Addictions therapists in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia BC, Canada CA
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Nina Hopmeier
Licensed Professional Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
An addiction involves a constant need to perform a behaviour or consume a substance. Addictive behaviours vary and can include shopping, gambling, hoarding, drugs and alcohol, and exercising. When people engage in addictive behaviours, they often feel as if they are unable to control their actions. They may also feel distressed or anxious if they were to abstain from the behaviour. Due to the perceived inability to control actions, people often feel disempowered and hopeless, which significantly impacts happiness and wellbeing.
In therapy, rather than solely focusing on the detrimental effects of the addiction, we focus on the purpose and function of the addictive behaviour. People frequently engage in addictive behaviours due to experiencing beneficial effects. If the behaviour would fail to be reinforcing, they would have no reason to continue with the addiction. Once clients acknowledge the purpose of the addictive behaviour, they often view their situation through a compassionate, rather than judgmental lens. Gaining insight and self-compassion are essential ingredients for change and growth.
Another fundamental aspect of therapy is gaining insight into the cause of an addiction. Individuals with addictions often engage in dysfunctional behaviours in order to compensate for something that is lacking in their lives.
The addiction may also be linked to past events, such as trauma or abuse. As a result, we explore the underlying cause of the addiction in order to assist with targeting core issues. With the incorporation of multiple treatment models, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness approaches clients also learn to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that accompany the addiction.
Over time they learn that having urges does not mean they have to act on them. Instead, they learn how to replace the urges with adaptive coping styles. As clients gain control over their addiction, they often feel a sense of empowerment and strength, which instils hope for a new and improved future.
13 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Ms. Gorete Rodrigues
Therapist, Certified Counsellor
Unconventional approach with over 90% success rate.
14 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Mr. Paul Bains
Therapist, B.Sc., M.A., RCC
Get the help you need now. Struggling with alcohol, cocaine or other drugs? Is your life out of control and having an impact on your marriage, family life, and work life? Do you feel empty and alone and then start to use substances? Alcohol and drug abuse happens for many reasons, but there is usually a root cause. Call now and get the support you deserve to help you gain happier relationships with loved ones, but especially to get a peaceful relationship with yourself.
31 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Aaron Chin
Licensed Mental Health Counsellor, MA, RCC
When working with addictions or substance abuse, I like to start with some mindfulness around the issue to gain a deeper understanding of the experience, from here there are many options, and I rely of the client's wisdom to guide me.
2 Years Experience
Addictions or Substance Abuse
Jennifer Fukushima
Registered Psychotherapist, registered psychotherapist
Substance use related concerns can arise for many reasons. Often substances helped us to self-soothe in the past when we had no other tools or supports. I support my clients to uncover what is at the root of their relationship to substances and aim to provide them with new tools to cope with emotional challenges. I'm holding that some may choose an abstinence based approach, whereas others may prefer support in harm reduction.
3 Years Experience