Addiction Counseling

I've worked in substance use treatment in various forms since 2007. I initially trained as a substance use counselor and worked with adolescents in residential treatment in Utah. I was also a clinical trials coordinator at the SLV VA supporting trials for medications to treat substance use. Over the past 7 years focused on working primarily with LGBTQIA+ folks who are experiencing substance use issues, working to understand their relationship to substance use, and those with sex/drug fusion.

With specialized training in addiction counseling, I can offer clients a space to explore how substances play a role in their life. I have found that though each client is different in how they address the changes they want to make in their substance use, exploring the most meaningful relationships, goals, and hopes with clients has been transformational for them. Meeting clients where they are at and embracing what works for each client is of utmost importance in the services I provide.

CADC, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with Mental Illness Specialty, PCGC, Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor Contextual Behavioral Fellowship, University of Chicago 10/2020 - 5/2021 Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, Relational Frame Theory, (ACT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

So called “experts” on “sexual addiction” erroneously take clients with paraphilic disorders into treatment. These paraphilic disorders, such as voyeuristic, exhibitionistic, frotteuristic , masochism, pedophilic, fetishistic, and nonconsensual behavior disorders are wrongly placed in “sexual addiction” treatment under the excuse that these behaviors often include sexual obsession. The “sex addiction” “expert” is then unable to adequately treat these, by definition, deviant behaviors.

Addiction counseling is an approach to challenge the physical, emotional, and mental struggles of the disease in order to live a full life in recovery. I utilize an eclectic approach for addiction counseling involving motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, and 12 - steps to help the individuals modify behaviors for recovery, how to cope with addictive thinking and behaviors, and develop intimate connection in relationships while in sobriety.

I provide substance use counseling that is free from judgement. If you are questioning the role that substances are playing in your life, it may be time to speak to someone. I approach substance use counseling from a harm reduction approach. I will support you in increasing the quality of your life, while you make choices that are best for you.

I have 6 years experience specifically working with people with severe drug and alcohol addition. Severe and chronic addition is not my main focus any longer but I continue to work with people that may be interested in exploring their substance use and making changes to these patterns.

While working at the Meadows Ranch-Eating disorder treatment center, I was able to create and facilitate a codependency group and a substance misuse group. This is something that I continue to study while working towards acquiring more and more knowledge to help my clients. I believe it's very important to be aware of addictions in all areas of life, and how they are affecting us and others in our lives..

Addictions counseling is a process of building nets of support around you while you shift your harmful coping mechanisms into ways of living that are sustainable. This process includes education, inner work, support system building, and a willingness to keep moving forward honestly. It is not a solo adventure.

I have been working in the addiction field for over 10 years in inpatient and outpatient centers.

I'm in expert in this area because I completed professional training over 30 years ago and have frequently used it in my practice to help numerous people.

I'm in expert in this area because I completed professional training over 30 years ago and have frequently used it in my practice to help numerous people.

I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and utilize a wellness approach to recovery.

Whether you want to stop using, or you just want to talk about your use and perhaps modify it to a healthier level of use, we can do that together. I also support friends and families who care about a loved one who is struggling with their drug use. I integrate harm reduction work into my therapy so that everyone stays safe, and I left you be the guide on what is best for you.

My approach to addiction counseling is adjusting therapy to meet the needs of people suffering from addictions because no two people are alike. I mix several techniques using neurosciences, relapse prevention, brain associations and psychotherapy to autopsy patterns of relapse/lapse that have become problematic to evoke lifestyle changes. I also draw off personal addiction experiences as well as the freedom, peace, and integrity I've experienced in my own recovery-based lifestyle.

Want a new life? Engaging in recovery is one of the most life-changing endeavors you could ever initiate. I know it. I get it. I can help.

I have worked with individuals struggling with addiction throughout my career. I am trained in motivational interviewing and am well versed in the 12 step recovery fellowships. I have also found brief strategic therapy to be a helpful tool in addressing addictions. Additionally understanding the root struggles that lead to addictions is essential to treating addictions.