Addiction Therapists in Penticton, BC.

Having focused on addictions and mental illness in her master's program, working outpatient addictions and inpatient psychiatry at Interior Health and with youth in a residential addiction center means addictions and mental health are an area of expertise for Sheila. Trauma informed care is at the heart of finding freedom from addiction and intervetions are designed specifically to the individual's needs.

“It was a long and heavy day and I just need to break the edge.” “I communicate better after few drinks” “I can’t fall asleep if I don’t have my…” When a substance becomes a “priority”, or becomes overused, it begins to creep into and destroy an individual’s health, family, relationship and even work. The question becomes "Do I have control over it or does it have control over me?". Often substances are used as coping mechanism without realizing that it often creates even more anxiety and depression, leaving a person feeling more stress and low down the road. Feeling anxious without a "quick fix" or a “temporary Band-Aid” is a strong indicator that a person is or has lost control with the desired substance. In counselling, we work to support...(view profile to read more)

Feeling trapped in a cycle of addiction? Are you using to escape reality? Do you feel like you can't function without your addictive crutches? Do you struggle to control your cravings, and your loved ones are worried? If any of any of this sounds familiar, counselling can help. Let's work together to break free from the chains of addiction and regain control of your life. Imagine building stronger relationships with family and friends, living a healthier life, and finding emotional balance and inner peace. Take the first step towards a brighter future today. Book your free 15-minute consultation now.

Addictions are a coping strategy gone wrong. In the beginning, using may have helped to numb the underlying emotional pain, but over time it created a new set of problems that only added to the pain, including financial problems, loss of important relationships, and problems at work. 'Triggers' are those precipitating events that give rise to cravings to use. A common trigger is emotions, especially painful emotions that are seen as unbearable so our first reaction is to do something - anything - to avoid feeling those emotions. A key step in recovery is learning to cope with emotions in healthier ways. I can help you gain the skills you need to prevent relapse and live a fuller life.

Addiction is a growing problem in our today's life. But the addiction is one way that our mind has, to try to fix a trauma or to deal with an unidentified pain that your mind is registering as a real treat to your integrity. We can work to begin to find and heal that pain. It Is a journey, is not a fast process, but it is worth to walk the self-discovery path.

Addiction counselling with me involves taking the time to unpack the dynamics that contribute to coping through addiction. With me you can expect a non-judgmental space, and to move at a pace you are comfortable with. Together we will take a compassionate and curious approach, locating strengths and supports and practicing mindfulness to grow in a sense of agency in decision making.

I am adept at support clients in finding the root of their addiction whether it be trauma or challenges with emotional regulation. Addictive behaviour always makes sense. Unfortunately, there is still so much shame, judgement and misunderstanding when it comes to addiction. I will help you make sense of your addictive behaviour and achieve freedom.

Addiction treatment is a challenging and ongoing process that requires a lot of support. What is often helpful for clients is using a CBT approach or a DBT approach which has been shown with evidence-based research to help manage addiction. Some of the focusses in counselling with addiction is often to prevent relapse, have better communication, improve family relationships, discovering better and healthier ways to cope than using the addiction. We would also discuss other factors that can help manage the addiction, such as meditation, religious involvement, and others.