addiction Counselling

addiction Counselling

We’ve all been through moments of feeling like we need “something” to feel better.

Addiction is a complex disorder that takes over the three key elements to a person’s well being: mind, body & spirit. And in most cases, addiction is used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for trauma, intense stress, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, etc.

For the individual struggling with the addiction there is an intense need to escape and avoid difficult experiences and painful emotions – often powerless over the addictive process.

There are two categories of addiction that can takeover a person’s life:

  • Process Addiction, i.e., gambling, sex, shopping, etc.

  • Substance Addiction, i.e., alcohol, cocaine, opiates, etc.

Some of the ways to identify if you have an addiction are if you continue to engage in the addictive behaviour despite negative consequences, withdrawal symptoms, urge based response to triggers, people in your life voice concerns, etc.

For the individual struggling with the addiction there is an intense need to escape and avoid difficult experiences and painful emotions. They often experience feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness over the addictive process.

It is also very difficult for people supporting an individual with an addiction. It is hard to know how to help, where to begin or when helping is hurting (enabling), navigating difficult decisions and understanding the addiction.

Rivers Edge counsellors can help you or your loved one understand and overcome their addiction. Addiction counselling sessions are available, one-on-one.

Addiction Counselling Can Help:

  • Identifying and manage triggers

  • Stabilize and understand the process of addiction

  • Learn to manage emotions and replace unhealthy responses with healthy ones

  • Support with multi-level and community based intervention

  • Help rediscover the person’s identity and sense of self

  • Work through the stages of change

  • Regain a sense of personal power and control

  • Learn more about your addiction

Addiction Counselling Can Help Loved Ones:

  • Understand how they can help the addict in their life – caregiver support

  • Understand of recovery process of an addict

  • Develop healthy boundaries

Other Helpful Resources

 

resources for Addiction Therapy

To start counselling now:

River’s Edge Addiction Counselling Therapists

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Nicholas Renaud
With 7 years of experience working with addictions and concurrent mental health disorders, I help individuals and their families overcome challenging issues related to internet, gaming, and substance addiction... read more
Using evidence-based and harm-reduction approaches, treatment aims to build skills and strategies to help clients regain control in their lives, reduce the problematic effects of these issues, and build a positive future. Nicholas's Full Bio

Renée Dangerfield-Allen
You are more than your behaviour and therapy should therefore focus on more than a set of behaviours in order to help you maintain the changes you desire. Addiction does not happen in a vacuum and therapy can help you sort out why you may return to old ways of coping despite your desire to change. ..read more
...I believe that addiction is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual issue and that approaching it in a holistic way supports the best possible outcomes. I have been actively engaged in learning about and treating addiction for the past 30 years, including specialized training in England, working as an addictions counsellor with Alberta Health Services, and most recently, four years of intensive research during my clinical master’s degree. Renée's Full Bio

Robin Klasson
Addictions touch many lives. Whether it is you or a loved one who engages in problematic behaviours such as gambling or alcohol and substance use, you are not alone and there is help available... read more
...I often support a harm reduction model when working with people who struggle with addictions but also enjoy and fully support the 12 step abstinence program for people who find that route and community more aligned with their recovery. Addressing ambivalence to change is an essential part of the process and I encourage clients to be leaders in their own treatment planing. Robin's Full Bio

Roger Thiessen
Gabor Maté says that if we want to treat the addiction, we must treat the trauma. ...read more
...Trauma often leaves a sense of emptiness that we try to fill with substances and/or repetitive behaviours. I use a trauma-informed approach to addressing these destructive patterns. Roger's Full Bio

Shedean Jones
In working with clients facing addiction, my approach is rooted in understanding the complex interplay between emotional, psychological, and physical factors. I aim to meet clients where they are at, whether it be to completely abstain or to take a harm reduction approach. ...read more
...I help clients develop coping skills, manage cravings, and regulate emotions. Therapy sessions focus on identifying and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addictive behaviours, such as trauma, stress, or mental health challenges. My goal is to empower clients with the tools they need to break the cycle of addiction, fostering long-term resilience and well-being. Shedean's Full Bio

Resources for Addiction

Featured
Wellness Matters Webinar - The Process of Addiction
Wellness Matters Webinar - The Process of Addiction

Learn about the Process of Addiction and how it can impact major life areas. Understand the continuum of use from non-use to abuse, and decide when to seek support. This talk explores why casual substance use can sometimes lead to addiction.

Wellness Matters Webinar — Understanding and Managing Screen Time and Concerns
Wellness Matters Webinar — Understanding and Managing Screen Time and Concerns

From smart phones and social media, to video game consoles and even online classes, technology has become an often inescapable necessity in our lives. But has the proliferation of devices in our homes, schools, and workplaces become problematic? Is our increased dependence on technology changing our brains and the brains of our children? This presentation explores the compelling nature of digital technologies, how to reduce the risks of their potential negative impacts, as well as what to do when screen use becomes problematic.

Maintaining Recovery During a Time of Isolation
Maintaining Recovery During a Time of Isolation

Recovery is about support, support, and more support. so, with community gatherings and centres shut down, it can be a stressful time to try and find ways to maintain your recovery. With loneliness, boredom, and stress being top triggers for relapse, it is essential to make sure you are keeping up with new and old recovery tools. During this talk, Britni discusses creative ways to help you through a lonely and stressful time.

the right fit

At River’s Edge Counselling Centre, we work with each new client to ensure they are matched to the right therapist. See how we do it: