ADDICTION

When working with addiction, we recognize that clients may be at various stages of readiness to change. This often ranges from being disinterested in making a change, curious but uncertain about the process, trying to make some changes but still uncertain, actively engaging in lifestyle changes, and maintaining change-related behaviours. That’s why we feel it’s especially important to adopt a collaborative, client-centred approach to therapy, meaning we work with each individual’s goals and readiness to change. We meet you where you’re at. We’re happy to work from a harm-reduction model (i.e. cutting down on addiction-related habits) and/or an abstinence-based approach (i.e. stopping altogether) depending on what you feel is right for you. It’s up to you.

We provide Motivational Interviewing if you’re wanting to explore your options and need help getting motivated to make a meaningful life change. Other specific treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (therapy through relationship), moderation management, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to treat trauma- and stress-related concerns. Our approach is evidence-based and trauma-informed and may involve deeper trauma treatment in time once the client is more stabilized in their recovery. We offer therapy for all forms of addiction, including substances and process addictions (e.g. food, sex, shopping, gambling, gaming etc.)

Click here to learn more about our approach to trauma treatment.

Therapy often involves educating clients on the neurophysiological effects of addiction and associated processes of craving, tolerance, and dependence to develop greater self-compassion and understanding about their experiences from a scientific perspective. Practices can be aimed at increasing self-awareness about addictive tendencies and underlying concerns, and developing alternative skills to affect a shift. Relapse-prevention skills are emphasized in early stages of recovery. We are skills-based and outcome-oriented, meaning we hope you leave the very first session with a new skill to try. We believe that helping you develop a toolbox of skills can foster quicker recovery times and greater freedom from long-term therapy.

Having started her career in front-line settings, Anna Marson, MA, RP, CCC, Chief Psychotherapist at Heartfulness Psychotherapy, has specialized experience working with addictions and concurrent mental health concerns. She has trained with the renowned practitioners, authors, and public figures Sat Dharam Kaur, ND, and Dr. Gabor Mate, MD, in the Beyond Addiction program, which draws on Compassionate Inquiry and Kundalini yoga. Please let us know if you’re particularly interested in these approaches.

It’s important to note that privatized therapy isn’t well-suited for all stages of addiction. Individuals suffering with severe addictions are strongly recommended to seek more intensive in-patient support with specialists in withdrawal management as an initial step. Privatized therapy is better indicated for those who are in less debilitating stages of addiction and require less intensive care, as sessions are likely to be offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, thus requiring some degree of client independence.

We’re happy to offer free phone consultations to help you get a better idea of what to expect. Call us now. We can help. Recovery is possible!

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