Addiction Therapists in Dorchester, ON.

I have offered support to those experiencing various addictions since 2010. My particular focus and specialty is supporting those who have experienced trauma and other negative life experiences that have driven them toward coping with substances. I offer a supportive and evidence based approach to people looking to reduce or discontinue using substances.

I offer specialized counseling for individuals struggling with addictions, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to address the complexities of substance use and addictive behaviors. Utilizing a blend of evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies, I support clients in understanding the underlying causes of their addiction, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and creating sustainable recovery plans. My aim is to empower clients to reclaim control over their lives and well-being by achieving their substance use goals.

Sadly, addiction is more than a surface issue. It’s any habit that controls you - your own healthy perspective or behaviour compromised. It can be: smoking, drinking, drugs, gambling, gaming, shopping, fetishes, cutting, porn, unsafe sex, unhealthy eating, self negating, bulimia, compulsive message checking, even too much time online. Elimination or control of such a habit is only a partial answer. There’s more going on. What led you to develop the addiction in the first place? In therapy a key issue I will help you look into is what you can do instead. You can realize why you came to lean on an unhealthy behaviour, then learn to Mindfully notice other options you have in the moment.

Sometimes it's hard to see when something we enjoy is beginning to get out of control. It's not uncommon that loved ones are the first to point out that our use of something has become problematic. Alcohol, opiates, sex... if you are not sure if your use of something has crossed the line, call me. I offer non-judgemental counselling for people who struggle with symptoms of addiction. While social work cannot diagnose, I can most certainly assist you as you continue to explore your challenges at this time.

While I'm not an addiction specialist, I do have training in this area, and I can work with you to reduce or stop your use of addictive substances. We will work together to find the deep drives that feed the addiction. For example, is your addiction helping you feel less alone, less worthless, less powerless, or is it numbing some specific pain. We would look at how the addiction is affecting your life and how to use the supports around you to change your habits.

My approach to Addictions Counseling is comprehensive and empathetic, designed to support you in overcoming dependency and reclaiming control over your life. In a safe and non-judgmental environment, we will delve into the root causes of your addiction, using evidence-based methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Together, we will develop personalized strategies to manage triggers, build resilience, and foster a healthier lifestyle. My goal is to empower you with the tools and support needed for sustainable recovery and renewed hope. Take the first step towards a life free from addiction—book an appointment with us today.

As the great physician and teacher Gabor Mate states, "the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection". People often develop an addiction as a way to cope and manage distressing feelings and thoughts. Addiction is a form of escape from what otherwise can feel very painful and uncomfortable, therefore addiction serves as temporary relief but unfortunately can cause longer term suffering. In counselling, you can explore the experiences which tend to lie at the root of an addiction, put voice to the things that have been hard to talk about, learn how to cope with uncomfortable emotions and sensations, and develop alternative coping tools.

All of us experience addiction as part of our daily routine. However, when that addiction takes over and we loose sight of our priorities, it can destroy our lives. When a substance or habits interfere with our logical thinking and we prioritize our need to satisfy that craving over everything else it can ruin our life. Our relationship, families, friends and work can suffer and we often isolate ourselves to feed our addictions without judgment. I offer a safe place to honestly explore the impact of your addiction and to find ways to manage your urges to set you free. An addictions eliminates your ability to choose your actions, I can help you regain your strength to choose a healthy life

Addiction can be a scary thing that is often surrounded by ambiguity and confusion: why do I continue to use when I know it is bad for me? Why do I want to use in the first place? Why can't I seem to stop using and why cant I change? In working with clients, step 1 of our work is figuring out the answers to these questions and figuring out why addiction occurs in the first place. After this, we explore tools, resources, and therapies that will best work for clients in helping them create the changes they need and to promote the lives they want.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and understanding its roots is key to recovery. While I do not offer therapy sessions for addiction, we have several addiction specialists at Psychotherapy Collective who are available to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our profiles at https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

When we experience difficult times, it can be easy to turn to substances and distractions to numb the pain. This is a natural protective strategy. Some clients seek to stop this completely, while others seek to find a way to better manage their current use. Our aim is to find out what is best for you. If you feel stuck and could use support, read out to use and let's explore where to start.

I have been helping individuals overcome their addictions since 1996. I have helped individuals who were addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling and pornography. Given my experience working with addictions, I am able to determine if my counseling can be sufficient and or when other interventions would be more appropriate. If it is determined that outpatient or residential treatment is required, I have provided the support and assistance to individuals in preparing for and applying to appropriate treatment centres.

Addiction can be a mask to coping with other complicated issues and emotions in your life. I would assist the indivudal through therapy by giving them distress tolerance skills, validating but not always agreeing with their views, and help them to accept what they cannot change while changing what they have control over. Together we will unveil and understand their triggers thereby empowering them to battle against the addiction. Creating short term goals to build their confidence by utilizing other health coping mechanisms and then long term goals to develop a pathway to new transformation.

If you come to me because YOU want to end your substance use or behaviour, I can help you. If you are still struggling with whether or not you want to quit, I can help you with that as well! I may suggest a rehab if that is what seems best. If you are already sober and are trying to remain that way, I will offer you the numerous tools of relapse prevention, including self-care, having a sponsor, and practising mindfulness.

A complex issue requiring discerning assessment. The most severe entail extensive brain changes however all have neurological aspects and individual susceptibility is an important factor. Yet esp non-substance based (eg, porn, gambling, food, sex, gaming) addictions are reversible through therapy . The approach in practice calls for amending this broad general term and defining it by how it functions: as a selected ‘reward system’ for managing past stressors that is now habituated, or for relieving current stressors impulsively/efficiently. However resulting in unrewarding consequences. From this perspective, many accurately focused interventions can be applied to change one's reward choice.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and understanding its roots is key to recovery. While I do not offer therapy sessions for addiction, we have several addiction specialists at Psychotherapy Collective who are available to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our profiles at https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

I view addiction from a holistic perspective, taking the entire person into account when providing therapeutic support. While addiction can emerge through a biological predisposition, it is also often related to how we have learned to cope with and navigate life’s challenges. I approach intervention from a trauma-informed perspective, helping clients to understand where addictive behaviour is being used to cope with unresolved emotional challenges. I also help clients to identify new ways of coping and develop healthier behaviours that contribute positively to well-being.

Substance use/ Addiction is on a continuum. It can be something we occasionally due to numb out some distressing feelings, or it can be something that we can't function without. Wherever you are on the continuum, there is always room to shift. In therapy, we can help you gain new perspectives and learn strategies for managing your use, including exploring the areas of your life your use affects (i.e. relationships, emotions, healing, functioning, etc.). Our clinicians greet each of our clients with non-judgment and meet you where you’re at. If you're wanting to feel more in control of your substance use- Book a consultation or session today! www.kaleidoscopecounsellingco.com

Addiction is a jump into a pool of dopamine (the reward hormone) before you've had a chance to earn it. Emotional sobriety begins when you learn how to avoid overreacting Substance sobriety occurs when you stop making your best friend a drink or a drug. Shopping sobriety occurs when you stop accumulating articles to feel better at the moment. Sexual sobriety occurs when you choose to stop using people as desired objects. Gambling sobriety occurs when you bet on yourself. All addictions are examples of the reward system being hijacked. Sobriety often requires support, which means you begin by giving up your secret. I may be able to offer you the non-judgemental therapy you need.

Addictions can help us get through some challenges and maybe even have saved our life. Then there comes a time when addictions seem to get in the way and cause more trouble and more problems. Therapy can help to find different ways of coping. Learning other ways of handing stress and conflict helps quiet the compulsions. Counselling will help you take charge of your life.