Addictions therapists in Paradise, California CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Charles I. Flores, Vital Puma Integral Recovery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LAADC-S, MAC, CCMHC
For 25 years, I have assisted people with a variety of addictions, from the exogenous abuse of drugs and alcohol, to the ones that stem from the chemicals already inside the brain, such as sex and love addiction, abandonment patterns, sexual compulsions, gambling, internet, and workaholism. Unlike most psychotherapists, I’m a Board Certified Addiction Specialist, well versed in both abstinence and harm reduction strategies. Unlike most addiction professionals, I am also psychotherapist who also treats the anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues that often manifest after being uncovered through recovery.
10 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Gui Mansilla
Registered Psychotherapist, Lawyer (Arg) M.Div (USA) Reg. Psychotherapist (CA) Coach (Ca)
My journey with addiction is deeply personal, having been marked by the impact of my father's functional addiction from a young age. Despite the challenges it posed to our family, his struggles provided a unique perspective on the insidious nature of this illness—one that systematically dismantles lives, relationships, self-esteem, and even financial well-being.
While some may find it surprising, I consider it a fortune to have experienced the profound effects of addiction within my family. This experience became a catalyst for my healing and understanding of this intricate and complex illness. Today, as a specialized therapist and coach in addiction, I draw upon my personal journey to not only care for myself but also guide countless others through their path to recovery.
Working with addiction is powerful because, behind the façade of this illness, attempting to soothe deep-seated pain, there is always a remarkable human being waiting to actualize their full potential. I view addiction as an illness that, with proper care, can transform into a blessing, unleashing newfound superpowers. Those who have survived the grip of addiction, embarked on a healing journey and acquired wisdom and tools can become agents of positive change in the world.
Witnessing individuals transition from the depths of addiction to a purposeful and passionate life is akin to witnessing a superpower in action. The trauma, pain, and neglect that fueled the addiction often become the driving force behind a life dedicated to health, well-being, and positive impact.
Approaching this work requires delicacy and depth. The individual undertaking the healing journey needs perseverance, a thorough understanding, and decisive action to transform the dark tunnel of addiction into a sea of light. It would be my utmost honour to guide you through this challenging and isolating experience, helping you emerge into a world of your own creation—a world filled with choices that fulfill your life and enrich the lives of those around you.
19 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Alethea Gard'ner, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LCSW
Addictions have a way of starting out as a coping skill or as a fun pastime that can then turn into a new problematic issue negatively impacting not only your life, but those that love you as well. Looking at substances in a new way and developing new positive coping skills to deal with situations can be life changing.
24 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Helen Star, MFT
Marriage and Family Therapist, MFT, SEP
We build on your strengths and the passion you have for life and work to create the lifestyle that you want, whether the ideal lifestyle includes drug and alcohol use or not. The assumption is, that as we strengthen your healthy self, the impulses to use in an unhealthy manner will decrease. Using a harm reduction strategy I work hard to meet you “where you are at” and together we determine the path forward.
I have many years experience working directly with individuals who want to stop or decrease their use of alcohol and other drugs. I have worked extensively with people who are in a 12 step program. I have a deep understanding of that philosophy and can utilize the principles of 12 step recovery in the therapy session. I also have in-depth experience working with people from a Harm Reduction point of view, meaning we work to mitigate the harm drugs or alcohol is causing in your life. To learn more about Harm Reduction, click here.
33 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Adam Luke M.A. LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
The truth is addiction does not discriminate. Addiction does not care how amazing or how hurtful your family of origin is. You cannot escape addiction by moving to a different zip code or sitting in a different church pew. Addiction is indifferent to your hopes or dreams.
But your story is not a story about hopelessness; YOUR story is a story about redemption. A story that starts with taking back the power in your life, repairing relationships, and prioritizing your own value. This therapy process is about choosing yourself over previous emotional wounds and trauma. A realization that regardless of your vice, your life is worth more, your influence is worth more, and your life HAS MORE to give.
The cold hard facts are simple. NO ONE wakes up one day and says, “I cannot wait to be addicted to ________.” However, every day someone wakes up and asks themselves, “How am I going to get past my fears, this pain, my lack of self-worth, my feelings of hopelessness?”
The quick answer to that question? We try to escape through distraction. We look for instant gratification, and then we pursue it. At first, it starts with a bump, a sniff, or sip. But before we know it, what began as an attempt at self-medicating ends up in self-destruction.
Let’s make today the day we STOP the hurt and START the journey to healing.
10 Years Experience