Addiction Therapists in Gulf Islands, BC.

If you have been struggling with substance use or are wondering if you may have a problem, Substance Use counselling can help. By removing stigma, and receiving education about addiction, biology, and trauma, there is hope for change and improved health. By using Motivational Interviewing skills and a whole health-based approach, I can support you in developing the self-understanding and skills necessary to reach your goals.

I provide support for those considering or determined to reduce or eliminate substances, problem gambling, or other compulsion. Whether the goal is cutting out the addictive behaviour or minimizing its impact, I work through motivational interviewing to help people access addiction treatment if needed. If treatment is not needed, I target the underlying problem such as anxiety, depression, or family conflict. So if you have a family member who requires assessment and direction, or you yourself need to know that you addiction is in good hands while you focus on another problem, I can help.

Addictions can appear in many forms including substance addictions, internet addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, pornography, social media, excessive exercise, food, etc. Strong cravings with a loss of control can lead people to become addicted in spite of possible dire consequences. Counselling is one of several possible treatments available for addictions. Individual, group and family therapies have been found to be helpful in order to inform a client regarding the harmful effects the addiction may have on themselves, their friends, family and society. Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being is often critical for the rehabilitation process.

Addictions counseling provides a supportive and nonjudgmental space to address the challenges of substance use or other addictive behaviors. My approach focuses on understanding the underlying causes of addiction, identifying triggers, and developing personalized strategies for recovery. Together, we’ll build healthier coping mechanisms, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen resilience. Clients benefit from a comprehensive and compassionate approach that empowers them to regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and create a fulfilling, substance-free future.

Working through addiction can be a raw and difficult process, that often reveals the pain that the addiction was helping to disguise. My approach to treating addiction applies cognitive awareness and mindfulness strategies to managing and reducing addictive tendencies and impulses. Addiction tends to thrive in isolation, so having a guide to help anticipate the struggle of addiction, identify and exercise strategies that are clinically effective in relief of addiction, and trauma.

Understanding what our addiction means, how it takes control over our behaviour and choices in life is an early step in recovery. You may be filled with pain and self-hatred, wanting escape, and that drives us into addiction. The need for relief, however brief, destroys lives. Together we can understand and heal your trauma. You have to want change more than anything, but you can do it. Cognitive Processing Therapy can help you heal from your trauma and get on the sober path.

Addiction comes in many forms and if left untreated can come to control us. Urges become overwhelming as we feel there is little we can do to resist repeating the same behaviour over and over again. Disrupting the cycle is challenging and evidence suggests it's crucial to have support. I take a wholistic approach, including addressing the biological underpinnings, the psychological drive to repeat, and the social causes of addiction. I incorporate aspects of SMART recovery, and am familiar with the 12 steps approach. No one road to recovery is right for everybody. Without judgement, I will help you find the way fits for you, whether it be a reduction approach or abstinence.

Often in life, stress, responsibility and unhappiness can lead to managing/medicating with a variety of substances; marijuana, alcohol, gambling, sex, internet, drugs, ect. This can lead to an unbalance in the usage of these substances, create a significant strain and negative affect on relationships, family, work and one self. We will work to uncover the motivating force that has driven to substance abuse and help to regain control. Through this work we will strive to regain a healthy and balanced life, free of addiction or dependency.

Addiction is the symptom of others issues. People abuse substances for a variety of reasons such as: to supress pain, to feel more confident, and to deal with an unresolved trauma. Addiction often spirals out of control, results in feelings of guilt and despair; as well as alienates the user from her or his family and friends. However, addiction can be overcome. Relationships can be repaired. I offer professional support to both the person facing addiction and their family to learn strategies to deal with the underlying issues, set boundaries, and develop skills to address your own or your loved ones substance abuse.

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.