed thinking, “why did I do that?" Does a couple of drinks end up being a runaway train? Do you worry that if an emergency happened, you won’t be in proper shape to help your loved ones? Are you sick and tired of having your life revolve around alcohol? If you answered yes to any of the above, counselling can help. With powerful techniques, accountability, and genuine warmth, I help clients fully understand and master their drinking habits - so they can finally have the robust health, career, and relationships they deserve.