Addictions therapists in Toronto, Ontario ON, Canada CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
New Moon Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MACP, MSW, RSW, RP, RP(Q)
We believe that addiction and substance use problems are an attempt to cope with the pain of living. More often than not, people who engage in substance abuse and who experience addiction have experienced loss or adversity and were not taught adaptive strategies to cope with it.
To find relief from this incredible pain, they leaned into a substance or behaviour and found that it worked better than anything else to provide temporary relief from their pain and suffering. When using they thought about what happened a little bit less, difficult emotions like sadness, guilt, anger and shame were dulled, physical pain subsided, and there was a sense of lightness.
The problem is that the high wears off, the physical and emotional pain returns, and the memories come flooding back. Eventually, you feel the relief less and less.
Other problems such as those listed below also occur:
- conflict and instability in relationships
- feeling isolated
- difficulty meeting obligations and work/school/family responsibilities
- financial strain
- hangover/emotional and physical stress
- intense urges for the substance or behaviour
- finding oneself in risky and dangerous situations
These difficulties cause more pain and lead to a vicious cycle of getting high, coming down, experiencing even more pain than initially, seeking the same relief which over time becomes shorter and less effective.
The good news is that it doesn't have to stay this way.
Our highly trained therapists offer evidence-based treatments for substance use and addiction.
Typically, substance abuse and addiction treatment at New Moon Psychotherapy will involve three components
1) Psychoeducation: Helping you understand substance abuse and addiction including why you are experiencing this problem and the function that this problem serves.
2) Coping Strategies: Teaching you various cognitive, behavioural, and somatic strategies to help you manage cravings, regulate your emotions, tolerate distress, and calm your nervous system.
3) Trauma and/or Grief Processing: This gets to the root of the addiction and allows you to heal the pain that has been keeping you stuck all this time. This is incredibly important because it is more likely to prevent the addiction from recurring.
Each of these components build upon one another and will allow you to heal and create meaningful, long-lasting change in your life.
Dr. Gabor Mate, an expert in the research and treatment of addiction, has said that addiction begins and ends with pain. The good news is that you can change the narrative and through therapy, change your ending.
At New Moon Psychotherapy, our team supports individuals experiencing various forms of substance abuse and addiction including alcohol, illicit and prescription drugs, and sex and pornography.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Chris Pankewich
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP)
Working through addiction and compulsive habits can be one of the most challenging things we ever have to do. Fortunately, our knowledge and understanding of this work has shifted to a trauma-informed approach that embraces healing the unique individual who is struggling with addiction rather than the addiction itself. As a therapist, I work with clients to cultivate an environment that will allow for a deeper exploration into understanding the important role the addictive habit has been playing in your life as we seek to transform the relationship you have with yourself in the process. Schedule a free consultation with me to ensure we are a good fit.
4 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Magdalena Karakehayova
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Substance use can often feel like the only effective way of coping with traumatic events or challenging life circumstances. I believe that therapy should open space for clients to discuss their experience with substance use and what purpose this serves in their lives. I take a de-pathologizing stance and work collaboratively with clients to explore what substance use means to them and see how this fits with their ideas and hopes for their life and future. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.
5 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Shift Collab
Registered Social Worker
Comprehensive treatment and support to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
8 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
MindfulWe Holistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, IMD (candidate)
I have ten years of experience working with courageous people that use addictions as a coping strategy and want to practice other forms of self-help that's more aligned with their values. Whether conscious or not, addiction serves a purpose, or else you wouldn't do it. With guidance, you will arrive to your inner reasons and together, we will replace the behavior into a desired habit.
Additionally, addictions impacts the whole family and from one individual choosing to work on themselves, the ripple onto the family system is positively felt and appreciated.
12 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Substance use/ Addiction is on a continuum. It can be something we occasionally due to numb out some distressing feelings, or it can be something that we can't function without. Wherever you are on the continuum, there is always room to shift.
In therapy, we can help you gain new perspectives and learn strategies for managing your use, including exploring the areas of your life your use affects (i.e. relationships, emotions, healing, functioning, etc.). Our clinicians greet each of our clients with non-judgment and meet you where you’re at.
If you're wanting to feel more in control of your substance use- Book a consultation or session today! www.kaleidoscopecounsellingco.com
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Zanna Seipp-Katz
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
With lived experience, I feel that I have a very unique and non-judgemtnal perspective to offer clients. I know, first hand, the difficulty and challenges that come along with substance use. I am pleased to work from a Recovery or Harm Reduction based lens, whichever you prefer.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
7 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Life in Harmony Counselling Services
Counsellor/Therapist
Occasionally, individuals may engage in recreational use of drugs, alcohol, or other vices. However, for certain individuals, what starts as casual use can spiral into addiction.
Addiction can have profound and detrimental effects on both individuals and their loved ones. It is characterized by an inability to cease the consumption of a substance, chemical, activity, or behavior, despite the resulting psychological or physical harm.
Finding solace from addiction can be a daunting task. Take the first step towards healing by reaching out today to schedule a consultation with one of our mental health specialists. They possess the expertise and resources necessary to provide the support and tools you need in your journey towards overcoming addiction.
21 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
ThriveWell Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW / RP
If substance use or addictions are hurting you, your loved ones, or your life, we can work with you to understand and make peace with the underlying roots that may be leading to addictions and substance abuse. Our approach to this is rooted in compassion, understanding, and harm reduction. Our commitment is to meet you where you are at in your journey, recognizing that each path to recovery is unique.
6 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Iryna Gavrysh
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist, M.A., CSAT
I work with individuals who find themselves leaning on substances like alcohol and drugs or behaviors, such as sex or gambling, as a way of coping through the ups and downs of life. My clients often discover that this is no longer serving them and they want to find new and healthier ways of coping. This is possible and opens the door to greater connection with themselves and deeper and more satisfying relationships with their loved ones.
9 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Simply Connected Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Adriana has expertise working with addictions throughout her work in the community. She has a wealth of knowledge in crisis management and support.
8 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Rachel Morris
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
I work primarily with those who are in later stages of recovery and those looking to enhance or deepen their experience in sobriety. This may involve exploring the roots of your substance use and/or seeking support for ongoing challenges of life and relationships. I have worked with those who have abused alcohol, marijuana and other drugs, or behavioural addictions such as shopping or video games.
5 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Redbird Therapy Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapists
Jessica Weeks, Benjamin Rubinoff, Liz Bostwick, Barbara Brown, and Nic Cadman are experienced in working with folks wanting to change substance use or addiction, drawing on both harm reduction and/or abstinence models, based on your goals and needs. Contact our Intake Worker to help determine who will be the best fit for you.
29 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Malik Smith
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Navigating the complexities of addictions or substance abuse requires a compassionate, evidence-based approach tailored to each individual's journey. My expertise in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing supports clients in understanding the root causes of their addiction, developing coping strategies, and building a resilient foundation for recovery. I offer a non-judgmental space to explore these challenges and overcome substance dependencies.
6 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Laura Farberman
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
I work with Motivational Interviewing and Compassionate Inquiry, a curious approach that supports individuals to discover their own motivations to change their habits by bringing greater awareness to why they have them in the first place. I use a trauma informed approach and include the body-mind connection in the process.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Peter Stathakos
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Social Worker, BBA, MDiv, MSW, CMAT, CSAT
As a Certified Multi-Addiction Therapist, I know that is rare for someone to be only addicted to one substance or behavior. I am here to help address every addiction and unhealthy coping mechanism to help ensure long-term sobriety and prevent you from replacing one addiction with another. The goal is for you to be able for you to stand on your own 2 feet and truly progress in healing and recovery.
Reach out today to get the care that you deserve!
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Nora Taylor, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology 1994
I have worked on a Community Withdrawal Team for substances for five plus years providing counselling to people who are withdrawing from alcohol, cocaine and other substances. I can work with you and your doctor to help you succeed in the difficult process of withdrawal. If you do not have a doctor; I can refer you to one who works specifically with Addictions or you can visit Ontario RAAM clinics associated with most hospitals on your own. You can contact True North Medical which is based in Toronto and see a doctor there. Those services are covered by OHIP in the Province of Ontario. I also can support you through post-withdrawal period which is often one of the hardest parts of the withdrawal. I provide counselling for Addictions only in the City of Toronto or outside of York Region. All other therapy I offer is Ontario wide.
30 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Kennedy McLean Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
Registered Psychotherapist
No one wants to have an addiction or abuse substances. These are coping mechanisms for the challenges we face in life. Regardless of why you started using drugs or alcohol in an unhealthy way, it is possible to recover from addiction. Let us help you find other ways to cope with life's difficulties and work through the challenges that come up along the way.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Lori-Ann Wesley
Registered Psychotherapist, M.A., R.P.
Mostly all addictions root from trauma. My approach is to work with the root of the issues.
27 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Gwen Schauerte
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, M.Ed.
Addictions and abuse of substances can be symptoms of underlying issues. Together we address how the problems are impacting your life and explore your reactions. Weather your desire is harm reduction or abstinence we work together to enable that. It isn't always easy but it is possible to make change happen.
31 Years Experience