I have extenive experience working with patients in recovery from substance abuse, with a goal of self-understanding and addressing underlying issues associated with addictive behaviors. This is the important work of healing and promoting growth.
I have worked as an addiction specialist, in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings over the last 23 years. I've distilled that knowledge down to a core curriculum that I tailor to each client who see quick results, which can be boosted by their level of engagement. I do also work with partners and families involved.
Often the use of substances or other addictions can shape harmful cycles of shame and self-criticism. I work with folks struggling with their relationship to addictive patterns to build a deeper sense of motivation, insight and emotion regulation. I will support you from a nonjudgemental and compassionate place to move away from old habits and towards what you deeply value. My specialization in addiction stems from many years of experiences working in an intensive outpatient addiction treatment program at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center.
Outpatient maintenance treatment for addiction recovery; coordination with detox and more acute services; relapse prevention using cognitive behavioral therapy and appropriate pharmacologic therapy.
In working with those with substance abuse, I strive to use a harm reduction approach. Meaning that sobriety is a choice and I will not judge you for whatever decision you make for yourself. I use motivational interviewing in my work in this area which helps identify stages of change, but not promoting one decision being better than another.