Addictions therapists in Lambton Shores, Ontario ON, Canada CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
New Moon Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MACP, MSW, RSW, RP, RP(Q)
We believe that addiction and substance use problems are an attempt to cope with the pain of living. More often than not, people who engage in substance abuse and who experience addiction have experienced loss or adversity and were not taught adaptive strategies to cope with it.
To find relief from this incredible pain, they leaned into a substance or behaviour and found that it worked better than anything else to provide temporary relief from their pain and suffering. When using they thought about what happened a little bit less, difficult emotions like sadness, guilt, anger and shame were dulled, physical pain subsided, and there was a sense of lightness.
The problem is that the high wears off, the physical and emotional pain returns, and the memories come flooding back. Eventually, you feel the relief less and less.
Other problems such as those listed below also occur:
- conflict and instability in relationships
- feeling isolated
- difficulty meeting obligations and work/school/family responsibilities
- financial strain
- hangover/emotional and physical stress
- intense urges for the substance or behaviour
- finding oneself in risky and dangerous situations
These difficulties cause more pain and lead to a vicious cycle of getting high, coming down, experiencing even more pain than initially, seeking the same relief which over time becomes shorter and less effective.
The good news is that it doesn't have to stay this way.
Our highly trained therapists offer evidence-based treatments for substance use and addiction.
Typically, substance abuse and addiction treatment at New Moon Psychotherapy will involve three components
1) Psychoeducation: Helping you understand substance abuse and addiction including why you are experiencing this problem and the function that this problem serves.
2) Coping Strategies: Teaching you various cognitive, behavioural, and somatic strategies to help you manage cravings, regulate your emotions, tolerate distress, and calm your nervous system.
3) Trauma and/or Grief Processing: This gets to the root of the addiction and allows you to heal the pain that has been keeping you stuck all this time. This is incredibly important because it is more likely to prevent the addiction from recurring.
Each of these components build upon one another and will allow you to heal and create meaningful, long-lasting change in your life.
Dr. Gabor Mate, an expert in the research and treatment of addiction, has said that addiction begins and ends with pain. The good news is that you can change the narrative and through therapy, change your ending.
At New Moon Psychotherapy, our team supports individuals experiencing various forms of substance abuse and addiction including alcohol, illicit and prescription drugs, and sex and pornography.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Mind By Design®
Registered Psychotherapist, Psychology and Coaching Clinics
The constant use of some sort of “intervention” (be it drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.) to look outside of oneself or feel better when life gets out of control. The problem is that even though these “interventions” might work in the short-term they do not help in the long-term, and usually make life spin further out of control. Psychotherapy and rehabilitation are used to help a person wine off of the aforementioned “interventions.”
15 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Katie Pula
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist
A harm reduction psychotherapy approach to working with addictions and substance abuse.
12 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Shanna Budzinsky
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
It can be hard to know where to begin when dealing with addiction because its roots can run deep into the fabric of our lives. When working with individuals who experience addictions, I first seek to understand and appreciate each person’s story and work to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where healing can begin. My own experiences with addiction and recovery have helped me to understand the healing power of compassion, acceptance and encouragement. Reach out today to learn more about my approach and your journey to healing.
12 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
EJ COUNSELLING AND COACHING, Evonie Johnson
Registered Social Worker, BA (Psychology), BSW, MSW, RSW
Life difficulties and traumas can sometime lead us to cope in ways that can become destructive to us and those we care about. The past we cannot change, however our actions today can decide the outcome of tomorrow.
If you are ready to break free from an addiction and take control of your life. I am here ready to support you to meet your goal. Contact me today to get started.
20 Years Experience