Substance Abuse

Recovery from addictions is a difficult yet very promising experience.  When people make the decision to get help in order to deal with an addictive problem, a whole new world full of potential becomes available.

Maybe you are not sure that you have a real problem with drugs/alcohol, but there are indications in your life that things are not right. Perhaps other people who care about you are worried about your drug or alcohol use but you don’t see it as a problem.  I can help you to look at all of the parts of your life more objectively, to see how they are working together, in order to help you to clarify, whether you are being hindered or helped by your drug/alcohol use.

If you want to stop using drugs/alcohol, I can help you to develop motivation to tackle your addiction, weighing the costs and benefits of changing your life. I will work with you at your own pace. Developing motivation for change is a very personal process and I collaborate with you, building on your own insights.

Tools for stopping drug and alcohol use, and for developing a new life-style, which will support and sustain your sobriety, are available. In the course of therapy, these tools can be integrated successfully into your life.  In addition, I can work with you if your issues are food, gambling, or any other addictive process, which has too much control in your life and inhibits your relationships, emotional stability, work or self-esteem.

I find great wisdom and practicality in the 12-Step Recovery Programs such as AA and NA and can work with their philosophy and methods in mind, in psychotherapy with you. If this approach is not comfortable for you, we can find other ways to provide you with the support and skills you need to have a successful recovery.  In addition, whatever emotional issues may arise in recovery are essential in your healing process.  I see recovery as being the recovery of the whole person, with all related issues of emotional stability, unresolved losses, relationships, and life skills included in the process. I am highly skilled at assisting people to develop new abilities for a more successful lifestyle.

In addition, I am experienced with dual disorders, such as Depression and Addiction, or Bi-Polar Disorder and Addiction. I can help you to learn how to identify symptoms and take action quickly, to shorten or prevent relapse, and sustain stability. I am dedicated to helping people to live and enjoy their own life to the fullest, despite whatever illness puts obstacles along the path.