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), Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)

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..

Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) is an effective therapy for people who have experienced trauma, or who have negative thoughts and beliefs to eradicate. It is one of the quicker therapies for this type of issue.

Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) has evolved out of EMDR integrates the visual pathways and both of the brain hemispheres to reduce anxiety and trauma.

During therapy, the client covers or uncovers a single eye at a time, while following the therapist's moving fingers with their eyes. This exercise integrates the two brain hemispheres to allow information to easily travel through the sensory processors and emotional processors.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Observed Experiential Integration (OEI), please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Karen Cook

M.A., RCC
Counselling for Healing and Life Skills What if you could live free from an eating disorder or inner-critic?   Are you ready to manage your stress?   What if you could reconnect with yourself... Read more

Nikki Hollinson

MCP, RCC
From a young age, I have loved listening to people's stories and being a supportive person helping others explore their inner world. I commonly work with folks who are wanting help with anxiety, perfectionism,... Read more

Jonathan Jung

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Jonathan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and practicing licensed paramedic in Metro Vancouver. Jonathan offers a laid-back, approachable counselling style that seeks to create safe and comfortable... 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
I specialize in EMDR Therapy and Psychedelic Integration  Greetings, and welcome to my page. I am honoured, that you have chosen to learn more about my work. I am licensed practitioner in the art of healing... Read more

Emily Macdonell

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
You can connect with me for in-person/online sessions through Providence Therapy and Neurofeedback (Vancouver, BC) as well as through Aster Wellness Centre (Port Coquitlam, BC).  At both practices, you can... Read more

Chris Rensch

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Chris has specialized training in trauma and child therapy. He helps kids and adults get unstuck when life circumstances create barriers. As one of the only male trauma-focused children’s therapists... Read more

Karla Vargas

MCP, RCC
**Currently accepting new clients** Hi! I’m Karla and it is a pleasure to meet you! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) holding a Master of Counselling Psychology degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts... Read more

Vicki McCabe

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Are you stressed at work and can’t sleep at night? Feeling worried, stuck and overwhelmed? I understand that these experiences can lead to feelings of loss – loss of control, loss of freedom, and loss of... Read more

Lindsay Faas

M.A., RCC
Lindsay is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She is the Owner and Director of ThriveLife Counselling & Wellness, as well as full time Clinical Counsellor... Read more

Gal Rozen

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My primary area of focus is trauma recovery and neurodiversity, with a focus on deep level processing. My clients tend to have a high level of self-awareness yet may struggle with their emotions and nervous system... Read more

Derian Julihn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Derian Julihn (he/him/his). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC) practicing in Langley. I have almost 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable youth and... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron Chin. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey BC on some days of the week. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to... Read more