Addiction Therapists in Kingston, ON.

Often, the focus of addiction counselling is abstinence. But our treatment philosophy focuses on getting at the feelings that lie beneath the symptoms - the symptoms of addictions or substance use. Substances or any addictive behaviours are driven by painful hurt, trauma, and losses/grief and by working through these issues, we can help you better understand the role of substances in your life. We take a compassionate approach to substance use issues.

Addictions come in many forms and I work with many additions and "habits" including substance use, smoking and food addictions. Addictions (especially involving drug and alcohol) are strongly associated with trauma and I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy. I often utilize the potent tool of hypnosis when working with addictions and habit control.

Mood altering to avoid feeling difficult emotions is common. Be it with substances or behaviors. It often comes with shame and isolation. Over time, becoming dependent on a mood altering substance or behaviour actually provokes deep changes in the brain and decreases a person's ability to make healthy choices. It is also said that addiction is a disease of attachement where the person has come to obtain solace in their addiction which temporarily reduces their pain, be it physical or emotional. As a certified alcohol and drug counsellor and certified sex addiction counsellor, I am trained to help people return to who they are or were meant to be without harmful substances and/or behaviours.

"Addiction" can take many forms and people can be addicted to many different vices. Some of the more common addictions for which therapy can be useful include: - drugs/alcohol - video games/internet - food Addiction often leads to self destructive behaviors which can affect relationships, marriages, finances, employment, and physical health. There are a variety of therapeutic approaches which can help address addiction.

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.

I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental approach that addresses both the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction. I provide a safe space for clients to explore the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors, whether they stem from emotional pain, trauma, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Through personalized strategies, including relapse prevention, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and emotional support, clients will learn healthier ways to manage cravings, build resilience, and regain control over their lives. My goal is to help clients achieve lasting recovery, restore relationships, and reclaim a sense of purpose and well-being.

I use a recovery-focused, harm reduction based approach to addressing issues of addiction. Clients can expect to take the lead on the goals they want to set regarding this experience, and using narrative practices can expect to be supported in understanding the roots of their addiction, the effects that addiction has had on their lives, as well as what they might have within them already to put up against it and begin living the lives that they want for themselves.

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

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

Addictions often go hand-in-hand with emotional distress, masking a deeper pain beneath the surface. Finding relief from intrusive thoughts or escalating anxiety/panic is necessary and understandably leads many to distract or avoid the discomfort using substances in excess. Having a non-judgmental safe space to reflect on life is crucial for healing. You're invited to reach out and see if psychotherapy online is right for you.