Addiction

With experience working in corrections, I have a breadth of knowledge to assist clients in understanding cycles of addictions. We will work together to uncover the root of problematic behaviors, to facilitate lasting change.

"Substance use and gambling disorders are complex conditions that affect the reward, reinforcement, motivation, and memory systems of the brain. They are characterized by impaired control over usage; social impairment, involving the disruption of everyday activities and relationships; and craving. Continuing use is typically harmful to relationships as well as to obligations at work or school," (Psychology Today, 2022).

Do you find yourself drinking or using more than you intended? Have you thought about making changes but aren’t sure where to start? I can work with you from a Harm Reduction perspective to get curious about your use without demanding abstinence or any specific outcome for you. You are the expert in your life and you get to set goals you want to achieve. Together, we’ll better understand your relationship with substances, explore motivation for change, and help you reach a place of healing.

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects a large cross-section of the population. Many find themselves feeling hopeless and unsure of how to deal with their experience of substance abuse or addiction. Whether you are just beginning your journey to sobriety, or are simply looking for additional support on your road to recovery, I'm here to help.

I have experience working in residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient substance use treatment centers, where I facilitated both group and individual sessions. Additionally, I have taught addiction courses at multiple universities. Most of the clients I’ve worked with have faced substance use challenges, either in the past or currently.

I specialize in treating addiction by addressing both the psychological and behavioral aspects of substance use. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques, I help clients explore the root causes of their addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build resilience. My goal is to support you in overcoming cravings, breaking harmful patterns, and creating a sustainable recovery plan tailored to your unique needs.

I have five years experience with addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders in both an inpatient and outpatient setting and have guided hundreds of unique individuals in achieving their sobriety goals.

As a trained addictions counselor, I work with people who are experiencing emotional pain and want it to stop. We find that pain in a variety of ways and the suffering feels completely overwhelming. I get it. I overstand. Let's turn and face that something inside of that desperately wants to be healed.

My background is in working in residential and outpatient treatment settings that help individuals and families recover from various addictions and associated difficulties, such as trauma, grief, codependency, and relationship problems. Seeing my clients recover and live their lives in a way that aligns with their own personal values is the greatest privilege of my career. If you are sober-curious or simply want to better understand or moderate your alcohol use- we can do that work together!

I have 27 years' experience working in addictions.

You want to be free and have a life without drugs or alcohol. You want to wake up and not have that be the first thing you think about. You are tired of numbing your pain and memories, but are terrified of what may happen without it. Sometimes addiction is rooted with a traumatic experience, or a lifetime of traumatic experiences. Other times it may be due to something else; but either way it's getting in the way of your goals and dreams. Addiction-Focused EMDR can help!

"The mind is a beautiful master, but a lousy servant." Ultimately the human mind (which we all have and experience) is the root cause of our attachments or addictions in life. How to learn for to peaceful detach to that addiction or attachment is the big question, but everyone has that answer inside them if they are willing to look. Through mindfulness, 12-step teaching, relapse prevention skills, and other therapy modalities, I teach out how to create and use a toolbox of coping skills.

I have experience working in a substance use rehabilitation facility as Aftercare/Outpatient Counselor. I am familiar with the importance of building your recovery support network as well as the causes of addiction. I emphasize accountability when it comes to clients setting and achieving goals. Maintaining long-term sobriety has been a major focus for my practice so far.

I have many years of experience in supporting people in better understanding their relationship with alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors (such as spending money, sex, relationships, gambling, food) so that they can make the changes they want to live a fuller, healthier life. Whether you are considering reducing the amount that you drink, or you are seeking support to achieve and maintain a sober life, I can support you. I believe that there are many paths in recovery, it is all up to you.

I have a Master of Arts Degree in Addiction Studies: Advanced Practice and recently left Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation after seven years for private practice. I am well versed in the treatment of substance misuse on multiple levels of care and in varying stages of change. I am a believer in meeting each client where they are at, as they are the expert on themselves, and helping them show up in their lives the way they want to.

I have worked with many individuals encountering addiction. Using a humanist approach that doesn't further shame the individual.

I've been a Licensed Addiction Counselor since 2009. You've probably read about evidence-based treatment, which is, of course, important, but what I think is just as important, is compassion-based treatment. This is how I show up, in a safe place with no judgment where you can uncover what's at the root of your substance use; then we make a plan to get you where you want to be.