Addictions & Problematic Substance Use

Do you struggle with an addiction? Do you find it is hard to make changes with your substance use or addiction behaviors and it is impacting your mental health, well-being, and relationships? Do you struggle with regulating your emotions, setting boundaries, controlling urges and cravings, and coping with stress? Do you struggle with low self-esteem and often find yourself relapsing?

 

If you’ve answered yes to any of the questions mentioned above, I want you to know that there is hope for change and it starts with reaching out. I firmly believe that the opposite of addiction is connection (not necessarily sobriety) because much of the needs that an addiction meets is the lack of connection one has in their lives. I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance will help in fostering change, committing to goals, exploring barriers and obstacles, and it's a safe space room for resiliency skills to grow.

 

I have experience in working with addictions and substance use disorders since 2016. From November 2016 to January 2018, I worked at Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services in Ottawa, Ontario. At Rideauwood, I was a Youth and Young Adult (18-24) addictions counsellor and SMART Recovery Facilitator. I also participated in concurrent Eating Disorder and Substance Use Disorder (EDSU) training and supervision using the C-Care model and Emotion-focused therapy.

 

I work with youth, young adults and adults who struggle with a variety of addiction issues, including problematic substance use, traumatic experiences from addiction, and social media addiction. Together, we will work towards shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, create harm reduction goals, focus on improving physical and emotional health, engage in safety planning, as well as focus on the skills needed to improve overall life balance and relationships. Whether your focus is on total sobriety, a harm reduction approach, or if you're just interested in learning more about managing addiction or avoidance behaviors, there is value in exploring these options through therapy. 

 

I also support family members who are negatively impacted from a family member's addiction.