Do You Feel Powerless And Overwhelmed By Your Circumstances?

Can you still feel the effects of your addiction months or even years after you’ve stopped using? Are you worried about the possibility of relapsing? Or that, if you do relapse, you’ll lose relationships that are important to you?  Do you still sometimes feel the urge to use when going through significant stress?  Perhaps you continue to struggle every day to avoid going back to using and worry about a time when you aren’t strong enough to resist. Do you wish you could find a way to escape that led you to your addiction in the first place?

The use of alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, spending or work to manage or cope with your emotions has prevented you from recognizing and addressing the real feelings, disappointments and circumstances in your life.  Even though not using your drug of choice is a victory, what follows is often an avalanche of feelings and life circumstances that you are not prepared to face without the perceived “support” of your addiction. You may become overwhelmed by the events and challenges you face after quitting, uncertain about what you can do and what steps you can take to feel more empowered and satisfied in your life.

Many Individuals Struggle as They Go Through Addiction Recovery

Many individuals face challenges both when they stop using and start a recovery process. Recovering addicts often feel stuck or trapped and question their ability to be successful in their recovery, fearing they will use again.  Others secretly use, willing but unable to break that cycle. Our work together can help you understand why you are struggling and find a path toward wholeness and the ability to move forward. We learn how to survive as children, and when there is pain, addiction, neglect or abuse in the family, it can influence our choices as adults. Alternately, many children grow up in caring environments but never truly feel understood or seen for who they really are. You may feel a sense of shame and emptiness which keeps you from reaching out and, in the end, you struggle alone.

The good news, however, is that with the help of an experienced therapist you can learn to deal with your emotions and stress. With a caring support system in place you can be more available and successful in your recovery and begin to live a healthier, more peaceful life.

Addiction Recovery Counseling Can Help You Feel Good About Your Life

There are no quick fixes in addiction recovery, and lasting change takes commitment, willingness and effort. It can take time to recognize and break down the underlying issues behind your current struggles. In many cases, addiction is a survival technique to cope with an internal sense of emptiness and not having learned how to cope differently. I emphasize a collaborative, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel safe as you begin to explore and trust yourself.

In our first meetings, we will focus on your history by identifying patterns you developed as a child and recognizing how they impacted you then and continue to affect you now. Some of the patterns you used to deal with or not deal with issues and feelings never provided a real solution. In our sessions we will work to understand where difficult thoughts, behaviors and feelings stem from.  Over time, you can learn to create new ways to deal with your feelings, relationships and challenges based on healing the past and discovering new patterns that will help you live a more satisfying life now and in the future.

You may automatically go back to old solutions in times of stress, depression or boredom. As an experienced addiction recovery therapist, I can help you break down those familiar responses. You can learn to replace them with healthier alternatives like writing or journaling, surrounding yourself with positive people and a variety of other stress management tools.

I have worked with people in recovery for over 30 years and many of my clients have benefited from our time together. I offer a variety of tools to help people deal with their emotions and the recovery process, but there is no replacement for a healthy support system. Many of my clients have found support groups to be an invaluable resource, whether it is through Alcoholics Anonymous, the use of other 12-step programs or attending support groups hosted by their church. With an experienced therapist and a tailor-made approach, you can learn to make healthy choices, finally feel good about who you are and find a peaceful path forward.

But You May Still Have Questions About Addiction Recovery Counseling…

Isn’t most therapy expensive? I’m not sure it’s worth it…

Therapy is an investment in yourself, and effective treatment today can help prevent hefty medical expenses or other costly issues stemming from addiction in the future. In many cases therapy actually ends up costing less than it would to support an addiction, and the benefits can last you the rest of your life.

I do not currently take insurance or credit cards (I accept cash or check), but I do provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance.

I don’t have time for therapy.

I understand that your schedule may limit your availability, which is why I offer flexible scheduling (including Sunday afternoons). I am invested in your recovery and growth, but you will have to invest in yourself as well. Addiction recovery counseling is your chance to break free from negative patterns of behavior and to avoid having to go through your challenges alone. Everyone needs a support system. When you commit to recovery therapy, you gain an ally who will spend enough time with you to truly know your feelings and concerns.

I’ve tried addiction recovery therapy before and it didn’t help.
How will this time be different?

You are not the same person you were when you last tried to recover from your addiction. Additionally, the therapists you have seen may not use the same approach I do. When you are recovering from an addiction, you are rebuilding patterns of thought and behavior. This is a collaborative process, and I tailor solutions and techniques to meet your specific needs. Our sessions will include a lot of back and forth conversation and collaboration as we work together to help empower you to live your life differently.

The most important step you can take is to get started. If you are hesitant, we can both commit to just six sessions. While nothing will change completely in this time, you may start to notice you are feeling different.

You Can Have a More Stable and Peaceful Life

If you are ready to commit to your recovery, or if you have any questions about how we might work together, I am available at (909) 815-0762.