Addictions - Including Substances Adlerian Therapy

Addictions - Including Substances

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.

Adlerian Therapy, Life Stress Reduction (LSR), Family Systems

Adlerian Therapy is based on Alfred Adler’s theories and practice, also known as Individual Psychology. Encouragement is the root of Adlerian psychotherapy. It aims to help the client to become aware of his or her life plan and potential. Once the client is aware of this life plan, the therapist can offer a different perspective which can be adapted to a range of settings.

Adler saw a person's personality as a whole, instead of a result of different components. He also believed that people wanted to belong, and to feel that they are making a contribution to society. His therapies helped clients to develop the courage to accept imperfection in themselves.

Adlerian Therapy is a valuable tool, particularly for those people who work in professions that strive to educate and develop children, especially since Adler was very focussed on therapeutic education in his lifetime.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Adlerian Therapy,  have a look at the counsellors listed below.

Life Stress Reduction (LSR) therapy is an effective, yet simple method that helps eliminate unwanted emotions and reduce stress. It has the potential to rapidly relief emotions, such as anger, anxiety, fear and depression.

A Life Stress Reduction therapist will deliver the sessions and offer exercises and practical techniques to help resolve the client's issues.

Life Stress Reduction offers clients a unique journey  of self-discovery which starts by addressing his or her concerns.  By releasing the emotional charges associated with these emotions, clients can experience significant emotional breakthroughs. Whether the source of stress is relationships, career, health, self-esteem or past traumas, LST can help to resolve the related emotions.

Life Stress Reduction typically leaves a client with a general sense of well-being, and renewed hope.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Life Stress Reduction, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Olga Shchedrinskaya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 10 years of experience to my work with with individuals, couples, and families. My primary... Read more

Heidi Gray

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Video on profile
Do you have trouble slowing down even when you don't have to be on? Is anxiety wreaking havoc on your relationships and your health? Does it feel like an alarm system is constantly going off in your mind and body? I... Read more

Maya Misic

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Since 2002, I’ve helped my clients break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I am here to help my clients achieve a more... Read more
I believe that we are all born with an innate drive to be the best we can be in life. There are, however, obstacles along the way and some of us run into more than do others. Our parents, siblings and extended families... Read more

Jane Wyllychuk

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome to Olive Counselling! I offer virtual counselling for Couples and Individuals. My areas of focus include Anxiety, Boundary setting, Infertility and Postpartum, People Pleasing, Stress and Grief and Loss. I am a... Read more

Sara Place

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstance brings you to counselling.  We can work through difficult life circumstances, relationship challenges (including... Read more

Suzy Davis

M.A., RCC
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. I am currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions only, sliding fee scale available upon inquiry.  My approach to counselling is... Read more

Matthew Vlasic

M.Couns., RCC
Matt believes that clients are the experts in the counselling space. Using a non-judgmental, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, Matt works closely with those struggling with mental health concerns like anxiety... Read more

Virginia McConchie

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Waitlist for new clients. My name is Virginia and I am a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. I work with individuals over the age of 18 who may be struggling with trauma, anxiety, existential questions, life... Read more

Anne Siegenberg

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Journey with Anne to discover and appreciate your own unique self. With Anne as your counselor you will have the opportunity to identify and transform some of the internalized negative... Read more
Together we can work through what is holding you back from having the life you hope for. I believe this is worth doing at any age, and any stage of life or relationship. It is never too late to find out who you... Read more

Scott Cameron

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, and provide in-person and online... Read more

Robin Curry

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I have a Master of Counselling Psychology degree and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor through the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I specialize in anxiety, depression,... Read more

Ayesha Omar

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Healing is one of the bravest choices we can make for ourselves. My experience in working with clients who have lived through trauma has afforded me a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, and how we can... Read more

Daeniela Bheaumont

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
I am a registered psychologist (College of Psychologist of BC #651) and have been a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1990.  I received my Masters degree in Counseling... Read more

Steven Keeler

M.Sc., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
Areas of Expertise: Relationship Healing Couples Treatment Parent and Child/Teen Relationships Men’s Issues Military and Veterans Transitions Anger Resolution PTSD and Trauma Family Issues/... Read more

chelsea mcgowan

MCP, RCC
I am a passionate therapist, teacher, and dancer. I bring these elements into the work I do, and the love I have to see people develop a deeper relationship to self and in turn others. I am not a “blank slate... Read more

Rosanne Johnson

M.A., RCC
  As a counsellor, Rosanne offers therapy to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Greater Vancouver and Burnaby. She understands how important it is for these populations to have a... Read more

Glenda Wallace

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Do you want to change the patterns in your important relationships?  Do you seek more balance in your life?  Do you need a safe place to be heard?  Through our conversations, you will broaden your... Read more

Moira Haagen

M.Ed., RCC
Welcoming You...Thank you for taking a moment to learn about me and how I work.  For what seems to be most of my life, I've been centered in a strong and heartfelt motivation to really contribute in this... Read more

Julie Burk

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Julie is a Registered Social Worker (13631) who after working with high risk youth for many years, obtained her Masters in Social Work and immediately began working doing clinical social work with palliative and... Read more

Chelsea Stenner

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#15201) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#10002791). I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The first thing I want you to know... Read more

Karen Brodie

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Take the first step towards healing.  At Open Heart we acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh... Read more

Klaus Klein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
There are times when you may feel confused, frustrated, and powerless in a life situation that seems to get bigger and worse. Klaus works individuals, couples, and families to heal from the past, live more in the... Read more

Ashley Shankar

M.S.W., RCSW
I’m a cis South Asian woman. My Masters in Social Work from the University of British Columbia has granted me the opportunity to work extensively in diverse community mental health settings. I work with... Read more

Elizabeth Medina

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Medina, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I am currently working at Skylark Counselling Clinic in Downtown... Read more

Lorne Pierce

M.A., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I have been in private practice since 1999 providing counselling services to individuals, couples and familes. I have over 20 years experience in the helping professions in both government (federal and provincial)... Read more

Fernanda Souza

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
Challenging events? Life changes? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Needing balance?  Struggling with anxiety, relationships, depression, grief, decisions, performance?  Looking forward to getting to where you want to be... 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

Mark Ring

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology. With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you.  Whether you need a... Read more