Top addiction therapists in 07827: Montague, NJ.

My work with addictions is a highly compassionate approach, exploring with the client what the stressors or conditions have been which has led to addictive behaviors. These behaviors often affect the entire family. Getting to know the various aspects, thoughts and feelings of the client which are being affected by addiction can lead to healing and a restoration of health and balance.

One area of "addictions" I work with is in the sexual arena. However, I view this from a lens of "out of control sexual behavior," rather than an addiction lens. I see this behavior as a symptom of something deeper in the person's history and what is happening in their life, and together, whether individually, or in the context of couples therapy (or both), we explore this. Understanding what is underneath the sexual behavior, is a step toward being able to manage it differently. Regarding substances, though I am not a specialist in this area, substance use issues emerge with clients who come for other things, so I am comfortable working in this arena, and will make referrals if needed.

Cyber and video game addictions or abuse are a relative recent phenomena. This is a issue that effects youth and adults. It can cause loss of sleep, social isolation and result in neglecting basic and important responsibilities. Through psychotherapy we will explore the need for the escape, what is the secondary gain, as well as working on tools to help change the behaviors that have become routine and habit.

What do you do if 12-step based treatment and AA or NA aren’t a good fit for you? You may want to explore cutting back on your drinking. You may not be ready to stop using marijuana but need support to look at how using is impacting your life. You may know you need to stop, and are abstinent, but need help to develop a long-term recovery plan with alternatives to AA or NA. A good life without drugs or alcohol is possible with or without 12-step meeting attendance.

I have many years of helping people make life changes that they choose for themselves. I'm not here to nag or pressure you to do anything. You probably already have people in your life who can do that for you quite well. I'm here to help you explore what is going on for you, whether a substance or behavior might be hurting more than it's helping, and what steps you think might be useful. I have knowledge to share but most important is your own expertise on yourself and your life. I'm good at having helpful conversations and helping you figure things out.