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Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling

Dr. Gabor Mate defines addiction as a complex psycho-physical process which manifests in any behavior whether it is substance-related or not, that a person craves, finds temporary relief or pleasure in, suffers negative consequences as a result of, but still persists in and is unable to give up. The components are craving, pleasure, relief, negative consequences, and inability to give it up.

That is what an addiction is: something that momentarily gives you a sense of satisfaction, but ultimately creates suffering.

The addiction serves a purpose, people use substances and engage in behaviors for very real reasons which are often connected to our histories.  Some people use substances to connect, forget, numb themselves, quiet the mind or to simply feel alive.

 

With this understanding I approach addictions, not as something to judge as bad or as something to be ashamed of, but recognizing that they require our compassionate exploration. 

I began my career working in an in-patient facility for women struggling with substance abuse.  I counseled the women and their families working towards healing and repair. Now in private practice, I continue to assist clients impacted by addiction and substance abuse.

In working with addiction and substance abuse, I utilize various modalities including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Compassionate Inquiry. Using compassionate inquiry allows me to get to the root of clients’ addictions while simultaneously validating their needs and desires. Using this techniques allows clients to learn how to speak to themselves in a less condemning, judgmental manner.

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