Addiction Therapists in York, ON.

I have significant experience working with alcohol, drug, internet, gambling and sex addictions. My goal is to help reduce the harm to you and others and to restore your sense of dignity and integrity, and your feelings of being in control of your own life. You are not require to completely stop your use forever in order to change or access therapy. These choices are yours.

My approach to treating addiction revolves around understanding the emotional factors underlying addictive behaviors. Clients explore emotions and experiences without shame in a non-judgmental space. Together, we develop personalized strategies for recovery and relapse prevention. Empathetic support helps clients gain insight into triggers and healthier coping mechanisms. The benefits include self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and breaking free from addiction for a more fulfilling life.

Addiction has taken a toll on your life affecting each aspect of it. Whether it is technology addiction, gambling, addiction to substances or to people, we will explore what fuels these addictions. We will get to the bottom of the problem and explore adaptive behaviours to live a life free from addiction. We will use CBT,Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, SF, and Relapse Prevention to explore your addictions.

Whether the addiction relates to substance use or a behaviour (such as video games, pornography, et c.), it often thrives in environments where our needs aren't being recognized and met effectively. Therapy for addiction is often centered around recognizing how our addiction behaviour is helping us meet our own needs, where these needs came from, and identifying ways of meeting them in more helpful, healthy ways.

Along with a more conventional form of therapy for addictions, I will also focus on the cause of addictive behavior and will utilize less conventional methods of ferreting out the conditions, criteria, and even purpose (how does addictive behavior benefit you?) behind the behavior. Addictions are a complicated issue, and the more the client understands the deeply rooted causes of their behavior the better chance he or she may have in controlling the condition. It isn't just about stopping the behavior but discovering the meaning behind the choices being made.

I view addiction not just as a problem but an unhelpful solution to a different problem. Often, we turn to addiction to get away from something else. It is that “something else” that we would try to understand in our sessions. We will then work to find healthier ways of coping to replace the addiction. I also specialize in helping reduce cannabis use, which may not be addictive as a substance but has addictive effects. It is never too late to start this journey. Call today to book a free consultation.

Struggling with substance use or addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in addiction therapy. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of your substance use, identify triggers, and develop personalized strategies for lasting recovery. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors, I’m here to support you in taking back control of your life. Recovery is not just about breaking free from substance use—it’s about rediscovering your strengths and building a life you feel proud of. Healing is possible, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s take that first st

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

As smart as we humans are, we can so easily fall into habits and addictions that defy reason and rationale, yet every habit is born from a positive intent. From my deep understanding of classical conditioning and behavioral change, I can help you to uncover the origins of your addiction and work to break free once and for all. I currently have a 90% success rate for smoking cessation using hypnosis using methods that are tailored specifically to each of my clients, since I truly believe that one size does not fit all. Are you ready to get the help you need?

If we do something repeatedly, that we would rather not do, then we have an addiction. The problem with addictions is that people get hurt. The addicted person may not recognize the seriousness of their situation, but eventually both the addict and their loved ones suffer tremendously in a state of helplessness. Many families have been destroyed from addictive behaviour such as substance addiction (drugs/alcohol), gambling, sexual addictions, gaming/internet addictions. A counsellor can help. Workshops, groups, individual or family counselling can assist in breaking the devastating cycle of addiction. Coping skills and emotional awareness to negotiate compelling urges and compulsive in

Overcoming addiction can feel like a very shameful and isolating process. We work with you to help you reach your goals and overcome your dependency in a non-judgemental way. Making effective change isn't easy but it's never motivated by shame or criticism. In treatment some of the aspects we work on include emotional healing, goal setting, building effective coping strategies, and understanding the roots of your addiction to help you feel more in control.

Research has shown that addictions are caused by lack of connection and trauma. Through proven CBT methods and strategies, clients issues can be addressed. Whether it be alcohol, substance abuse, sex, internet or gambling addiction, CBT techniques and methods are particularly effective. Seeking Safety Coping Skills are also used as an effective tool in the immediate short term.

Addiction Counseling in Toronto and Etobicoke: Overcoming Complex Dependencies Addiction is a complex condition characterized by the relentless pursuit of gratifying stimuli despite adverse consequences. While it commonly involves the misuse of substances such as drugs or alcohol, addiction can also manifest as behavioral dependencies, including gambling, compulsive gaming, or even work-related issues. If you're facing the challenges of addiction, don't hesitate to take action. Schedule a session with one of our empathetic therapists in Toronto and Vaughan who specialize in addiction counseling. They are dedicated to offering the support and guidance you require on your path to healing.

Addiction is extremely complicated, painful and overpowering. You're a great person! One who wishes to have a 'normal life'. But it's not happen. You're trapped, unable to break the chains. You have tried your very best to break the chains, but they are too strong, too big. This is where I come in. Allow me to help you. The 2 of us have a greater chance to break the chains than you have by youself. I have seen many people secure themselves from various types of addiction(s). Call me. I will coach you to freedom.

Addiction is often an attempt to cope with intolerable feelings. As humans, we use substances or behavioural addictions as a form of escape. Often they are pleasurable at first and then we become trapped. The goal of therapy is to understand what pain we are trying to numb and avoid. We must work through these experiences to truly overcome our addictions.

We all have patterns that take on a life of their own; drive us toward harm rather than good. Addiction is most usefully understood in this way. It can show up as a substance or behaviour that may merely draw our attention too often or dominate our waking hours. All addiction arises from attempts (conscious or not) to survive otherwise unbearable situations by distracting ourselves from thoughts or feelings that we become deeply afraid to face. Through increased awareness and understanding of what we are running from, building our resilience & developing skills to face those buried experiences, you can become whole again and get back in control of your choices.

Addiction is a very complex issue, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the impacts of addiction are far reaching. While there are many factors that contribute to addictions, it is imperative to learn about emotional regulation in order to learn how to manage them. Individuals struggling with addictions find themselves in a continuous viscous cycle fighting uncomfortable emotions. Individuals continue with addictions because drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. provide immediate and temporary relief from their environment and their painful emotions. My focus with addiction counselling is teaching emotional regulation and behavioural modification strategies.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques for addictions are used in the form of reinforcement and conditioning as learning processes in the development of addictive behaviours. There are various skills that clients learn to identify and change problem behaviours to reduce or abstain from drug use. This entails monitoring early warning signs for drug or alcohol cravings, identifying high-risk environments and situations associated with substance use, exploring negative consequences of continued substance use, and developing effective strategies for coping with temptations to use and avoiding triggering high-risk environments.

Contrary to what is believed, addiction usually starts with a positive impact on a person’s life and even sometimes saves their life. However, as the time goes by, this creative adjustment becomes outdated and turns into a problem. Therefore, working with addiction should not be about illuminating the symptoms or the manifestations of the addiction, but rather trying to understand the reasons underlying the addiction and the function that it used to serve. A successful recovery is only possible through understanding and even respecting the addiction. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

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.

Addiction is also used to explain the experience of withdrawal when a substance or behaviour i.e. gambling is stopped. However, experiencing enjoyment or going through withdrawal do not in themselves mean a person has an addiction. Because the term “addiction” is commonly used in such a vague way, there have been many attempts to define it more clearly. The definition used here refers to problematic use of a substance such as alcohol.One simple way of describing addiction is the presence of the 4 Cs: -craving -loss of control -Compulsion to use -use despite consequences

Addiction brings pain and chaos individuals, couples and families. I see addictions as poor and destructive coping mechanisms and work with individuals and couples to interrupt the behavior and work to process the pain underlying the behavior. I am very familiar with 12 step programs and CSAT work that help individuals and couples make sense out of the addiction. I also work within a complementary framework of attachment and the importance of strong close inter-dependent, not co-dependent relationships with the most important people in one's life, family. Call me for a consult about your particular needs and situation.

Addiction can occur with many substances and activities - alcohol, street drugs, prescription drugs, caffeine, food, porn, sex, gambling, Together, we will gain insight into the root of your addiction and the purpose it has served in your life. I will provide us with the compassionate and supportive dynamic essential to your journey of creating the life experience you desire.

Addiction is a cycle that seems impossible to break free from. There is a resilience in you that is more powerful than any struggle. During counselling we’ll work towards an understanding of the role of addiction in your life. What needs is it trying to fulfill? What pain does it try to soothe. Together we will develop a toolbox designed to create a life free form addiction that is full of meaning connection and authenticity.

A person may choose to cope with life issues by engaging in certain behaviours or by using substances. Once they start abusing a substance or repeatedly engaging in certain negative behaviours, this is known as addiction. Addiction is a disease that negatively impacts the individual suffering as well as their family and friends. Therefore, to minimize the damage and to increase the probability of efficiently overcoming the disease comes with early intervention. Using a task-centered approach will help individuals face the reality and causes of their addiction.