Addictions therapists in Fort St. John, British Columbia BC, Canada CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Philip Starkman
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW
In addressing the challenges of addictions or substance abuse, I offer a holistic and personalized approach, grounded in compassion and understanding. Incorporating Mindfulness, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Role-Playing, I work alongside clients to explore the root causes of addiction, foster emotional resilience, and develop effective coping strategies. This comprehensive method allows us to address both the behavioral aspects of substance abuse and its underlying emotional and psychological dimensions. By focusing on self-awareness and self-compassion, I help clients build a foundation for lasting recovery, guiding them towards healthier habits and thought patterns. Our journey together is designed to empower individuals to regain control of their lives, making positive changes that support both sobriety and overall well-being. For those seeking a path out of addiction and towards a more fulfilling life, I am here to support your steps towards healing and self-discovery, offering the tools and insights needed for transformation.
53 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Ms. Gorete Rodrigues
Therapist, Certified Counsellor
Unconventional approach with over 90% success rate.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Kayla Schofield
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Person centered approach. Harm reduction while discovering the experiences that have led the individual to have substance use issues. Trauma informed
4 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Nina Hopmeier
Licensed Professional Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
An addiction involves a constant need to perform a behaviour or consume a substance. Addictive behaviours vary and can include shopping, gambling, hoarding, drugs and alcohol, and exercising. When people engage in addictive behaviours, they often feel as if they are unable to control their actions. They may also feel distressed or anxious if they were to abstain from the behaviour. Due to the perceived inability to control actions, people often feel disempowered and hopeless, which significantly impacts happiness and wellbeing.
In therapy, rather than solely focusing on the detrimental effects of the addiction, we focus on the purpose and function of the addictive behaviour. People frequently engage in addictive behaviours due to experiencing beneficial effects. If the behaviour would fail to be reinforcing, they would have no reason to continue with the addiction. Once clients acknowledge the purpose of the addictive behaviour, they often view their situation through a compassionate, rather than judgmental lens. Gaining insight and self-compassion are essential ingredients for change and growth.
Another fundamental aspect of therapy is gaining insight into the cause of an addiction. Individuals with addictions often engage in dysfunctional behaviours in order to compensate for something that is lacking in their lives.
The addiction may also be linked to past events, such as trauma or abuse. As a result, we explore the underlying cause of the addiction in order to assist with targeting core issues. With the incorporation of multiple treatment models, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness approaches clients also learn to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that accompany the addiction.
Over time they learn that having urges does not mean they have to act on them. Instead, they learn how to replace the urges with adaptive coping styles. As clients gain control over their addiction, they often feel a sense of empowerment and strength, which instils hope for a new and improved future.
13 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Robin Engen-Johnson
Counsellor/Therapist, M.Ed, RCC, CBIS
My work as an addictions counsellor in a live-in youth treatment center has given me unique experience in this area where my focus is on youth age 12-25.
22 Years Experience