Addiction Therapists in Cranbrook, BC.

Addiction counselling provides a vital platform for individuals to confront and overcome substance or behavioral dependencies. Within a compassionate and structured setting, addiction-focused therapists employ evidence-based techniques, like Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help individuals grasp the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a strong foundation for recovery. By participating in addiction counselling, individuals can gain the tools necessary to break free from destructive patterns, manage cravings, and embark on a transformative journey towards sustained sobriety and improved well-being.

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.

Often in life, stress, responsibility and unhappiness can lead to managing/medicating with a variety of substances; marijuana, alcohol, gambling, sex, internet, drugs, ect. This can lead to an unbalance in the usage of these substances, create a significant strain and negative affect on relationships, family, work and one self. We will work to uncover the motivating force that has driven to substance abuse and help to regain control. Through this work we will strive to regain a healthy and balanced life, free of addiction or dependency.

Addiction is about numbing mental, emotional or physical pain. The person with the addiction suffers and so do the people who love them. I have helped hundreds of people with substances use disorders move towards sobriety by addressing trauma and other co-occurring mental health challenges. We can uncover your unique mental, emotional and physical triggers for drinking/using and the self-soothing and grounding techniques that help you tolerate distress without using. Recognize the self-limiting stories that keep you stuck, and harness the power you already have make healthier decisions, feel more peace and become the person you want to be.

“It was a long and heavy day and I just need to break the edge.” “I communicate better after few drinks” “I can’t fall asleep if I don’t have my…” When a substance becomes a “priority”, or becomes overused, it begins to creep into and destroy an individual’s health, family, relationship and even work. The question becomes "Do I have control over it or does it have control over me?". Often substances are used as coping mechanism without realizing that it often creates even more anxiety and depression, leaving a person feeling more stress and low down the road. Feeling anxious without a "quick fix" or a “temporary Band-Aid” is a strong indicator that a person is or has lost control with the desired substance. In counselling, we work to support...(view profile to read more)

Many approaches to addiction emphasize willpower and deprivation, but this only works temporarily. Alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours like gambling and gaming offer short-term relief of underlying issues at a long-term cost to one's relationships and health. As an addiction counsellor, I can help you resolve underlying issues, regain control, and build a sense of meaning and purpose, so you can start living the life you want. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. I meet each client where they are at, tailoring my approach to each person's unique needs. Send me a message and we can connect for a quick call to discuss next steps.

Helping people work through their underlying issues often decreases their coping with addiction behaviours. Insight therapy is important and usually involves attachment understanding. While the work may require additional community supported programs, clients can expect a genuine and thus challenging approach to the choices they are making that are not helpful to help them thrive in life. To empower people with a greater self-awareness leaves them with the choice.

Substance use disorders often develop out of a complex interaction between biological, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual factors. I work with my clients to identify and address the unique constellation of factors that have contributed to the development of and that perpetuate their substance use disorder. In addition, it is my experience that substance use disorders frequently exist alongside other mental health disorders, especially anxiety, depression, trauma and mood disorders. Effective therapy must address the whole person in order to effect lasting change, and it is critical that any co-occurring mental health problems be treated at the same time whenever possible.

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.