Top addiction therapists in 97317: Salem, OR.

I work with clients who are seeking help because they are ready to, or have recently, quit the addictive behavior or substance they have had an addictive relationship with and are seeking to dive into deep self examination and life change. The depth work that I facilitate uses a combination of techniques catered to the individual needs and interests of the client. We work to understand in new ways the needs the addiction was seeking to meet and help the inner pain that the addiction was trying to ameliorate. We address the lifestyle, environmental, work/educational, relationship and inner-relationship changes that the individual needs to make to support abstinence/sobriety, growth & joy.

Addiction brings along with it a host of internal, emotional battles. Depression, anxiety, self-loathing and shame are merely a few of the challenges we face when struggling with an addiction. Your addiction doesn't have to define you. I will help you uncover the cause(s) of your substance abuse, and work with you to develop the awareness and tools necessary to work towards sobriety. Equally as important to your recovery, if a relapse occurs, I'll be here to support you.

Addictions usually begin to take life when the substance or behavior of choice we choose to use most often becomes compulsive. It begins to have a mind of its own. It becomes unconscious to you and takes over. When we compulsively seek these substances or behaviors (eating, sexuality, gambling, and many others) to relieve pain, check out or numb out, or find oblivion, we are addicted to them. Most often these are not bad in and of themselves, but when we become addicted to them and they begin to interfere with our lives on some or all levels we are at risk for many undesireable consequences. I will help you to interrupt the pattern and the power to find release.

I have functioned as an addiction counselor for a Portland hospital as well as acted as the Senior Therapist at an addiction recovery facility. I recognize addiction as a comorbidity issue; therefore, I work with a global approach, rather than dwelling on their weakened state. I am a believer in moving forward and not dwelling on the past and it takes strength in accomplishing that. I utilize BSP (www.brainspotting.com) to help you achieve sobriety and along with lasting growth.

In my work with addiction, it is important for me to treat my client with dignity and respect. I communicate in a non-shaming way that creates a safe space for clients to explore their triggers and create new alternatives. I believe that recovery is not just about quitting a behavior, but engaging in healthy behavior. I work with the individual struggling as well as significant others.