In my own journey of recovery i discovered that my own previous misuse of substances was just an overactive coping skill which was functioning to cover up my trauma and attachment disruption. I have found a way to treat these issues via individual therapy leading to successful recovery from the overuse of substances.
We build on your strengths and the passion you have for life and work to create the lifestyle that you want, whether the ideal lifestyle includes drug and alcohol use or not. The assumption is, that as we strengthen your healthy self, the impulses to use in an unhealthy manner will decrease. Using a harm reduction strategy I work hard to meet you “where you are at” and together we determine the path forward.
I have many years experience working directly with individuals who want to stop or decrease their use of alcohol and other drugs. I have worked extensively with people who are in a 12 step program. I have a deep understanding of that philosophy and can utilize the principles of 12 step recovery in the therapy session. I also have in-depth experience working with people from a Harm Reduction point of view, meaning we work to mitigate the harm drugs or alcohol is causing in your life. To learn more about Harm Reduction, click here.
Multimodal approach treating a variety of addictions. 12-step knowledgeable. Use Neurofeedback, HeartMath and Mindfulness to support recovery. Spiritual. CBT. Help uncover, discover, discard underlying reasons underlying addictive behavior.
I believe that at times it is difficult for us to see things clearly. My goal is to help you re-adjust your way of looking at yourself and your world, and to help you realize what is possible. I believe that the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship that develops between you and me.
My clinical experience includes treating addiction and co-occurring disorders. I've had experience working in residential treatment facilities, inpatient psychiatric facilities and outpatient mental health settings. I also serve as Clinical Director for an addiction treatment center. My approach includes the use of Relapse Prevention Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy.
I offer psychotherapy, usually in conjunction with 12-step or other addiction-specific group -participation. Conducting research and publishing in the field, I help people struggling with substance abuse overcome those long-standing pathogenic beliefs getting in their way. As clients achieve a clean and sober life, free of the chemical prison of addiction, an optimistic future opens up before them. I follow my clients as they overcome the challenges ahead and support their efforts as they redesign their lives while learning to use methods useful in relapse prevention.
My background of 20 years spent as therapist and Clinical Director of a southern CA program, and in private practice, treating clients and their families with substance use disorders, has informed my practice to help others address, not only that issue, but the underlying disorders that accompany substance use (codependency, anxiety, depression, transitions). I admire your courage to face your fears, and offer a nonjudgmental, secure holding place to heal. As an EMDR therapist, my perspective is helping clients get past their limiting beliefs, negative thoughts and feelings about themselves that contribute to ongoing use of substances to manage stressors. We will work together to support you becoming empowered to courageously face your challenges.
The relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important factor in providing "successful" therapy. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore issues around substance use. Whether you want to quit entirely (abstinence) or cut down or control your drinking/using (harm reduction), I will support you in achieving your goal. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. Together we will figure out what works for you to have success.
I have extensive training and experience in the field of substance abuse and have practiced in the field of
addiction for more than 30 years. One of the specialties is helping patients with relapse prevention, particularly after patients leave substance abuse treatment or an intensive outpatient program.
I have supported hundreds of couples over the past 15+ years who are working through addiction or substance abuse issues and look forward to helping you get your relationship where you want it to be. Poor communication? Broken trust? Endless arguments? I look forward to hearing from you.
Addiction help Therapy / Counseling - Tommy has effectively helped 100s' of clients successfully break free of their addictions & destructive behaviors.
Usually... when no one else can.
Tommy specializes in working with Professionals & Young Adults.
Check out Tommy's complete Bio to see if His Life experiences are the right fit for Your needs...
https://tommy144.com or https://privaterecoverycoach.com
I have been working Chemical Dependency clients and their families since 1983. I support 12-Step Programs and work with clients during and after structured rehab programs.
The truth is addiction does not discriminate. Addiction does not care how amazing or how hurtful your family of origin is. You cannot escape addiction by moving to a different zip code or sitting in a different church pew. Addiction is indifferent to your hopes or dreams.
But your story is not a story about hopelessness; YOUR story is a story about redemption. A story that starts with taking back the power in your life, repairing relationships, and prioritizing your own value. This therapy process is about choosing yourself over previous emotional wounds and trauma. A realization that regardless of your vice, your life is worth more, your influence is worth more, and your life HAS MORE to give.
The cold hard facts are simple. NO ONE wakes up one day and says, “I cannot wait to be addicted to ________.” However, every day someone wakes up and asks themselves, “How am I going to get past my fears, this pain, my lack of self-worth, my feelings of hopelessness?”
The quick answer to that question? We try to escape through distraction. We look for instant gratification, and then we pursue it. At first, it starts with a bump, a sniff, or sip. But before we know it, what began as an attempt at self-medicating ends up in self-destruction.
Let’s make today the day we STOP the hurt and START the journey to healing.
The three (3) most popular reasons why someone would seek the services of a hypnotherapist would be #1 - Smoking Cessation - I have two programs I offer, The first is "quit in one day" One and Done" with two follow up appointments. And that's it. The second Quit Smoking program is to quit at a future date and we work together to prepare you to quit and then on your quit day you just do that ... you quit.
#2 Reason - Weight Loss and Hypnotherapy. The goal here is to help adjust how you view food and eating and eliminate the reasons of emotional eating. Getting passed that and learning new amazing solid nutritional information that helps you stay motivated, organized and gives you proper knowledge. My program is 9 sessions - there is no obligation in this program. I ask at the first session if you are ready to change your way of life in eating, forever? Diet is not a 2 week or 6 month ordeal and then go back to your old habits. We establish new habits to combat those weight causing ones you use to have.
Reason #3 - Anxiety - This is actually a very big issue in our society now more than ever. I have a very unique technique and it is very effective with helping you overcome anxiety and panic attacks. I teach you tools you can use in your own daily life to rid yourself of that uncomfortable sense that anxiety causes. Are you anxious? Where do you feel it? Throat? gut? back? Head? Other?
There are other popular reasons why someone would seek my services - These three are the most popular.
#4 Grief/ Loss
#5 "I'm Stuck and do not know how to get passed my 'xyz" situation and I just want to be successful and happy. Let's find your "impetus" and get you moving.
And so on and so forth
In encountering addictions, therapies focused on breaking old thought patterns and habits, such as dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy represent positive and effective approaches.
I have extensive experience treating individuals struggling with alcohol and other drug use and dependency issues. I’m also experienced in helping individuals overcome compulsive behavior related to video gaming, gambling, and internet porn.