Addiction Therapists in Belvidere, IL.

Often people become addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, the internet, spending and/or sex to help them feel better or cope with life. These people sometimes do not recognize that they are trying to escape or "self-medicate" from their difficulties or their addiction is a symptom of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or ADHD for example. The first steps to successful treatment is admitting that you have an addiction problem and that you need help. It is not uncommon for me to see people who enter into therapy at the request of a loved one. Family or couples therapy may also be necessary to break the cycle of co-dependency.

In my approach to addiction counseling, I create a nonjudgmental and supportive space where clients can openly explore the roots of their behaviors and patterns. I integrate evidence-based strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to guide clients in understanding their triggers and building healthier coping mechanisms. By fostering self-compassion and resilience, I help clients develop personalized strategies for recovery, strengthen their motivation for change, and rebuild their lives with renewed confidence and hope.

Addictions are hard to accept. Is it a problem? Is it manageable? Hard questions and hard answers. I encourage you to not face it alone. Ultimately, an addiction has to be replaced by relationship to something else, a connection to something bigger and better. If a substance (or a behavior) is starting to take more than it gives, options for recovery are not as scary as you might think.

Clients working with me on addiction will find a supportive, respectful space to explore their relationship with substances without shame or judgment. I use a harm reduction approach, meaning we’ll focus on reducing risks and making safer, healthier choices based on your goals—whether that’s moderation, abstinence, or somewhere in between. Together, we’ll build insight, strengthen coping skills, and work toward lasting change that supports your values, well-being, and long-term recovery. Referrals will be made to higher levels of care as needed.

Addiction to any substance or behavior can have hugh consequences. Admitting that ones life is out of control is the first step to a successful recovery from any addiction. Learning new coping skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance will equip the client with life long skills that will allow them to live a more fulfilled life. Many times addicts are not running toward something they are running from something. Uncovering what that is might be another key to a solid recovery.

This therapy treats substance abuse, sex addiction, overspending, overeating, gambling and internet shopping addictions. Working in collaboration with other 12-step programs in the community, together we will develop a plan to help you and your family through the difficult decisions and process of change of defining, understanding, and coping with addiction. We also offer toxicology screening, breathalyzer readings, and liaison services for those who are court mandated to treatment.

Even after sobriety, there are many confusing challenges that exist for individuals and families in recovery. With my experience of working in the field of addictions, I understand the process of recovery and how it affects family members. With my background in addictions treatment from both the prevention and treatment side of things I can sensitively walk along side you and your family as you embark on this new journey of wholeness and freedom

Release the chains of addiction that bind you! With counseling, we can help you find motivation in quitting your addiction, maintain sobriety and create new ways to enjoy life again. We treat all kinds of addictions: Alcohol, opiates (Oxycontin, vicodin, heroin, etc), gambling, internet sex, shopping and food. Not all additions require absolute abstinence. In the cases of non-opiate addictions, harm reduction therapy is our go to. Whereas Alcoholics Anonymous has ONLY 2% success rate, Harm Reduction Therapy takes a different approach - it recognizes that life time absence is impossible for 98% of people. Instead of banning everything, we reduce the harm done by those substances!