Top addiction therapists in 98368: Port Townsend, WA.

It's only rarely that addiction 'just happens.' For most who have been caught in the web of addiction, it started for a reason. That reason may or may not be obvious, but through the counseling process, you can gain a deeper understanding of what drew you to substance misuse and why you continued using even when you knew it was a problem. Then you will also learn new ways meet those needs, ways that create vitality rather than disruption in your life.

What sometimes starts as alluring, intriguing and fun...can grow into a habit or behavior that leads to mounting consequences for yourself and those around you. When you continue to engage in something that continually results in pain and problems...it can be really tough to find your way out of the snare of the behavior. Our counselors at Mill Creek Family Services are experienced and trained to help you loosen the grip of addiction. With compassion and commitment we work with you to create the shifts needed to leave the damaging habits in the past and move into a life of freedom.

I consider myself an expert in addiction therapy. My focus is not the addictive substance or activity. I focus on the root cause for why you engage in the various activities for the purpose of self-medication. As we flesh out the emotional and traumatic scars from past life events, you will find that your desire to self-medicate reduces significantly.

I do counsel clients that struggle addiction but ask that clients with serious levels of addiction be willing to attend 12-step group while in therapy. I may in fact end therapy with clients who are not wiling to simultaneously seek help from behavioral programs. My reason for this is that therapy will kick up deeper levels of disruption with clients that will further elevate addiction if they are not involved in other forms of recovery. I do believe that relational therapy can heal deeper levels of addiction once stability is achieved in behavior.

The comedian Russell Brand wrote; “Drugs and alcohol are not my problem — reality is my problem. Drugs and alcohol are my solution.” It really doesn't matter if your addiction is pornography or cocaine or work or your cell phone- we all have solutions that we use to cope and deal with life. The problem is they often rob us of the good and beautiful things in life. I offer a helping hand in escaping addiction and working with the issues that our addictions mask.

Sexual addiction is something that destroys the relationships we really want to have. It can feel like an inevitable cycle that we have no control over. My approach to sexual addiction addresses the behavior as well as the meaning behind the sexual addiction from a spiritual perspective that leads to a different way of leaving. Life doesn't have to continue the way that is. If you are ready for change, I'd be honored to help.

I have received extra training and special experience working with substance use disorders. I understand addiction as a short-term solution which causes long-term problems and strive to honor the person who's life has been hijacked by their addiction. We will free you of the shame and blame caused by addiction and work on behavioral strategies to prevent relapse while supporting you towards your recovery. We'll work to find ways to replace the benefits of your addiction with healthier alternatives and to surround yourself with a supportive community. I'll help you repair relationships damaged by the destructive consequences of addition and find peace, love and joy.