Addictions therapists in Oceano, California CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Jonathan Kruger Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Addiction of any nature is a profoundly challenging constellation of behaviors to understand, address, and ultimately replace with healthier choices. Addiction is further complicated by the strong likelihood that co-occurring conditions will accompany the addictive behavior: anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges often go hand in hand with compulsive behavior. As a result, grasping the full breadth of the patient’s behavior and background is vital to treatment, but that is just one piece of a holistic approach. Fundamentally, addiction treatment must address the fact that at the heart of compulsive behavior lies a sense of self.
The truth is, at some level we are all wounded or, indeed, fractured. The challenge for those suffering addictive behaviors is that the wounds are so profound that the only way to find relief is to engage in maladaptive behaviors. In fact, the truly nefarious aspect of addiction is that while it is rooted in a fractured sense of self, the addictive behavior itself blocks the patient’s ability to empower and re-structure their internal narrative. Addiction is not only the crutch that soothes the fractured self, it is also the barrier that prevents a new self-empowerment to emerge. This creates a vicious cycle, and the common emotional aspects of addiction then dominate the addict’s self-narrative: guilt, shame, hopelessness and despair.
The essence of overcoming addiction, and the core of my treatment philosophy, is the desire and ultimately the decision to live your life in a new and different way. This decision is extraordinarily difficult and requires a comprehensive set of tools to sustain it over a lifetime. The good news is that the scientific underpinning of addiction treatment is making extraordinary progress. My practice for addiction seeks to understand and suggest new therapeutic options, and to pair those with a deep exploration to the source of your maladaptive behaviors and the experiences that fractured your original sense of self. My goal is to create a safe, trusting and healing environment to explore these core issues and to re-create a new self-narrative, replacing addictive behaviors with new coping mechanisms and actions. Ultimately, my goal is to re-assemble the fractured self, leading to a newly empowered individual with the skillset to begin a completely new, nourishing, and rewarding life.
11 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
Barbara Jaurequi Counseling
Marriage and Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, MAC
Treating addiction is both a professional and a personal passion of mine. I've been in recovery for my own addictions for more than 23 years. Helping others find relief from the relentless problem of addiction is perhaps the most meaningful aspect of my work. I embrace a combination of psychotherapy, emotional healing and group support to really attack the addiction from all sides. Please visit my website (BarbaraJCounseling.com) to read more about my approach to addiction treatment - my #1 practice specialty.
15 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Ryan Muldoon
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Addiction doesn't need to take over your life. If you're ready to heal, you can do it, and I can help if you'd like. If you're NOT ready to heal, I get it, and I'll still be on your side. My own experiences with addiction and recovery have equipped me with more tools to help than my master’s degree ever could. I'm ready when you are.
3 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Anna Ponder (Online/Virtual Therapy)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
I understand how devastating addiction can be, and how hard it is to seek help to change. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgemental, and filled with hope. I use stage-matched interventions to meet you where you are in the process. I want to work together to help you reach your goals.
10 Years Experience