Compassionate Support for Substance Abuse & Behavioural Addictions
"I never thought I'd be the kind of person who needed addiction therapy." That's what Alex told me during our first session at my Toronto practice. They'd been managing their career in the financial district while hiding a growing dependence on alcohol that started as a way to cope with the city's relentless pressure. Addiction doesn't discriminate, and in Toronto's high-stress environment, it often develops as a misguided attempt to manage anxiety, depression, or overwhelming responsibilities. You're not broken—you're human.
Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite harmful consequences. It affects the brain's reward, motivation, and memory functions, making it difficult to stop without professional support.
Signs of addiction may include:
Comprehensive therapy for alcohol and drug addiction using motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural approaches.
Treatment for gambling, gaming, shopping, and other behavioural addictions that interfere with daily life.
Developing personalized strategies and coping skills to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
Integrated treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Addressing how addiction affects relationships and helping rebuild trust and communication.
Practical strategies to reduce risks associated with substance use for those not ready for complete abstinence.
MI helps you explore and resolve ambivalence about change. This collaborative approach strengthens your own motivation and commitment to recovery without judgment or confrontation.
CBT helps identify and change thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to addictive behaviours. You'll learn coping strategies and skills to manage triggers and cravings.
ACT focuses on accepting difficult emotions and urges while committing to actions aligned with your values, rather than using substances or behaviours to avoid discomfort.
Combining mindfulness meditation with relapse prevention strategies to increase awareness of triggers and develop healthier responses to cravings and stress.
Our addiction therapy services are available throughout Toronto and surrounding areas:
A safe, accepting environment where you can explore your relationship with substances or behaviours without shame.
Therapy tailored to your specific addiction, circumstances, and recovery goals.
Proven therapeutic approaches that have shown effectiveness in addiction treatment and recovery.
Support for various paths to recovery, whether your goal is abstinence, moderation, or harm reduction.
Understanding of how addiction intersects with mental health conditions and trauma.
Complete confidentiality and privacy protection, with flexible scheduling options including virtual sessions.
We begin by understanding your relationship with substances or behaviours, previous attempts at change, and what recovery means to you. Together, we set realistic, achievable goals.
Using motivational interviewing techniques, we explore your reasons for change and strengthen your commitment to recovery while addressing any ambivalence.
Learning practical coping strategies, stress management techniques, and alternative ways to meet the needs that addiction was serving.
Developing a comprehensive plan to identify triggers, warning signs, and strategies for maintaining recovery or getting back on track after setbacks.
Ongoing support for maintaining recovery, addressing challenges, and building a fulfilling life in recovery.
Recovery is possible, and you don't have to do it alone. Professional support can help you understand your addiction and develop effective strategies for lasting change.
Confidential addiction therapy | Evening appointments available