In my Toronto therapy practice I have heard many people say this. Change can be very difficult and frightening. I speak to them about real change as opposed to cosmetic change. Real Change Happens on a Deep Level – Many people come to me to make a change in their lives. For example they look at […]
If you’ve ever felt caught in a cycle with sex, drinking, drugs, or gambling (one that feels impossible to stop, even when you want to) you’re not alone. Maybe part of you wants change, while another part isn’t sure it’s possible. Or maybe the behavior brings some relief… until it brings shame, regret, or disconnection. […]
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I know *why* I feel this way, so why can’t I change it?” You might be able to pinpoint the reason for your anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional patterns, yet despite all this insight, things still don’t seem to shift. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s common for people intellectualize […]
Teenagers have been experimenting and using drugs for decades. Prior to the pandemic opioids were a major issue and so was heroine. In 2017, Opioids were becoming more expensive and teenagers started turning to heroine. Teens were turning to heroine because it was available and cheap. Therefore, heroine is responsible for a large number […]
Understanding Anger: A Natural Emotion with Powerful Effects Anger is a natural and inherent emotion that we experience throughout our lives. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), it is a natural response to situations we perceive as unfair or unjust, serving to motivate change. However, when anger becomes excessive, it can have negative physiological […]
In life’s tapestry, the threads of our experiences intertwine to shape who we are. Some threads, however, are tarnished by the darkness of trauma, and if left unaddressed, these can lead to intricate patterns of addiction in an attempt to cope. Understanding the signs of unresolved trauma that fuel addictive behaviors is crucial in breaking […]
How Can Art Therapy and Parenting Improve Attachment and Self-Trust in Children? Attachment styles, as explored in psychological literature, significantly influence how we form and maintain relationships in adulthood. Books like Attached offer accessible insights into three primary attachment styles – secure, anxious, and avoidant – helping readers understand the root causes of these patterns […]
Overworking Is Not a Badge of Honor In today’s culture, being “busy” is often seen as a status symbol. Hustle culture glorifies long hours, constant availability, and endless productivity as markers of success. It’s no wonder that workaholism—an uncontrollable need to work excessively—often gets celebrated rather than questioned. But while society reinforces this behavior, the […]
Understanding Process Addiction: The Science Behind Behavioral Dependency When we think of addiction, we usually think about substances like alcohol or drugs. But, addiction isn’t only about what we consume—it can also be about what we do. Process addiction is sometimes called behavioral addiction. It refers to compulsive engagement in rewarding activities that effect the […]
In my 20 years experience as an addiction specialist, I have seen many of my clients who have bipolar disorder also struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs). They use alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, gaming or porn to escape the intense mood swings. Unfortunately, they use them as self-medication instead of taking their prescribed medication. There is […]
