Has your substance use taken over your life?
Does it feel like your usage has gotten out of control?
Are you looking to reduce your substance use and get your life back on track?
Have your relationships suffered because of your use?
Do you turn to drugs or alcohol when life becomes stressful?
Do you use drugs and alcohol to numb boredom, trauma, depression, and anxiety?
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you could cope without drugs and alcohol?
Have you told yourself you can stop if you want to but can’t seem to find the motivation to start?
You may be struggling with alcohol, marijuana, opiates, psychedelics, or any of the many mind-altering substances. Whether you want to completely stop or simply reduce your use, therapy can help.
Substance abuse is more common than you think.
Forty million Americans over the age of 12 have issues with substances; that’s 12% of the U.S. population. Of that 12%, only one in ten will seek treatment for their use. Substance use affects more Americans than heart conditions, diabetes, or cancer. So why the lack of engagement in treatment?
The War on Drugs has widely stigmatized substance use in American society, denying it the same compassion and understanding as other diseases. Substance use can vary from casual use to full-blown addiction. Regardless of where you are on the scale, substance use treatment can help.
Through comprehensive and evidence-based treatment, you can break free from the hold drugs and alcohol have on your life.
We can do this together.
I am a licensed addiction therapist, and with my self-empowerment-focused approach to therapy, we will work together to break you from the chains substances have locked you in. I have worked in a variety of settings, including addiction centers, criminal justice, and psychiatric hospitals. We will work to discover healthy coping skills, foster authentic human connection, and realign you with your values and goals.
We all crave connection.
What I've learned is that substances provide us with a connection we miss in our lives. If this past year has taught us anything, it is that nothing is certain and a lot of things are out of our control. Through this isolation and uncertainty, you may have turned to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, boredom, and fear. Your relationship with drugs and alcohol may have become one of dependency. You cannot see yourself breaking free from something that has alleviated the negative emotions. This dependency is false, only leading you down a path of lost human connection and real-world consequences. Let’s work together to rediscover your independence, motivation, values, and goals.
How does therapy work?
In our first few sessions, we will look at your history of use, determine when your struggle began, identify any potential unhealthy patterns, and build rapport. Over time, we will work to discover your values and goals, aligning your behavior and choices with them. We will review your relationships and learn effective ways to communicate. And we will walk together as you come to find self-forgiveness and trust. You are the expert in your life, and I am here to ride alongside you as you take this journey towards recovery. Below are just a few of the approaches we will take together.
Motivational Interviewing
Sometimes the hardest part about change is finding the motivation to start. Through this collaborative, evidence-based approach, we will move you away from uncertainty and into an empowered state of mind. Once you find motivation, we will work to set realistic and achievable goals, all while providing a safe and secure environment to explore.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
We'll work with your brain, not against it. Through ACT, we will increase mental flexibility, integrate mindfulness practices, and align your behaviors with your core values. ACT asks the question: What’s in your control, and what do you want to do with it?
If you’re reading this page, you know you want to make a change, but you might still have some questions.
I can stop drinking or using drugs if I want to, so why do I need therapy?
I am sure you could stop, but I challenge you to ask yourself why you’ve gone so far as to find this page. Maybe you need support in weighing the pros and cons of stopping, or you have unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. preventing you from giving up this unhealthy coping skill. Maybe you need someone to help keep you accountable. The point is, you’ve made it this far, and you owe it to yourself to see what the next step might be.
Other people say I have a problem; maybe I do?
Oftentimes, those closest to us can recognize changes in behavior and personality before we do. If others in your life are concerned, maybe it’s worth exploring.
How will I cope with life if I don’t have my substance?
Substances serve a purpose in your life right now; it would be unrealistic to assume you could live without a replacement. Together, we will work to identify how your use serves you and find healthy alternatives that support your needs.
Do I have to be sober to get help?
Abstinence is not a requirement of therapy. In our initial consultation, we will assess your use and, together, decide if individual therapy is the right level of care. This is a collaborative relationship; we will work together to decide what is most appropriate.
You are the expert in your life. With the help of therapy, you can work to identify your values, goals, and motivation to move forward in recovery.
Take the next step.
Do you believe we would be a good fit if you were to get in touch with a substance use therapist? I kindly ask that you get in touch with me for a free consultation. I anticipate your response with much interest. We are providing counseling both in person and online in the Boulder, Longmont, and Denver areas.
