Addictions therapists in Waterfront Communities-The Island, 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
Grounded Minds Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Moonsun Jang and Montana Jaro are Registered Social Workers and therapists with Grounded Minds. Moonsun and Montana both have training and years of experience supporting individuals with substance use. Are you hoping to change your substance use, or develop additional coping skills to manage anxiety, depression or trauma? We can help. Please reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consultation call or therapy session.
6 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Shift Collab
Registered Social Worker
Comprehensive treatment and support to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
8 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
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Laura Farberman
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
I work with Motivational Interviewing and Compassionate Inquiry, a curious approach that supports individuals to discover their own motivations to change their habits by bringing greater awareness to why they have them in the first place. I use a trauma informed approach and include the body-mind connection in the process.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Simply Connected Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Adriana has expertise working with addictions throughout her work in the community. She has a wealth of knowledge in crisis management and support.
8 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Kristie Brassard & Associates
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Our psychotherapist Cher has spent the majority of her career supporting folks struggling with addiction and addictive behaviours. It’s something she’s passionate about! Using a variety of therapeutic interventions and a harm reduction approach, she supports her clients to discover and develop their version of a happy and healthy life. This may include helping people gain new perspectives and strategies for addressing struggles with interpersonal relationships, facing difficult emotions, healing past wounds, and exploring and understanding one’s self in new ways. She greets each of her clients with non-judgment and meets you where you’re at.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Zanna Seipp-Katz
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
With lived experience, I feel that I have a very unique and non-judgemtnal perspective to offer clients. I know, first hand, the difficulty and challenges that come along with substance use. I am pleased to work from a Recovery or Harm Reduction based lens, whichever you prefer.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
7 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
MindfulWe Holistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, IMD (candidate)
I have ten years of experience working with courageous people that use addictions as a coping strategy and want to practice other forms of self-help that's more aligned with their values. Whether conscious or not, addiction serves a purpose, or else you wouldn't do it. With guidance, you will arrive to your inner reasons and together, we will replace the behavior into a desired habit.
Additionally, addictions impacts the whole family and from one individual choosing to work on themselves, the ripple onto the family system is positively felt and appreciated.
12 Years Experience