Psychologist, California Licensed Psychologist (License# PSY17495)
My approach to use of substances or compulsive behaviors (such as gambling, sex, shopping, etc.) is to view them as efforts to find pleasure or more often to avoid pain. My approach then is to understand what they client is trying to accomplish with the addiction, and then to help them find the healthiest ways to fulfil what they are attempting to accomplish. Some of my clients decide to abstain from the substance or behavior, but so too do others explore trying to manage their addiction through approach like risk reduction, controlled use, etc. I don't try to force those I work with to adhere to a particular decision about that but rather to empower them in continually evaluating the consequences of their decisions and to move toward solutions that will be healthiest for them, their loved ones, and their lives in general. Some of my clients find value in participating in 12-step recovery programs, but this is not something I require. I find am very comfortable supporting 12-step programs but so too am I also adept at supporting Rational Recovery, Smart Recovery, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention, Risk Reduction, Trauma Informed Addiction Treatment, and other such approaches.