Addiction Therapists in South Amboy, NJ.

My approach for addictions counseling consists of utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and a great deal of mindfulness and mediation. I prefer the holistic and spiritual approach to overcoming addiction challenges and highly suggest the addition of 12 step support groups as well as addictions counseling. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for clients to be open about their experiences and work together to find inner peace and cultivate change.

In order to recover from compulsive disorders or substance abuse and addiction, a person must stop their dysfunctional behavior. While recovery may be that simple, it is certainly not easy. Substance abuse is at least a psychological habit and may also be a physiological one as well. People often use and abuse substances in an attempt to address an internal disturbance or upset, and mask feelings of inadequacy or other issues. Nevertheless, with a commitment to the process of recovery, and a willingness to take an honest look at oneself, it is amazing the progress people can make. I take a very direct, but supportive approach in helping individuals to make their lives more manageable.

Our credentialed music therapists tailor sessions to each individual, utilizing personalized music exercises and interventions to address each person's unique symptoms of addiction. Our music therapists work with each client using musical elements like songwriting, processing, and guided imagery to help clients find their own voice and learn new coping skills to help manage addiction of any kind and severity.

Addictions are complicated. They arise for a number of reasons -- biological, psychological, experiential and environmental. Different types (e.g., drug, sex, and gaming addictions) pose different risks. And they are frequently accompanied by other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and trauma. Due to this complexity, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I will work with you to understand the severity of your addiction; the factors that drive it; its interaction with other mental health issues; and its effects on your well-being, relationships, work, and life. This way, we can address it appropriately, along with whatever other struggles you may be experiencing.

I show people who are misusing substances that overcoming an addiction is quite possible. I emphasize work and practice at coping skills. I first help the individual to judge only their self-defeating behavior but never to put themselves down as a person for being addicted. This helps reduce guilt, shame, anxiety and denial. We focus on developing coping skills to handle problems and change behavior. I show the individual how to develop emotional and behavioral control even when life is difficult and stressful. I teach how to increase frustration tolerance. I lay out a specific plan for coping with temptation. I build and maintain motivation for staying with the recovery process.

Audrey will help you work through addiction as a symptom to a bigger problem instead of the core problem in your life. She will help you identify behavioral patterns and negative core beliefs about yourself and the world around you. Through this you will work through develop healthy coping skills outside of substance use and develop a fully developed esteemable life you can be proud of.