Addictions therapists in Ladysmith, British Columbia BC, Canada CA
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
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Alain Langlais
Licensed Professional Counsellor, M.H., RTC, C.CH T
My approach to counselling is to respect and value the uniqueness of every individual and where they are. I work to support them using creativity, with warmth, understanding and at times, a touch of humour when appropriate.
16 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Kristen Bailey Counselling
Counsellor/Therapist, Masters of Arts Counselling Psychology
I have worked extensively in Substance abuse, both in organisations and in my private practice. Substance abuse and addiction is rooted in deep shame and I have seen how an approach combined with psychological tools that support managing urges and tolerating difficult feelings with processing that supports shame reduction and self forgiveness/acceptance to be very valuable.
8 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Mary Knoblock
Hypnotherapist, Licensed RTT Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotist, Duke Certified Health Coach, Spiritual Counselor
With the use of RTT and other tools like emotion code and health coaching and hypnosis, I find that clients respond favorably and find their addiction lesson in and their coping skills increasing to deal with addictions/substance abuse etc.
9 Years Experience