Much of the work that I do is addiction related. Addiction work is a passion of mine and I have both a personal and professional connection to it. Typically I treat the individual struggling with addictions, but alternatively I can treat family, friends or loved ones who have someone dear to them struggling with addiction.
While most of my addiction work focuses on treating people with drug and alcohol problems, I’ve also worked with many people who want to break free of caffeine, nicotine, pornography, screen time, etc. Generally my philosophy is that all addictions are the same, because it’s not the particular substance or behavior thats the problem, it’s the persons relationship with the substance that’s the problem. It’s said that if you break apart the word alcoholism..”alcohol comes in a bottle” the “ism” is in the person.
I believe that people have three types of relationships with substances: SOCIAL- People have full control over and a take it or leave it relationship with substances. These people often don’t want or need treatment for their relationships with substances. HEAVY USE- People have a strong bond to substances and substances inform some of their life decision and they plan activities around them. However, these folks are able to reel it in or stop if negative consequences begin to occur (vocational, legal, relationship, financial, etc.) ADDICTION- These are people who look very similar to the HEAVY USE category above, but continue to use substances despite the consequences. While they’re responsible for their behavior, once they start using, they can’t predict when they’ll be able to stop.
When beginning to work with someone who has concerns about their relationship with substances, I do a very thorough holistic assessment to figure out: What predispositions towards addiction exist? What do substances do for this person? Why have they chosen this particular substance? What is their motivation to change and what stage of change are they in? What ambivalence do they have to giving up the substance? What obstacles might stand in the way of getting sober? What type of supports do they need in their life for support their recovery?
I then formulate a treatment plan with my patient that makes sure to address all of the problem areas with holistic solutions. I work with people where they’re at and determine what stage of change they’re presently at and help them to move to the next stage (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.) Our work focuses on helping the patient to set a quit date if they haven’t done so already. We then determine what frequency of therapy makes sense and consider what additional supports would be useful if any (outpatient group, AA meeting, sober living.)
The work that I do with them involves me telling them the truth as I see it and helping them to see and speak the truth. I try to help people sit with their feelings and tolerate them without needing to reach for a substance or act out in some other way. I work on activating energetic shifts within people through talking, suggesting exercise and may suggest other modalities like meditation, massage, chiropractic, accupuncture or homeopathy, all of which move energy and help to bring about the energetic shift that’s necessary for a full recovery.
I believe that addiction is a treatable disease that people are able to recover from. While the damage done can be severe, the recovery can be full. The changes I’ve seen in so many people through the years, make the difficult work rewarding. I’m a firm believer that addiction treatment works.
Addiction psychotherapy is $375 per 45 minute session and occurs once weekly, occasionally twice weekly. Payments are due at the time of service.
INSURANCE
While I am not an in network provider for any insurance companies, I can provide a monthly paid receipt for all sessions attended, that includes all of the information that insurance companies require for reimbursement (if you have out of network mental health benefits).
CANCELLATION POLICY
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy that applies to all sessions. Sessions will be billed fully if not cancelled within that time.