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Therapeutic Specialties

 

​Addictions and Substance Use

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Addictions and substance use issues involve the compulsive use of substances like alcohol, drugs, or engaging in behaviors despite harmful consequences. These issues can significantly impact an individual's physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and daily life.

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Here’s an in-depth look at what addictions and substance use issues entail, the different experiences individuals may have, and signs that indicate someone might be struggling:

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What Are Addictions and Substance Use Issues?

  • Substance Dependence: A physical or psychological need to use substances such as alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.

  • Behavioural Addictions: Compulsive engagement in activities like gambling, internet use, gaming, or shopping.

  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A chronic disease characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences.

  • Drug Addiction: Dependence on illegal or prescription drugs, leading to compulsive use and difficulty stopping.

  • Dual Diagnosis: The coexistence of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

 

Different Experiences of Addictions and Substance Use

Individuals with addictions and substance use issues may experience a variety of symptoms and challenges, including:

  • Physical Symptoms: Tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect), withdrawal symptoms (physical and mental symptoms that occur when reducing or stopping use), changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.

  • Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and feelings of guilt or shame.

  • Cognitive Symptoms: Impaired judgment, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and obsessive thoughts about using the substance or engaging in the behaviour.

  • Behavioural Symptoms: Secretive behaviour, neglecting responsibilities, social withdrawal, continued use despite harmful consequences, and failed attempts to stop or reduce use.

 

If You Are Struggling, You May:

  • Crave the Substance or Activity: Intense urges to use the substance or engage in the behaviour, often at inappropriate times.

  • Lose Control Over Use: Inability to cut down or stop using the substance or engaging in the activity despite wanting to.

  • Neglect Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family obligations due to substance use or addictive behaviors.

  • Experience Relationship Issues: Strained or broken relationships as a result of addiction-related behaviors.

  • Develop Tolerance: Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect, leading to increased use.

  • Suffer Withdrawal Symptoms: Physical and psychological symptoms when not using the substance or engaging in the behavior, such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, or depression.

  • Engage in Risky Behavior: Taking dangerous actions to obtain the substance or continue the behavior, including illegal activities.

 

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, seeking help from a qualified psychotherapist can be a crucial step towards recovery. Therapy can provide the support, tools, and strategies needed to overcome addiction and achieve lasting change. Remember, recovery is possible, and help is available to guide you through this challenging journey.

 

​Anxiety-Related Issues

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Anxiety-related issues encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and stress. These can include performance anxiety, academic stress, workplace stress, and general anxiety, all of which can impact daily functioning and overall well-being.

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Here’s an in-depth look at what anxiety-related issues involve, the different experiences individuals may have, and signs that indicate someone might be struggling:

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What Are Anxiety-Related Issues?

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, or personal relationships.

  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear that may include physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed in front of others.

  • Specific Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or spiders.

  • Performance Anxiety: Fear of performing tasks in front of others, often leading to avoidance of activities like public speaking or sports.

  • Stress-Related Anxiety: Anxiety resulting from chronic stress, such as work-related stress, academic pressure, or family issues.

 

Different Experiences of Anxiety

Individuals with anxiety-related issues may experience a variety of symptoms and challenges, including:

  • Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, and muscle tension.

  • Emotional Symptoms: Persistent worry, fear, irritability, restlessness, and feeling overwhelmed.

  • Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, overthinking, and indecisiveness.

  • Behavioural Symptoms: Avoidance of anxiety-inducing situations, social withdrawal, procrastination, and excessive reassurance-seeking.

 

If You Are Struggling, You May:

  • Feel Constantly On Edge: A persistent sense of being tense, nervous, or unable to relax.

  • Have Trouble Sleeping: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or excessive worry.

  • Experience Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes.

  • Avoid Certain Situations: Steering clear of places, activities, or people that trigger anxiety.

  • Struggle with Daily Tasks: Finding it hard to concentrate, make decisions, or complete everyday tasks due to anxiety.

  • Feel Overwhelmed by Stress: Inability to manage stress from work, school, or personal life, leading to anxiety.

 

If you recognize these signs in yourself, seeking help from a qualified psychotherapist can be a crucial step towards managing anxiety. Through therapy, you can learn to understand your anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone—support is available to help you navigate and overcome these challenges.

 

​Emotion Dysregulation

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Emotion dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing and responding to emotional experiences appropriately. It involves intense, prolonged, or inappropriate emotional reactions that can interfere with daily functioning and relationships. This condition is often seen in various mental health disorders and can significantly impact an individual's well-being.

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Emotion dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing and responding to emotional experiences appropriately. These difficulties can manifest in various ways and can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and overall well-being. Here’s an in-depth look at what emotion dysregulation entails, the different experiences individuals may have, and signs that indicate someone might be struggling:

 

What Is Emotion Dysregulation?

  • Difficulty in Managing Emotions: Struggles to regulate emotions effectively, leading to intense, prolonged, or inappropriate emotional responses.

  • Impaired Emotional Processing: Challenges in understanding, interpreting, and expressing emotions in a healthy and adaptive manner.

  • Dysfunctional Coping Mechanisms: Reliance on maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance, suppression, or emotional numbing, to deal with overwhelming emotions.

  • Interference with Daily Functioning: Emotion dysregulation can disrupt various areas of life, including relationships, work or school performance, and overall quality of life.

 

Different Experiences of Emotion Dysregulation

Individuals with emotion dysregulation may experience a range of symptoms and challenges, including:

  • Intense Emotional Reactions: Experiencing emotions more intensely than others, leading to frequent outbursts of anger, sadness, or anxiety.

  • Emotional Instability: Rapid shifts in mood, often without an apparent trigger, making it difficult to predict or control emotional responses.

  • Impulsivity: Acting on impulse without considering the consequences, leading to risky or self-destructive behaviors.

  • Difficulty in Self-Soothing: Struggling to calm oneself down or find comfort during times of distress, resulting in prolonged emotional distress.

  • Interpersonal Problems: Difficulty maintaining stable relationships due to conflicts related to emotional dysregulation.

 

If You Are Struggling, You May:

  • Feel Overwhelmed by Emotions: Difficulty managing intense feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety.

  • Experience Mood Swings: Rapid shifts in mood, from euphoria to despair, without apparent cause.

  • Engage in Impulsive Behaviors: Acting impulsively without considering the consequences, such as reckless driving or substance use.

  • Have Difficulty in Relationships: Strained or unstable relationships due to emotional dysregulation, conflicts, or misunderstandings.

  • Struggle to Function Normally: Difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, or maintaining responsibilities due to emotional distress.

 

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, seeking help from a qualified psychotherapist can be instrumental in learning to manage and regulate emotions effectively. Therapy can provide the support, skills, and strategies needed to improve emotional regulation and enhance overall well-being. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available to help you navigate through these challenges.

Support Groups
(Maximum 5 members per group)
COMING SOON

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Pet Loss

I understand that losing a pet can be an incredibly emotional experience.

 

The Pet Loss Support Group provides a compassionate and supportive space for individuals to share their grief, connect with others who understand the bond between humans and animals, and begin the healing process.

 

Join this group to offer guidance, comfort, and community for each other during this difficult time.​

Young Adults

The Young Adults Support Group provides a safe and welcoming space for young adults to share their experiences, explore emotions, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

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Guided by a licensed therapist, this group helps young adults build a community while also learn coping skills, develop self-awareness, and foster resilience in a supportive environment.

 

Perfect for navigating stress, peer relationships, and life transitions.

Women's Empowerment

The Women's Empowerment Support Group offers a safe and nurturing space for women to come together, share experiences, and uplift one another.

 

Through open discussions, self-reflection, and practical strategies, I aim to help participants build confidence, foster resilience, and embrace their personal strength.

 

Whether you’re navigating life transitions, seeking self-growth, or looking for community support, this group is here to empower you on your journey.

Something else on your mind? Let's talk about it.

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Academic/Workplace Stress and Burnout

  • Performance Sports Anxiety

  • Financial Stress

  • Anger Management

  • Family Stress and Trauma

  • Relationship Conflict

  • Boundaries

  • Communication Problems​

  • Motivation Concerns

  • Emotion Dysregulation

  • Grief and Loss

  • Pet Loss

  • Prenatal, Pregnancy, New Parent

  • Miscarriage

  • Life Transitions

Ready to Take the Next Steps?

Whether you have questions about my services, want to schedule an appointment, or simply wish to learn more about how therapy can support you, I am here to help. Your journey towards healing and growth begins with a simple conversation. Let's connect and take the first step together.

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