Addictions - Including Substances, Procrastination ADD and ADHD Coping Strategies

Addictions - Including Substances, Procrastination

While some people can use prescription or recreational drugs with no negative effects, many others become addicted and face dramatic health and lifestyle problems as a result. Substance addictions negatively affect relationships, home, school or work, leaving the person feeling ashamed, helpless and isolated.

Physical symptoms of substance abuse and addiction are varied depending on the drug of choice, but the symptoms of the addiction itself are similar. People who are addicted to substances may neglect their responsibilities, take potentially dangerous risks and get into trouble with the law. As their drug use spirals out of control, they will lose interest in activities that used to be enjoyable and continue to take drugs despite knowing the harm it causes.

Substance addicts tend to build up a tolerance to their drug of choice, and get angry when they can't get more of it. Withdrawal symptoms are highly probable when an addict goes without it for too long. Depression, nausea, insomnia, sweating, restlessness, anxiety and shaking are all common withdrawal symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help you to overcome substance addiction by focusing on correcting maladaptive behaviors. Substance abuse is usually a coping mechanism against emotionally overwhelming past events or memories. Substances are often used to provide instant gratification instead of facing certain issues.

Therapists are equipped to help clients deal with addiction recovery through empowerment and helping them set simple short term targets. The first target is sobriety, followed by empowering the client with adaptive skills and finding new coping strategies that deal with the issues that caused the addiction. Substance addiction can be ended, allowing the person to live a healthy, productive life.

If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of substance addiction, you can search the directory below to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

Procrastination is not the same as laziness, instead, it is a severe condition that millions of people experience on an ongoing basis.

Most procrastinators wish that they were more productive in order to achieve their goals and dreams. Unfortunately the force of procrastination destroys their ambitions and aspirations, and telling them to "get a grip" doesn't help at all. Procrastination is similar to obsessive compulsive disorder in that the person doesn't choose the behavior and can't change it by simply making the decision to be more productive.

A person with procrastination issues tends to disappoint other people by not meeting their deadlines or promises. They find it hard to start on new projects, or switching from one to the next. They chronically underestimate or overestimate the duration of tasks and struggle to get going. Even when they want to start on a task, they may have difficulty establishing a starting point. Disorganization and clutter fill their work spaces and homes. Procrastination is a passive resistance that expresses the resentment of the fact that procrastinators are often unable to say no. They will do anything, except what they should be doing and tend to focus on short term happiness over long term success.

Psychotherapy can help a person to overcome procrastination issues. A therapist will assess the causes of your procrastination and find ways to solve these issues. Sometimes, strategies for self-acceptance and increasing energy levels are all that's needed.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers counselling approaches to address your procrastination issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

ADD and ADHD Coping Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Therapists offer a wide range of approaches and ADHD coping strategies that can be valuable in overcoming the challenges of ADD/ADHD. Coaching is an effective tool in the treatment of ADHD. While traditional psychologists offer a range of approaches to deal with emotional problems, those who work with ADHD clients help implement practical solutions that improve situations in everyday life. Known as behavioural therapists, they offer strategies to help you prioritize tasks, structure your environment and manage your finances.

Organizing your work and home environment for optimum results can make life a lot easier and therapists can help with that. They may come to your home or office and look at ways to improve the organization and make suggestions for increased efficiency.

If you have ADD/ADHD and you could benefit from learning how to organize your environment and to prioritize tasks, have  a look at the counsellors listed below.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Linda Stull

Ph.D., R.Psych
Congratulations on making the decision to reach out to improve your life by enhancing your well-being.  Although reaching out can be difficult, making that decision is the first step towards changing your life in... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Nicklas Ehrlich

M.S.W., RCC
I help you get to the root of your problems, train your brain to be more resilient, overwrite unwanted default programming, and finally feel equipped to live a balanced and optimal life. 95% of your thoughts and... Read more

Daphne Gelbart

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Daphne Gelbart, MA, RCC, is a Vancouver registered clinical counsellor (Registration Number 3290), a graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology and... Read more

Stephanie Slater

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're not sure if therapy is the right choice for you. It's sounds like a good idea, but you're just not sure if your 'issues' are important enough for therapy. Maybe its work stress, a relationship... Read more

Ann Downie

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Ann meets people from a position of warmth, compassion, openness and curiosity. She has a deep commitment to connect and work alongside individuals and families to develop an authentic, trusting relationship, and offers... Read more

Jennifer Turnbrook

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Life can have many challenges. Sometimes you can navigate through difficult things on your own while some issues are not so easily resolved. If you’re having a rough time and unsure how to get started, counselling... Read more

Carly Degenstein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! And Hello :) I'm Carly - an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) that's had the honor of working as a therapist for over 5 years now. I run a private practice that... Read more

Rissa Neufeld

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello! I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) here in BC and also practice as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) across Canada where those credentials are accepted. My practice went online during the pandemic... Read more

Melissa Brienza

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi there! Do you struggle with anxiety, motivation and being a part of a world that doesn't seem like it was designed for you? Have you been considering counselling for some time now? Are you feeling... Read more

Mahsa Yaghoubirad

Ph.D., RCC
Reaching out to a counsellor may not be easy, but would it be worth it if your future self appreciated it? I am a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with BCACC, and and a approved therapist... Read more

Michelle Mann

Ph.D., RCC
Michelle Mann (PhD RCC) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a therapist providing counselling, therapy and coaching to children, youth, adults and families. Trust, respect, warmth and empathy are key... Read more

David Lige

MCP, RCC
Meet Dave Awareness and acceptance are big pieces of the puzzle! Understanding how we are influenced by our life experiences, core beliefs, emotions and values will help clients discover more clarity, peace of mind,... Read more

Elizabeth Koch

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing stubborn problems. If you're struggling to find a sense of well-being in your life, you may feel chronically unwell, and disconnected from your core sense of self. You might find... Read more

Benjamin George

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that we're all scared little kids in adult bodies. And that we all are pursuing safety, not happiness. Growing up, most of us never experienced emotional safety and we've been in survival mode ever... Read more

Kara Bezuko

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking a gentler path to happiness and well-being. You may be grasped by anxiety, lost in the heavy darkness of depression, or caught in a turmoil of confusion and distraction. You might find... Read more

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... Read more

Munira Karimi

M.A., RCC
Life can be very challenging. Challenges can come across in our lives in various forms such as grief, stress, work place issues, family issues, personal issues, and past trauma. Are you facing any of these challenges?... Read more

Mary Munro

M.A., RCC
I can help. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Vic West, close to downtown.  Counselling can help you function better.  You may feel calmer and more effective, or find insights, meet... Read more
    • Online booking
If you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, stressed or overwhelmed, or maybe you are looking for personal growth and development, I would be honoured to share this space with you. I have personally been there, and I can... Read more

Sarah Mordell

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Curious about therapy but feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start? Let's walk through it together. Finding someone who seems like a good fit for you is an important start. But reflecting on what you'... Read more

Ellahae Keshmiri

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and therapy.  I currently offer in person and virtual sessions in Vancouver (Broadway and Cambie area... Read more

Josef Zaide

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
For nearly 40 years I’ve enjoyed working with children, teens and adults in school, hospital and independent practice settings, providing assessments, counselling and psychotherapy.   Working solely... Read more

Erika Riedlinger

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome. My name is Erika (she/her), and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor serving individuals (ages 12+) online and in-person on the Sunshine Coast, BC. Areas of Practice: Some of the reasons people... Read more

Thomas Wiens

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
What if your psychologist could help you overcome challenges AND get to that next level? Dr. Wiens assists professionals to manage the demands of their career and personal life so that they can perform at their best... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Tara Azimi

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 12 years of experience. I’m also completing a PhD where I collaborate on research projects on diabetes, domestic abuse... Read more

Leah Dhahan

M.A., RCC
Welcome! Are you struggling to set boundaries and speak your truth in relationships? Are you currently experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger, or powerlessness in your life or relationships? Do you find yourself... Read more