Addictions therapists in Norfolk County, Ontario ON, Canada CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Ilana Blumenkranz
Counsellor/Therapist, Masters of Science, Specializing in Mental Health (M.Sc.)
Specialize in addictions therapy.
10 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Cindy (Ha) Allison
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, Dip, TIRP.
I am trained in Relational Psychotherapy at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy an intensive three-year theoretical and clinical training program in psychodynamic, intersubjective, and relational psychotherapy. I have worked with and supported clients in addictions or substance abuse.
14 Years Experience
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
Kayla Schofield
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Person centered approach. Harm reduction while discovering the experiences that have led the individual to have substance use issues. Trauma informed
4 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Magdalena Karakehayova
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Substance use can often feel like the only effective way of coping with traumatic events or challenging life circumstances. I believe that therapy should open space for clients to discuss their experience with substance use and what purpose this serves in their lives. I take a de-pathologizing stance and work collaboratively with clients to explore what substance use means to them and see how this fits with their ideas and hopes for their life and future. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.
5 Years Experience