I view Addictions and Compulsions as a way to manage the emotional dysregulation that stems from unresolved trauma and attachment issues. For most it's also a way to maintain a sense of control for those who have struggled with Powerlessness / Helplessness growing up, and/or as adults (in traumatic or toxic situations).
I view Addictions and Compulsions as Attachment or Developmental Disorders and as resilient ways to cope with the pain in our lives.
I use a combination of compassionate, and highly attuned Psychodynamic "Talk Therapy" and Somatic-Based Psychotherapies, along with Psychoeducation, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, EMDR and the EMDR Feeling-State Addiction Protocol (FSAP).
We can work on whatever goals you have (if not currently putting you, or others, in danger of death or severe impending danger.) From managing/ moderating your use, to achieving abstinence, or taking a break from use. I believe Addictions and Compulsions can be broken; they are NOT life sentences with the right care. Some with progressed substance addictions will need to achieve abstinence- at least for a sustained period of time. This is individualized and we will discuss this. (There are many people who can successfully moderate things like alcohol intake.)
I can provide you with that care, and direct you to other additional resources like Acupuncture, Support-Groups (not just 12-Step), Amino Acid Therapies, Neurofeedback, Equine Therapy, Psychiatric Practitioners specializing in Addictions, Nutritionists, and/or Yoga. All, or some of these methods, combined with the right psychotherapy can lead to success! Treatment looks different for each person. It needs to be individualized. I only refer to trusted, compassionate and experienced Providers.
It's also necessary to recover from the underlying causes of addiction. Without this, you will not achieve happiness and stability. You will return to your addiction, or develop a new one. Included in treatment like the FSAP/ EMDR, is the resolution of these underlying causes of addictions/ compulsions. For some people, psychiatric medication will be needed as well, from a qualified practitioner.
Together, collaboratively, we can create a plan, and I will be straight-forward about my recommendations. I will provide you with the compassionate and informed approaches that can lead you to success (however YOU define success). You just need to bring some amount of willingness, honesty and motivation (the more willingness the better!). This I cannot provide for you. However, I can help you move towards the willingness, trust in the plan we create, and the motivation necessary to fully participate in this healing journey. Treatment/ Therapy is a partnership- we must work together. You are the expert; with your help, and my experience, expertise, compassion and honesty, healing is possible.
This is not about fixing anything that is "broken," but rather allowing me to help your body and mind guide you to the core/authentic self that is whole- we all have it. We just may have never felt it, or we lost our way at some point. Again, we are each our own experts in our own healing. I cannot heal you. I can use my skills, show empathy, create an empowering/ safe space, so that you can connect with your authentic, whole self, which is buried within you.