THERAPY FOR
Addiction & Other
Self-Destructive Patterns
The most notorious type of addiction relates to the use of drugs and alcohol, but this beast comes in many forms.
Behavioral addictions such as compulsive gambling, gaming, eating, shopping, sex, toxic relationship cycles, and the use of social media or pornography are all underwritten by the same fundamental principles and brain patterns as drug or alcohol addiction.
In truth, addiction can occur with pretty much anything we do, as it all comes down to "hijacking" the reward system in the brain. And while behavioral addictions are not always as life-threatening as alcoholism or drug addiction, they can leave us feeling just as sick, defeated, and hopeless.
Why do we put ourselves through this?
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Why can’t I control my drinking after multiple DUIs?
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Why can’t I take my medication only as prescribed?
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Why can’t I stay out of that toxic relationship when I know it only leads to tears?
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Why can’t I control my spending, despite already being in debt and knowing that the pleasure I get from a new purchase is so fleeting?
If you’ve wrestled with addiction, you know it’s just not that easy. If you could simply stop or learn to control the behavior, you would have done so by now. All addictions are characterized by this brand of insanity:
The inability to stop or control the behavior, despite a desire to do so.
Here's the good news:
You are not your addiction.
If you feel like your behavior when consumed by addiction or stuck in self-destructive patterns isn't representative of who you truly are, you're right.
These patterns don't develop overnight. They build over time through layers of uncomfortable feelings and coping mechanisms run rampant. Addiction develops through our attempts to cope with the discomfort of being human. And of course this is to say nothing of the impact of genetics and deeply wounding or traumatic experiences.
If you end up in the addictive cycle, it can eventually claim your entire sense of self. But you are not these behaviors. They've simply come to control you by hijacking your brain and body.
Beneath this cycle, you still reside.​​
It's time to take the hero's journey and reclaim your true self.
When it comes to recovery, it's said that our option is not between working a program or not working a program. The choice we make is to work a conscious program rather than an unconscious program. We either continue with the unconscious programming of addiction and all the mental habits that feed into it, or we develop an intentional program that supports our goals for moving forward.
Whether this is your first time exploring an addictive cycle or you've been on this journey for a while, individual therapy can be a key component in some people's recovery program.
The stigma and shame often associated with addiction and other self-destructive patterns can make seeking support a scary prospect, but it doesn't have to be.
In therapy, you'll find a safe space to:
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Process feelings of guilt and shame
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Gain insight into personal triggers and how the addictive cycle relates to your experience
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Develop a customized, conscious recovery program that honors your individual experience and personal needs
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Enhance coping skills to more effectively respond to life's challenges
If you have a history of relapsing despite your best efforts, we'll also explore:
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What's worked well for you so far in recovery
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The feelings and situations that tend to throw you off-course
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Mental health concerns that could be interfering with your long-term recovery
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Other behaviors that could be keeping the addictive cycle active in the brain
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Your Personal Chaos Index to help track the warning signs that relapse could be on the horizon
Ready to take the
next step
?
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THERAPY FOR ADDICTION AND OTHER SELF-DESTRUCTIVE PATTERNS
I noticed you offer a free 15-minute consultation. Is this required to start therapy?
Do I have to attend AA meetings or work the 12 Steps?
What if I continue my substance use while seeking therapy?
Do you provide court-ordered treatment / communication with the courts as needed?
Still have questions?