Addiction Therapists in Oliver, BC.

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.

I provide support for those considering or determined to reduce or eliminate substances, problem gambling, or other compulsion. Whether the goal is cutting out the addictive behaviour or minimizing its impact, I work through motivational interviewing to help people access addiction treatment if needed. If treatment is not needed, I target the underlying problem such as anxiety, depression, or family conflict. So if you have a family member who requires assessment and direction, or you yourself need to know that you addiction is in good hands while you focus on another problem, I can help.

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.

Feeling stuck and ready for a change? Not sure how to start? I have supported people of all ages to identify patterns in their lives that negatively impact their quality of life and their relationships. If you feel pushed around by addiction, I'd be happy to help you learn how to change your relationship with: substances, compulsive internet use or gaming, impulsive spending, unhealthy eating. smoking and/or attraction to toxic relationships so that you may take your power back and live the life you really want to live.

“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)

Having focused on addictions and mental illness in her master's program, working outpatient addictions and inpatient psychiatry at Interior Health and with youth in a residential addiction center means addictions and mental health are an area of expertise for Sheila. Trauma informed care is at the heart of finding freedom from addiction and intervetions are designed specifically to the individual's needs.

What emotions are your addiction trying to mask? What are you escaping from? Is your addiction costing you your relationship, your family, your work? Your addiction or dependency, is serving a purpose. Let’s explore, understand and uncover what that purpose is and what the core issues are. It’s time to lead a healthier and more intentional life.

I am adept at support clients in finding the root of their addiction whether it be trauma or challenges with emotional regulation. Addictive behaviour always makes sense. Unfortunately, there is still so much shame, judgement and misunderstanding when it comes to addiction. I will help you make sense of your addictive behaviour and achieve freedom.

Addictions are a coping strategy gone wrong. In the beginning, using may have helped to numb the underlying emotional pain, but over time it created a new set of problems that only added to the pain, including financial problems, loss of important relationships, and problems at work. 'Triggers' are those precipitating events that give rise to cravings to use. A common trigger is emotions, especially painful emotions that are seen as unbearable so our first reaction is to do something - anything - to avoid feeling those emotions. A key step in recovery is learning to cope with emotions in healthier ways. I can help you gain the skills you need to prevent relapse and live a fuller life.

Addiction is a growing problem in our today's life. But the addiction is one way that our mind has, to try to fix a trauma or to deal with an unidentified pain that your mind is registering as a real treat to your integrity. We can work to begin to find and heal that pain. It Is a journey, is not a fast process, but it is worth to walk the self-discovery path.

Clients with addiction issues will benefit from seeing a counsellor. Whether you are ready to make the change or just wanting education, we can assist you. We use motivational therapy and harm reduction techniques. Addiction assessments are available. Additionally, we offer training and support to families with a member who is dealing with an addiction.