Addictions - Including Substances, Depression, Spirituality Counsellors

Addictions - Including Substances, Depression, Spirituality

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.

Depression is the most common psychological condition, and most people experience it at one point or another in their lives.

Symptoms of depression include lethargy, low self esteem, a feeling of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, dysphoric mood and even suicidal thoughts. People who are depressed usually feel a lack of energy and a lack of pleasure and they may be agitated or irritable.

Since there are so many causes to depression, which boils down to a natural response to life experiences (a defence mechanism), each situation warrants a thorough investigation into the exact catalyst. Depending on what causes a specific incidence of depression, a treatment plan can be developed to help the individual deal with his or her emotions.

Some people are predisposed to depression in that it can run in the family. In many cases, it is learned when someone is constantly exposed to it.

Counselling can help a person to adapt to life changes that are causing grief, particularly with bereavement or marital issues. Systemic therapy is helpful in family therapy, where the efforts of the whole family can help the individual. Psychodynamic therapy helps a person to find the hidden psychological defences that cause problems to manifest. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the problem at hand, providing solutions to day-to-day issues and finding ways to restructure negative thought patterns.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who has training and experience in depression counselling you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Spirituality counselling does not necessarily refer to religious practice, although it could include that as well. In this context, spirituality refers more to reaching a new level of consciousness, or finding inner contentment and harmony and the removal of blockages that prevent self realization and the ability to reach one's full potential.

People of different races, cultures and communities have differing ideas or interpretations of spirituality and counselling can help a person to find a practical application that can work in a therapeutic context. Spiritual counselling can help an individual to gain a deeper understanding and a greater awareness of the self. When a person reaches a greater purpose in life and an enhanced self-esteem, he or she will develop a sense of well-being.

Spirituality counselling is important for people who feel depressed, desperate, hurt, despair and discontentment. The spirituality counsellor will help the person to recover their peace of mind, happiness and stability. During the therapeutic relationship, the client and the therapist reach a level of spirituality which can help resolve the issues the person is experiencing. The person can then explore the 'self' in a spiritual context, which can help with growth and healing.

Psycho-spiritual therapy addresses the soul, rather than the mind in order to create balance. The world is complex, and a mystery which combines a range of factors, including spiritual theology, energy systems, spiritual presence and metaphysical experiences and we all build our own innately personal viewpoints. Spirituality counselling can help a person to find their own personal truth within their history, experience and belief system.

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

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

Aditi Mukesh

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Aditi Mukesh, I am an RCC (#18027), operating out of the lower mainland area. Counselling is my passion in life, and what a blessing that it is also my profession. My work is in service of healing... Read more

Reza Roodi

M.Sc., RCC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor/Psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I use a client-centred, integrative approach to address the therapeutic goals of... Read more

Kelsey Webster

MCP, RCC
Hello! I provide holistic, trauma-informed clinical counselling for adults and youth healing from mental health challenges, trauma and/or substance use issues. My counselling approach uses somatic (body based... Read more

Chris Walker

M.A., CCC
“At some time or other, we all find ourselves unable to cope with life’s difficulties. The aim of counseling is to help you deal with these or other issues, so that you can get on with a meaningful and... Read more

Brenna King

M.A., RCC
Brenna King has a Masters degree and is a registered member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.  She offers her private practice in North Vancouver  (Lonsdale and 20th).  She... Read more

Lillian Kelly

M.A., RCC
I see clients online. from anywhere Frustrated? Unhappy with your relationship? Are you repeating painful patterns in your relationship, and in your life? I can help you create the changes that you long for! You... Read more

Scott Harrison

M.A., RCC
Scott is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Scott weaves the science and art of clinical counselling into therapeutic conversations that focus on solutions and strengths... Read more

Tannis Hugill

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Dance-movement and Drama Therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and Spiritual Director with an MA in Somatic Psychology. I bring over thirty-five years of experience to my work with individuals, groups, adolescents... Read more

Sukhi Bal

M.Ed., RCC
Do you dream of feeling more confidence, joy and peace in your life?  Do you feel stuck in old stories and patterns? Are you just plain tired of feeling this way? No matter what you have gone through in your... Read more

Rochelle Chapman

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Counselling can be a way to grow while facing difficult circumstances. It can also be about building resources or heading in a new direction. In each case, you have the opportunity to become more yourself. Whatever... Read more

Becca Smith

M.S.W., RSW
Counselling is a deeply personal experience. A therapy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and trust is built over time as we gain knowledge and experience of another person. With 25 years of clinical... Read more

Roma Palmer

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision.  Below please find some information to help you make the choice that is right for you. What is my philosophy of counselling and how can I help you? I believe... Read more

Colter Long

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Martin Luther King JR. Are you looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy?  If you are interested in learning psychological tools or... Read more