Substance use is often a symptom of a bigger problem. It becomes a very quick and easy way to cope with stress. The flip side of this is that it is a bandaid solution, the problem is still waiting for you. Cannabis-just because it's legal does not mean that it is a good idea.
Substance use becomes a problem when it feels beyond your control. If you ever have trouble stopping your use once you start, if friends or family tell you that you should cut down or if your use has ever resulted in harmful consequences, then you may be struggling with alcohol or substance misuse. Recovery is a personal journey and looks different for everyone. For some, it may be abstinence, for others it may be cutting back or setting a goal to reduce their use.
How you come to recovery, whether by the prompting of friends and family, or by your own desire to make some changes, the important thing is that you have taken the difficult step of reaching out for help and support. There is a common saying in recovery: "Only I can do it, but I can't do it alone." This is true for many reasons. First, recovery can be difficult. While we have good intentions, the things that trigger us to use are very hard to manage without some help. Additionally, addiction has been called a disease of isolation. Connecting with others enables you to break the patterns that make you vulnerable to coping with alcohol or drugs and helps you to establish new and more sustainable ways to deal with stress and triggers.
Our team has supported individuals in their recovery journey in both residential and community settings. We are familiar with a wide variety of resources and can help you navigate treatment options. We understand that addiction affects not only the individual but also their friends and family. If you love someone with a substance use problem, you also require support. Helping the helper is a big part of the recovery process. You are of greater assistance to your loved one, when you are taking care of your own needs too.
Deciding to cut down or stop using altogether can be complex and difficult. However there are ways to overcome the barriers to change. We will support you in finding resources and strategies so that you feel more confident in your ability to make those changes. Please reach out for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Much of my experience has been focused on working with addictions or substance abuse. I have worked in both in-patent, and community settings as an addiction counsellor. I would be honoured in supporting you towards your goals whether you're wanting to work towards abstinence; or harm-reduction.
Substance use related concerns can arise for many reasons. Often substances helped us to self-soothe in the past when we had no other tools or supports. I support my clients to uncover what is at the root of their relationship to substances and aim to provide them with new tools to cope with emotional challenges. I'm holding that some may choose an abstinence based approach, whereas others may prefer support in harm reduction.
We offer support for alcohol, drug and behavioural addictions including hypersexuality, pornography, problem gambling, technology, social media, video games and overspending. If you need help finding healthier ways to manage the stress of daily life or if you want to regain control over your life we can help. Together, we can work towards restoring a sense of balance, improving your relationships, nurturing your self-worth, finding renewed purpose, and fostering a sense of hope for the future.
Contrary to what is believed, addiction usually starts with a positive impact on a person’s life and even sometimes saves their life. However, as the time goes by, this creative adjustment becomes outdated and turns into a problem. Therefore, working with addiction should not be about illuminating the symptoms or the manifestations of the addiction, but rather trying to understand the reasons underlying the addiction and the function that it used to serve. A successful recovery is only possible through understanding and even respecting the addiction. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
I understand the impact of addiction in a person’s life. I use a strengths-base, compassionate approach to therapy, and can help you (or a loved one) cope with and overcome challenges with addictions or substance abuse.
"Not all addictions are rooted in abuse or trauma, but I do believe they can all be traced to painful experience. A hurt is at the centre of all addictive behaviours". - Gabor Mate, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction
Addiction or substance use is not an identity but a behaviour, a way for us to cope with our hurt and pain. There is often guilt and shame associated with addictive behaviours. My hope is that we can work together to access resources, understand the addictive/substance use behaviour and find ways to to help you manage the risks of substance use.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I will support you in understanding your addictive patterns in a whole new way and cope with the symptoms in ways that are rooted in evidence-based interventions. We will go at your pace and ensure that you meet the goals that are meaningful to you. Looking forward to hearing from you so that you can move forward in your life with more clarity, insight, self-awareness, self-compassion, empowerment and confidence.
17 Years Experience
