Top addiction therapists in 94587: Union City, CA.

I see addiction from the perspective of what is called "The Hungry Ghost". That when we aren't fed the nourishment we need as children, love, support, being seen, heard, cared for and held safe, that we then feel a huge hole in our psyche's. And when we have not experienced the natural highs of intimacy and love in relationships, we will naturally find a replacement for that feeling in an addiction. The solution is not to shame the addict, but help them see that there addiction is simply Mal-adaptive, and to help guide them to get their needs met with health intimacy. In other words to show them that once they find healthy ways to meet their needs they won't need the addiction.

I am very experienced in supporting those with addiction or substance use issues, whether you are seeking support with gaining or maintaining abstinence or support to cut down your use, or to better understand your relationship with substances, I can help you. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental place to explore these issues and I will support you wherever you are at in your understanding of your substance use. I also provide treatment for process addictions, such as gambling, and internet/social media addiction. Gaining insight into your relationship with substances or these addictive behaviors and learning to practice skills to maintain change can help you to lead a fuller and happier life.

Addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, romance or food? Counseling can help! I work with clients from a holistic approach addressing the mind, body and spirit. Addiction is associated with deep emotional pain in the human psyche. In order to truly heal your pain, you will need to address the needs of all aspects of yourself. Call me for a consult!

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.

Addictions are highly entrenched behavioral patterns that seem to take on a life of their own. I view addictive patterns as ways that parts of ourselves are trying to fill unmet needs, search for comfort, relieve stress/tension and sometimes to express a powerful urge to be independent or defiant. In addition to encouraging group supports such as AA/NA, I use body awareness to help us identify triggers and to allow them to act out/ express themselves in sessions. This lessens the likelihood that they will be acted in the world- and fills in the unmet needs. I also teach ways of grounding in our body, and holding a strong stance, so that we can contain the urges when they arise.

Most of the clients I see in my job as Mental Health Clinician for Solano County have a diagnosis that includes substance abuse. I believe that substance abuse can be overcome through various behavioral and psychotherapeutic approaches and I readily apply these techiques to my treatment plan. I also rely on the assistance of outside groups such as Alcoholics Anonoymous and NA. Sexual addiction is an area of importance in our society and I can work with people who are preoccupied with self-destructive sexual behavior, too.