Addiction Therapists in Auburn, CA.

Addictions can come in many forms. Alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, overworking, codependency on others and they all cause problems personally and in relationships. Seeking help is important. We usually find ourselves using other substances, things and people, when we don't have the coping skills to handle the stresses, or unresolved issues that we have. Therapy can give you the tools you need to avoid using your addictions.

Addiction can be a tricky and slippery issue to deal with due to its nonlogical nature. I know this from personal experience because I dealt with with addiction issues before becoming a psychotherapist. It is this combination of personal and professional experience that makes me uniquely qualified to help people recover from this particular issue. With the aid of tools like EMDR CBT and guided visualizations I can help you overcome this issue and heal from the issues that drive it. Additionally, I can provide tools, coping skills, and other resources to help you manage particular issues while I’m helping you heal.

Addictions can appear in many forms including substance addictions, internet addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, pornography, social media, excessive exercise, food, etc. Strong cravings with a loss of control can lead people to become addicted in spite of possible dire consequences. Counselling is one of several possible treatments available for addictions. Individual, group and family therapies have been found to be helpful in order to inform a client regarding the harmful effects the addiction may have on themselves, their friends, family and society. Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being is often critical for the rehabilitation process.

While I do not work with clients in active addiction, I absolutely support clients who have addiction in their pasts, as this likely indicates some trauma. If you are receiving support from an addiction counselor, going to a support group, or working with your MD, I am always happy to be part of your support team. Trauma and addiction go hand in hand, making this a big part of my practice. Therapy is often a small piece of the puzzle, but I always ensure my clients have the tools they need to be successful. If you need support with addiction, please reach out and I can help you with coordination for you to meet all of your mental health needs.

As an addictions counselor, I understand the importance of providing a non-judgmental, open, safe space where you feel comfortable to share about your use and explore how you'd like to address this behavior. Whether your goal is complete abstinence or a harm reduction strategy, I will work with you to identify the most effective ways to accomplish your goal. Many times in addiction work it is more about the feeling we are trying to achieve from the addictive behavior we are engaging in. This is why it is important to understand and implement alternative healthier strategies that achieve a similar feeling or result. When we do this; change is possible.

Although I do not provide addictions counseling, I work with individuals and couples who are in recovery from addictions. I am familiar and comfortable working with people who are in recovery from both substance (alcohol, drug) as well as process (sex, gambling, food, shopping/spending) addictions. Addictions can have a devastating effect on both the addict as well as those she or he loves, and I will help you work toward healing some of the wounds created by active addiction and help you become more supported in your recovery. We know that people who recover from addictions are best supported in their recovery when they have strong, stable, and secure relationships with others.

If pornography is out of control in your life, or feels like an unhealthy habit, or addiction, I offer therapy specifically intended to help you understand your dependance upon porn, why it's so difficult to stop using, and how you can take your life back and experience freedom. If pornography has become a problem in your relationship, I help couples understand the role pornography serves, how to build empathy and understanding between one another, and how to fill the needs pornography serves in a more fulfilling way.

Do you feel intense guilt and shame? Do you want to change your relationship with drugs, alcohol, sex, or pornography? Do you want to learn how to truly relax and feel OK without relying on any chemical assistance? I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can gain strength to become the kind of person you want to be. I will support you and be there every step of the way.