Addiction

I've spent years of my career developing recovery program for people who use substances to escape or feel better. We will assess the degree of the issue. We do not require abstinence; we move toward harm reduction using motivational interviewing.

I have treated substance use disorders since 2018, with an internship prior to that. I gained experience working in residential treatment programs for substance use disorders, and have worked at all levels of care to treat clients (residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient, detox, and transitional living). I work with clients to learn more about substances and their impact on living, identify triggers, and to evaluate their relationship with substances. I can also help provide resources.

Since 2010 I have worked with addiction treatment. Much of my experience is working at an all women's treatment facility as a counselor, a program manager, and a director. This includes working with co-occurring disorders that often are part of the puzzle when solving issues of addiction. I have lived experience in this area.

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!

I began doing work in substance use and addictions in graduate school and have continued to this day. I was the Team Lead of the integrative dual-diagnosis harm-reduction oriented Substance Abuse Treatment Program at the Austin Veterans Administration for 20 years. My speciality is in the recovery process for individuals who's substance use/addictive behavior is tied to significant sources of life trauma/hardship (such as minority stress) and/or other mental health conditions.

I believe that without recovery from substances that therapy will always be extremely limited. Therapy is a place on the journey to deciding what one wants to do for recovery. I advocate the use of self-help programs. I have known people who quit alcohol and drugs just from church and many, many more from 12-step programs. I have worked with people who have found great assistance through recovery groups like Refuge Recovery, which is Buddhist philosophy/meditation based.

Have you been trying to cut back on drinking but keep finding yourself back in the same old pattern? Are you tired of feeling sick, out of control, and reliant on alcohol? You don't have to do this alone. By working one on one in therapy, we can identify ways that you can find relief and successfully reduce or abstain from drinking. Having a therapist that's experienced in alcohol abuse will support you in addressing underlying issues that have been keeping you stuck.

I strongly support and have professionally worked with multiple forms of Recovery and most strongly support 12 step recovery principles. Many can struggle with the rigidity of some aspects of this form of recovery. I help others adjust to a new life in recovery using a inclusive, open minded approach. A life created and lived within the steps holds many new challenges and successes, both of which can require support or suggestion over time. I live in recovery myself, and have for 37 years.

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.

When it comes to working with different types of addictions some starting question are: 1. What is the person trying to escape? 2. Where is the emotional pain coming from? 3. What purpose does the addiction serve? 4. What was life like before the addiction? I help people emotionally navigate through these questions and arrive to their own inner-clarity and truth about themselves and the relationship they have with their substance/behavior addictions.

I have a background in treating folks who would like to address problematic use of substances, pursue sobriety or are already in recovery. I also currently work in a rehab facility in addition to my private practice.

In my approach to addiction therapy, I emphasize harm reduction as a compassionate and practical strategy for fostering change. I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop emotional regulation skills and improve interpersonal relationships. Recognizing the interplay between trauma and anxiety, I create a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences and motivations. Additionally, I integrate elements of spiritual healing to support clients in finding hope.

When we put down our addictions we are left with the insecure and vulnerable feelings we were trying to avoid. Though most associate addiction solely with substance, I challenge my clients to expand their concept to include multiple dimensions and spectrums. Phones, relationships, and avoidance are also addictive and vary in intensity. I offer a compassionate space to unpack those experiences and the emotions that have been pushed aside by process and substance addictions.

Are you struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol? Do you have other compulsive behavioral problems, such as overeating, gambling, shopping, sex, or money? As someone in long-term recovery from addiction myself, I know how challenging this struggle can be. But I also know that with proper treatment, you can overcome your addiction and lead a full and satisfying life in long-term recovery.

Treating those in early recovery.

Alcohol and other drugs can be so insidious. The pervasive use in our culture makes it really difficult to know if you're just a "normal" person who has a bottle of wine every night or an alcoholic. Where does it cross the line? I have experience helping clients to find their personal line, and set boundaries with themselves. I will never tell you what to do, but I can help you to reduce the harm that substances are having on your life.

Marie has provided dual diagnosis support to those struggling with addiction along with other mental health concerns. She utilizes many different approaches and will tailor them to your needs. Whether you are looking for a harm reduction approach or wanting to incorporating the 12 step model, Marie is able to support you where you are at.

I have been working with people struggling with addiction since 2016. Together we can look at your addictive behaviors and figure out the core reason why you do what you do. Addiction does not just mean drugs, it comes in all different forms. Examples are: Substances, gambling, sex, video games, social media, shopping, etc. If you are not sure if you are struggling with addiction we can sit down and figure that out.