Addiction Counseling
Are You Or A Loved One Struggling With An Addiction?
Are you dealing with an addiction to a substance or to a destructive behavior that is taking a toll on your well-being?
Perhaps you have an addictive relationship with alcohol or drugs or with behaviors like gambling, binge eating, shopping, or even exercise compulsion.
Maybe a loved one like your spouse or your child faces addictive behaviors, and you are concerned for their well-being and safety.
No matter the circumstances, counseling can help you live life on your terms again and not based on the needs of your addiction.
Addictions Can Have Wide-Ranging Effects On Your Life
Addiction takes a physical and emotional toll on your life. Mood swings are typical, marked by extreme highs and lows, often tied to using or engaging with an addictive substance or behavior. Either due to the substance itself—like alcohol or drugs—or due to the shame or ramifications of your addiction, you may also often struggle with a co-occurring mental issue like anxiety or depression.
You may be preoccupied with your addiction, which imposes a sense of isolation from the world, and you may have withdrawn from friends, family, or social activities. Because most addictions require spending some money, you might face issues financing their habit as well.
Addiction on any level doesn’t have to be accepted as a part of your experience any longer, and counseling at my practice can help you stop using, discover what you want life to be like without your addiction running the show, and give you the tools to do so.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
People With Addictions Share Common Experiences
Understanding these commonalities can help you understand what you’re going through and know you’re not alone. Those with addictions likely deal with the ripple effects of their use in neglecting other areas of their life.
This could look like struggling at work or even losing their job, having trouble in school, or facing challenges at home and with their relationships. Addictions occur due to a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
People may have a genetic predisposition for addictions passed down from their families of origin. They may deal with changes in brain chemistry from environmental causes like chronic stress, prompting them to turn to habit-forming substances or behaviors to cope.
Similarly, developing and not receiving treatment for mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can also increase vulnerability and the likelihood of forming addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other substances or behaviors.
Social Pressures Play A Part In Addiction As Well
Peer pressure, family influences, and cultural norms can pave the way and normalize destructive behaviors. Constant exposure to habit-forming substances and triggers due to hobbies like “bar culture,” or having a social circle that involves interests like sports betting, or overexercising can become problematic.
Someone with an addiction might have consistent exposure to these activities but may not know how to break the cycle without also losing some of their social life. Due to the powerful effects of physical dependence, psychological barriers, and environmental influences, intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to quit.
Through my counseling practice, I can provide you with an objective ear to listen to your story and help you uncover the roots of your addiction, whether it be due to substance abuse, gambling, compulsive spending, or other behavioral issues. Together, we can decide on how your life could look if you weren't using, and determine actionable steps you can take to stop.
Addiction Counseling Can Help You Heal And Rebuild
My practice is available to anyone struggling with an addiction at any level. Whether you are just realizing you have an addiction, or perhaps have even recently completed a higher level of care like a residential treatment program for substance abuse—as your therapist, I can provide opportunities for understanding, support, and accountability.
Therapy involves looking at the whole picture of your life. We will explore your past, from the events of your childhood and any potential trauma that took place, to relationship patterns and attachment styles you notice today. I can help you find new ways of thinking about your hardships and your lifestyle that don’t rely on substances or addictive behaviors to cope or relax.
Evidence-Based Techniques for Addiction Recovery
I utilize several therapeutic interventions in addiction counseling:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors related to addictions of all kinds including alcoholism and substance use disorder. Together, we’ll identify and change distorted thought patterns and behaviors contributing to your addiction. This mainly has to do with negative self-talk—saying things like “it will never get better,” or “there’s no point in getting sober. I won’t be able to change.” CBT teaches skills to cope with addiction triggers, manage cravings, and deal with stress through mindfulness and problem-solving methods.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) during therapy can enhance your readiness for change in breaking your addiction. MI can help you find the internal motivation to make and reach your goals. We will address discrepancies between your goals for yourself versus your behavior and addiction, and how those two things are at odds with each other.
Additionally, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is beneficial for addiction and substance abuse treatment and focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is particularly useful for individuals with co-occurring emotional dysregulation or personality disorders along with their addictions.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) may be necessary to address past wounds contributing to your present-day addictions and is similar to CBT but with a focus on thought patterns related to past trauma.
Hope For An Addiction Free Future Is Possible
Counseling at my practice can help promote accountability in setting recovery goals, tracking your progress, and celebrating milestones. For continued support outside of therapy, I can provide you with resources like connecting you to addiction support groups, medical care, or community involvement.
Addiction doesn’t define who you are, it’s something you’re experiencing. And with the right support, it’s something you can overcome. Together, we’ll explore what led you here and work on building tools to help you regain control.
You Might Still Have Questions Or Concerns About Addiction Counseling…
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I’ve been a Licensed addictions counselor here in Colorado since 2010 and carry a wide range of experience in providing substance abuse treatment. I have provided therapy in a variety of settings including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and community mental health settings.
I also served as the Clinical Director of a residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center in Colorado. Through each and every session, I will strive to use my expertise and dedication to support your journey toward recovery.
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I completely understand that the cost of therapy can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that seeking help is an investment in your health, future, and overall well-being. Addiction often carries hidden costs—financial, emotional, and physical—that can far exceed the cost of counseling over time. Therapy can help you regain control, improve your quality of life, and avoid those long-term consequences.
Additionally, I am in-network with a variety of insurance providers—see the list here.
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Addiction can feel so powerful that it’s hard to imagine anything could make a real difference. But I want you to know that therapy has helped countless people recover and build meaningful, healthy lives—and it can work for you, too.
Addiction therapy is backed by science and tailored to your unique needs. I provide both in-person and virtual therapy. Through proven methods like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies, we’ll work together to address your addiction and its underlying causes.
Begin Your Path To Addiction Recovery
Reach out through my Contact page or give me a call at (720) 853-4715 to set up a free, 15-minute consultation. I know that addiction counseling can feel overwhelming and isolating, but I want you to know that recovery is not only possible—it’s a journey toward a life filled with purpose, connection, and freedom.
