Addiction

Alcoholism, Gambling and Adult Children of Alcholics

We don't talk enough about unwanted behaviors, their root and their protective factors. I address any unwanted behavior, but I do specialize in alcohol use, as the opportunity for harm reduction has, sadly, not been fervently explored in our 'treatment' methods for this dis-ease. I'm well versed in multiple modalities and firmly adhere to choice being a primary factor in any recovery journey. A journey that must start with the individual, where they are at and what works for them!

I have spent over 30 years working voluntarily with individuals who struggle with issues of addiction and I have spent the last 2 years working with individuals clinically at an intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment program. I know the 12 steps are not the answer for everyone and my experiences can help you figure out the best options to beat your addiction. I know how hard it is to stop or even seek help. Together, we can free you from the bondage of addiction.

Full substance use disorder recovery is possible. I believe that people inherently possess the wisdom and strength to make powerful changes in their lives and that everyone deserves a life that is free of substance obsessions. I also believe that the treatment must rest on working through underlying emotional issues, coupled with skill building for everyday situations. This work can be difficult and time consuming and I am honored to assist my patients in each and every one of their journeys.

I offer a compassionate yet practical approach to reducing or eliminating your alcohol use. I believe alcohol is one of the most damaging drugs around & if you want to stop or reduce your intake, then you are one of the smart ones! It is crazy to me that oftentimes people are judged as "having a problem" or being "abnormal" if they don't drink. If you are ready to stop or reduce alcohol, you are in the right place and I look forward to helping you finally become free of the chains of alcohol.

"Addiction is giving up everything for one thing, Recovery is giving up one thing for everything. " We do recovery with consistency, ownership, support, asking for help and doing what is suggested. Staying in the moment and focusing on Just for today are skills needed for recovery.

Welcoming people in all stages of alcohol misuse and addiction recovery, I support healthy inquiry into your relationship to alcohol. Parts of this process inevitably include releasing shame about unhealthy use, finding compassionate insight in order to make changes that will ultimately help deeper healing of the root of this behavioral pattern. I welcome harm reduction and abstinence goals as well as encourage finding a path that works best for you while supporting self honesty and awareness.

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.

My background is in working in residential and outpatient treatment settings that help individuals and families recover from various addictions and associated difficulties, such as trauma, grief, codependency, and relationship problems. Seeing my clients recover and live their lives in a way that aligns with their own personal values is the greatest privilege of my career. If you are sober-curious or simply want to better understand or moderate your alcohol use- we can do that work together!

Provided medication management and psychotherapy in a Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) for substance and behavioral addictions.

I have 27 years' experience working in addictions.

Part of my work includes being a Care Manager at Exodus Recovery in Los Angeles. This includes working one-on-one with folks in recovery as well as facilitating groups.

I have over 6 years of experience working with clients struggling with different addictions ranging from substance abuse to shopping and eating. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings helping individuals by using harm reduction and abstinence models in treatment to overcome challenges in addiction. I use strength based and motivational interviewing interventions to help you.

My approach as a therapist for addiction treatment is holistic and integrative, offering alternatives to the traditional 12-step approach. I recognize that not everyone responds to a one-size-fits-all method, so I provide a diverse range of therapies aimed at supporting addiction recovery. These therapies include both conventional approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as holistic interventions. My goal is to empower individuals.

I have five years experience with addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders in both an inpatient and outpatient setting and have guided hundreds of unique individuals in achieving their sobriety goals.

I can help you explore the roots of your addictions and help you find tools to reduce your dependence on things that no longer serve who you are becoming. I am comfortable and experienced in working within 12-step and harm-reduction frameworks.