Therapy for Addiction

I offer therapy in my office, online or over the phone to help with addiction. By joining the threads of our mutual wisdom in psychotherapy, shared in a compassionate supportive way, deep positive growth is possible. Everyone has a range of normal, healthy emotions.

Ups and downs are a part of life, but sometimes people need help navigating through the tough times. This is where psychotherapy and addiction counseling is the most useful.

By blending my psychological training and my medical background into a holistic approach, I’m able to facilitate positive lifestyle changes by creating safe, nurturing situations in which many aspects of mind, body, and spirit can be addressed at once.

After earning a Doctorate in Naturopathy, I went back to get a Masters in Psychology so I could assist my clients in healing in a more holistic way. I am currently a Ph.D Candidate at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.

The wisdom that we seek is already within us. All that is needed is the process of uncovering it.

Therapy is a collaborative experience

My approach to psychotherapy is best described as eclectic. This means that I draw from a range of psychological/behavioral theories, tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each individual client. I believe that every theory has something about it that can be used in a psychotherapeutic setting. That being said, the theories I draw from primarily include the following:

• Transpersonal Psychology. Transpersonal theory proposes that there are developmental stages beyond the adult ego, which involve experiences of connectedness with phenomena considered outside the boundaries of the ego. In healthy individuals, these developmental stages can engender the highest human qualities, including altruism, creativity, and intuitive wisdom.
• Contemplative Therapy. Contemplative psychotherapy is a blend of classical psychology and Buddhist psychology. It does not require an interest in Buddhism or meditation. Emphasis is placed on present moment experiences rather than relying on past experiences alone. It is a “here and now” therapy that cultivates mindfulness and awareness.
• Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. This approach is useful when we need tools and strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns and behaviors. Cognitive therapy includes looking at our internal dialogue, seeing where thought patterns may be self-defeating, and shifting these patterns to more optimal and self-nurturing ways of thinking.
• Psychodynamic Therapy. This theory looks at how early experiences affect current feelings about oneself and current relationships. When repetitive thoughts and behavioral patterns do not facilitate growth and joy, it can be useful to explore early life experiences.
• Experiential Humanistic Therapy. Experiential Humanistic Therapy (sometimes called “humanistic experiential”) sees psychological illness as a result of the alienation, lack of genuine meaning, and loneliness of the modern world. The therapist acts mostly as a guide, letting you be primarily responsible for directing the therapy.
• Naturopathic Therapy. This approach to therapy is neurobiologically based in that it emphasizes the body’s potential to heal and focuses on prevention and balance. Practitioners explore complementary and alternative options including botanical supplements, nutritional counseling, and treating environmental toxicities; tangible and emotional.

Living and loving with more awareness

Underlying my philosophy is the belief that a fully realized life is constantly renewed in the struggle to balance and integrate many dimensions: body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Sometimes we reach an impasse, and need to reach out for help. A caring relationship is the most effective catalyst for change. That relationship may be with a trusted friend, mentor, spiritual advisor, or therapist.

I believe that we all have a unique inner healer that is the source of our growth, and that it cannot be forced, or “figured out” rationally. It comes alive in the moments when we surrender control over how we think we should be, contact what we are truly meant to be, and then act from that intuitive place of knowing.

I have a special interest in combining psychology with the traditions of mindfulness. I have found, in my life and that of my clients, that non-judgmental mindful awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. When we fully accept what is, that is when change is most likely to occur.