Addictions - Including Substances Life Stress Reduction (LSR)

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.

Life Stress Reduction (LSR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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..

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.

Leanne Weenk

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe we all have the capacity for positive change and growth when we have access to a safe and supportive environment to share our stories. My work as a counsellor is person-centered, meaning I approach my clients... Read more

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
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... 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

Heather Deans

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Heather and I bring many years of experience with me as both a counsellor and clinical supervisor for other mental health professionals. I work with people to help figure out what is at the root of their... 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

Mehran Seyed Emami

M.A., RCC
I am a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (No. 18736) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (No. 10007447). I'm also a Certified Practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry (a model developed by Dr. Gabor Maté), and... Read more

Colin Evans

M.A., RCC
Evans-Carlson Counselling believes in supporting individuals and couples in the growth that will help them take the next step towards health and wholeness.   Special Issues In-Focus: Each person coming to... Read more

Susan Higgs

MCP, RCC
Susan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) from Adler University.  Susan brings a diversity of... Read more

Kelly Houlahan

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm deeply committed to guiding individuals through the maze of life. My passion lies in helping children, teens, and young adults unravel complexities; including anxiety, depression, relationships, and life... Read more

Jagdeep Chahal

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
If you are struggling with your mental health, it can seem almost impossible to imagine that something can be done to help. However, through counselling you can better identify negative beliefs and behaviors, and... Read more

Khadija Hammuda

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome.  As an individual and family counsellor/therapist, I offer counselling/therapy services in English and/or Arabic for youth and adult clients to explore neurodivergence, mental... Read more

Jason Lehmann

M.A., RCC
*NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS, CASH, CHEQUE, OR E-TRANSFER *Over 11 years of clinical practice.  Some Information about the work  Clients present a number of problem areas, or life issues. Jason... Read more

Marilyn Beloff

Ph.D., RCC
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, and in order to protect my clients, as well as our families and community as a whole, I have made the decision to move to a secure on-line fully encrypted format, for video sessions... Read more

Trisha Miciano

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It's a common instinct to try and avoid situations that bring us pain. Emotional pain, in particular, may be a type of discomfort you have been conditioned to avoid.  You may have become skilled at pushing away... Read more

Geoff Williams

M.S.W., RCC
It takes courage to engage with therapy and self improvement. So please, let me commend you, and express that it is my privilege to work with you.   My name is Geoff Williams and I am of English, Scottish,... Read more

Kim Leduc

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered psychologist and have been practicing since 2003. I do individual therapy with adults primarily from a psychodynamic perspective, although I incorporate other approaches such as cognitive-behavioural... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... Read more

Bradley Murray

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Murray is a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in North Vancouver who has been in private practice for 11 years. He offers consultations and therapy for individuals living on the North Shore and... Read more

Chi Hung

M.Couns., RCC
You don’t have to struggle alone Living with anxiety, fear, and helplessness is difficult. Relationship can be confusing and disappointing. Dealing with your parents or your children can be frustrating. You are... Read more

Andrea Yeo

M.Ed., RCC
Andrea Yeo is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, a Child Interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society, a Secondary School Teacher with North Vancouver School District, a Certified Parenting Facilitator and... Read more

Leanne Atkinson

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am currently offering online therapy at Leanne Atkinson Counselling.  I have been working in the field of social services for over 20 years with at-risk young people and their families ... Read more

Priscilla Amaral

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Are you experiencing challenging life events that have left you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and in need of balance? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, relationships, transitions, depression, grief,... Read more
Barbara Clay is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3074) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counselling Psychology. Barb has additional registration with the Crime... Read more

Lindsay Bhuller

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you find yourself getting triggered for reasons you can't explain? Are you having trouble turning your brain off from racing thoughts? Maybe you are overwhelmed by emotion, or the opposite- not... Read more

Lisa Robic

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello, I'm Lisa and I'm a Registered Social Work Therapist in Princeton, Tulameen, and the surrounding rural areas. My goal is to contribute to my local communities by providing flexible and low-barrier... Read more

Luciano Somerville

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
As a counsellor, I strive to be kind, respectful, and supportive. I hope to establish a welcoming and warm environment, help clients cultivate self-awareness, and to approach challenges and distress with curiosity and... Read more

Pavan Goraya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Pavan, and I am a clinical counselor located in Abbotsford, BC. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals through their emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and... Read more

Barbara Mulski

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello there! 10 basic facts about me: ·        I show up, pay attention, listen and tell you the truth ·        You... Read more