Addiction Counseling

I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado and have five years of experience working with clients struggle with substance abuse. Each of my license requires 40 hours of addiction classes/training on top of my Master's degree focused on understanding the experience and treatment of addiction. I am passionate about using my expertise to see and understand clients experience without increasing shame.

As a person in recovery Alan has real-world experience with the disease of addiction. This experience has been the catalyst for becoming a therapist. Alan, during his master's program for his social work degree, also obtained a Master certificate in addictions. Lastly, Alan is a licensed clinical addiction specialist in NC. Alan has the knowledge and apathy to help you.

Addiction is my primary specialization. I approach treatment from a biopsychosocial model - that there are likely biological factors (like physical dependence), psychological factors (like poor coping habits and other mental health concerns), and social factors (either isolation or being surrounded by others who are also using substances) that hold the addictive behavior in place. We'll work together to unravel all these factors and help move you forward.

CADC, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with Mental Illness Specialty, PCGC, Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor Contextual Behavioral Fellowship, University of Chicago 10/2020 - 5/2021 Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, Relational Frame Theory, (ACT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Each person's road to recovery is a unique path. Some to abstinence while others are about reducing problem substances/behaviors. I have experience with all levels of substance use treatment and a working knowledge of self-help approaches including 12-step work.

Addictions counseling is a process of building nets of support around you while you shift your harmful coping mechanisms into ways of living that are sustainable. This process includes education, inner work, support system building, and a willingness to keep moving forward honestly. It is not a solo adventure.

As a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist as well as someone who has been in recovery for almost 16 years, I know what it's like to be in your shoes. I have helped hundreds achieve and maintain their sobriety with a 12-step approach that combines my clinical experience and training.

I use an integrated approach to addiction counseling that is person-centered in terms of foundation, but also heavy on direction and accountability. As far as orientation, I favor 12-Step Facilitation and Motivational Interviewing to help a client stay sober, grounded, and in recovery.

Working with active addicts and recovery addicts, I have found the most beautiful souls that have found solace in a substance that went from solace to chaos. I'm here to help you unravel the nasty web that substances leashed, address core issues that initiated the use and work towards relapse prevention and abstinence maintenance. One moment at a time, one step at a time.

Are you struggling with cutting down or quitting alcohol or marijuana? Addiction Counseling can help. I use Mindfulness, Cognitive and a Trauma-focused approach called EMDR to help you get to the bottom of what's been going on for you. Having a Therapist that has personal experience with addiction and treating addiction will help you to receive the support that you need in order to reach your goals. Call me for a free 15 minute consultation. I can't wait to hear from you!

Addictions (substances or behaviors) are all defenses based in physical and/or psychological pain reduction. If we can eliminate the cause of the pain, the need for the addiction can go as well. While this may sound simple, that doesn’t mean it’s easy or painless to do. We will address the pains that lead you to your addiction and work through the obstacles to abstinence and sobriety, if that is what you want, whether you choose to do so via a 12-step program or without it.

I have been working in the addiction field for over 10 years in inpatient and outpatient centers.

The biggest problem in your life is what you drink, smoke, snort or inject into yourself. To bad for you that it the least of your problems. Drugs and alcohol is like a turning off the light in a dirty storage room that needs to be clean. When you decide to turn on the light by stop using drugs you still have to do the hard work of clean out your storage. I would like to be right beside you doing the heaving lifting.

Through expertise in both private practice and community mental health settings as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), I've learned that loss of control, surrender of the will to a craving doesn’t have to lead to prolonged suffering. I have helped many renew a sense of “self”, repurposed life.

I can help you conquer your demons. I can help you break the cycle. Tell me your story. I’ll create a safe, judgment-free space for you so that you can share your story without fear. Together, we’ll customize a success plan just for you. We’ll master practical skills so you can break the cycle, identify and combat triggers, develop healthy coping skills, and build the confidence you need to succeed.