One of the unfortunate developments in recent history is the increase in types and occurrences of addiction. People every day are diagnosed with addictions to drugs, alcohol, smoking, gambling, sex, pornography, work, thrill-seeking, stealing… the list goes on. Addictions can come in all shapes and sizes, but if they do develop, they can deteriorate almost every aspect of the addicted person’s life.
Recovering from addiction is not easy, but it is possible. Counselling can help you identify and come to terms with your addiction, and then find healthier alternatives that help you feel better about yourself. Together, we can manage the stress and frustration of addiction recovery, and find hopeful solutions for a more positive future.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy looks at the painful or unwanted thoughts and feelings in your life as inevitable, and tries to change the mindset from constantly struggling with them, to accepting that they exist and then committing to do what is important to you, not what the thoughts and feelings are urging you to do. Many of my clients have found this approach life-changing, as they learn to stop struggling and start living.
Motivational therapy is a gentle approach that helps clients discover and strengthen their motivations, and learn how to use them to grow towards recovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has more research and evidence backing it up than any other form of therapy. In other words, it works. CBT works by helping to uncover and replace the thoughts and beliefs in your mind that tend to drive you to do things that you don’t want to do. I have seen CBT create powerful, positive changes in the lives of many of my clients.
