Top addiction therapists in Uptown, Houston.

My approach to helping individuals or families with addiction encompasses trying to understand the benefit of the addiction in this person's life. How has the addiction provided some need that is not being fulfilled elsewhere within the family? We would explore the role of the addiction, transition into sobriety, and then work on recovery from the addiction and what that new normal resembles.

Often times people engage in addictive behaviors as a way to avoid some type of emotion or trauma. Insight into these emotions will be explored. Healthy ways of coping will be discussed along with relaxation training. I will also teach about the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions. Triggers of the addiction and ways to avoid this triggers will ablso be explored.

Addictions thrive on wounding. Anger, pain, emptiness and related self-esteem issues create vacant spaces that need "filling up" with that certain "med of choice." It can be any number of "self-completers" - alcohol, drugs, sex or even work. Through "med" use, we feel momentarily and artificially safe or "salved" (like Vaseline on a new burn). Whatever the vehicle, those dependent on a thing, substance or person pursue that fleeting "fix" because they have not yet learned how to self-regulate - i.e., how to take care of themselves/love themselves and gain a stable footing from the inside out. This will be central to our work together. I am honored to journey to that special place with you!

I do not provide Addictions Counseling in my practice, but I do often see clients who have substance abuse issues. Anyone with a history of substance abuse themselves, or among family & friends, knows all too well the devastating & pervasive negative impacts that addiction can have on one's entire universe. The impacted areas typically/can often include failing interpersonal relationships, economic hardships, loss of work, health concerns, criminal behavior, depression, & suicidality, to name a few. I focus on all of these areas, & more, when treating individuals suffering from addiction-related issues. I also treat addictive problem behaviors that MAY not include ANY substance use.

Addiction is something that touches every person in some way, whether it is you, a family member, or a friend. We view addiction in our society as some sort of mental weakness. Addiction is disease just like diabetes or heart disease and that is how I treat it. A lot of the time with addiction, comes some sort of other baggage. We will spend time unpacking that baggage and begin learning new, healthy ways to go about your new way of living. It is possible, but it isn't pretty all the time.

In Addictions Counseling and Treatment, clients will benefit from my compassionate and evidence-based approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. I create a non-judgmental and safe space where clients can openly discuss their struggles and motivations. Together, we work on identifying the root causes of addiction, whether they are related to trauma, mental health issues, or environmental factors. Through a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies, I help clients develop coping skills, build resilience, and cultivate a strong support network. My goal is to empower clients.