Top addiction therapists in 98546: Grapeview, WA.

Uncomfortable, powerful feelings from negative life experiences can cause some people to turn to the use of addictive subtances (alcohol, opiods, etc...) or behaviors (gambling, sexual choices, etc..) to provide relief from these feelings. When the use of these substances or behaviors increases to the point that it becomes a problem, or even unmanageable and paralyzing, then it needs to be addressed. My approach is to provide practical tools to help manage the addiction, while also unpacking the causes for the need for the substances or behaviors in the first place, and finding hope in the restoration of a life without addiction.

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.

If you have an addiction and are actively pursuing recovery through an addiction program of your choosing, I am happy to work with you to uncover the roots of your addictive behavior. I am not a good choice for a first line of response to recovery but I'm a good addition to your ongoing recovery work. Addiction is a way to change your emotional and mental state because you are finding your current way of being intolerable or distressing. Many addictions are fueled by underlying anxiety. I help clients discover and make sense of the foundations of their addictions in order to help them maximize their recovery process and by replacing harmful coping tools with newer, healthier ones.

Addiction of any kind has a particular hold on the person experiencing it and the people around them. It can be hard to express and even harder to honestly take a look at. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, confidential place to explore the effects of addiction. I am honest and direct but gentle with clients who are seeking help in this area. My approach is harm-reduction. Most often clients have success with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy and mindfulness. Tackling the effects of addiction and choosing to work hard to get better is a life-changing positive decision that will allow you to free yourself from unwanted behaviors and let you live the life you want.

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.

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.

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.