Support
Alcohol & Other Drug Counselling
As a counsellor with professional training and lived experience, I understand the deep complexities of addiction, substance use, and behavioral patterns that can feel hard to shift.
I offer compassionate, non-judgmental support to help you make sense of where you are — and move toward where you want to be.
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re exploring harm reduction, gaining clarity, or committing to full abstinence, we’ll work together to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals, values, and pace.
I integrate evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support you emotionally and practically.
Our work will focus on managing cravings, preventing relapse, and building long-term, sustainable coping strategies you can use every day.
What we can work on together
- Alcohol and other drug use and dependence
- Gambling
- Assessment
- Managing cravings
- Relapse prevention
- Harm reduction, or full abstinence
- Coping strategies you can use every day
Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness
- Motivational interviewing
What is the difference between addiction and dependence?
Dependence is when your body physically adapts to a medication, so stopping abruptly causes withdrawal symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or shaking. It means the brain has adapted to the drug. This occurs even with prescribed use and usually doesn’t involve cravings or compulsive behavior.
Addiction is a behavioral disorder, marked often by cravings and compulsive use despite negative consequences. It involves loss of control and using the substance even when it’s harmful, and may include physical dependence.
This distinction is recognized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
I feel ashamed and stuck — like I’ve tried everything. Can you still help?
Yes. Shame and burnout are common parts of the recovery journey. We’ll start exactly where you are, without pressure or judgment. There is always a path forward — gently, and together.
What if my family doesn’t understand what I’m going through?
That’s incredibly painful, and it’s more common than you might think. I can support you in setting boundaries and building emotional resilience.