Addiction Counseling and Psychotherapy Services
in Boulder, Co
Repeatedly abusing substances or engaging in harmful, repetitive behaviors can be painful, frustrating, and confusing. Many people caught in addictive and/or uncontrollable cycles of behavior feel as if they are wrong or abnormal in some way--as if they should be able to figure it out on their own and stop doing this harmful pattern, because they know better.
Do you rely on substances or behaviors to relieve stress, relax, connect, or "check out"?
Have you had success in recovering from one harmful behavior, only to find one or more new harmful patterns popping up?
Are you willing to consider that underlying depression, trauma, anxiety or grief may be contributing to your painful behavior, and that you will need to get help for these before you can fully recover?
Have your promises and plans to quit theses substances or behaviors consistently failed?
Are you tired of feeling angry and disappointed with yourself?
You don't need to be stuck in a cycle of compulsion and shame.
Because of the stresses of living in the modern world, such as struggling to balance a work and/or school life, relationships, and family, many people find some way of "checking out" of the realities of their lives. However, many of these methods of escape from daily stress do more harm than good. For example, drinking heavily on the weekends may feel good at the time, but, over months and years, alcohol abuse causes forgetfulness, hangovers, organ damage, and can lead to physical dependence. Similarly, although eating that pint of ice cream may feel like the only thing that will make you feel better in the moment, it may negatively affect your sense of self-worth and lead to guilt and shame.
Seeking temporary relief in substances or behaviors can also lead to obsession. Many people become utterly fixated on when they can have their next cigarette or their next food binge. These fixations can make it difficult to focus on the tasks of their days--even those things that they once found pleasurable. Then, after realizing that a problem exists, some people become equally obsessed with quitting and feel devastated upon relapse. Addiction can take control of your mind, your body, and your emotions. The good news?
You can find healthy ways to manage your life.
Find Freedom from Addiction. Counseling Services in Boulder, Co
It is possible to be free of the behaviors and substances that plague you. I have eight years of professional experience in various addiction treatment settings, from residential centers, to outpatient settings, wilderness programs, and the Boulder County Jail. I have witnessed people grow in therapy as they confront their addictive patterns and the underlying emotional components, and learn about their own resilience and ability for self-care and health.
I approach addiction counseling through an emphasis on mindfulness/awareness. In sessions, I can help you identify what goes on in your body and brain during stressful situations and teach you how to recognize, focus on, and manage difficult and painful thoughts, feelings, and sensations without letting them overwhelm you. I can also give you tools to effectively manage normal life triggers, like work and relationship stress. If there are mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or other mental health needs, we can work to address these as well. There is plenty of research pointing to the need to address co-occurring mood issues with substance abuse or other addictions at the same time.
Together, we can explore your thoughts, patterns, and related behaviors, examine how they serve you, and where they may be limiting you. I believe that everyone who has a problem with addictive behaviors or substances does so because they were once served by the substance or behavior--even if only momentarily. But, as you may know, these behaviors can seriously hamper one's ability to enjoy their life, and at a certain point, may even endanger lives. It is my job to help you discover if you are ready to make a choice for change. With your willingness and desire to allow change into your life, I can guide you toward nourishing, sustainable methods of finding relaxation, joy, comfort, and connection.
Although you feel that it might be time to seek help and examine your reliance on harmful substances or behaviors, you may still have questions or concerns about therapy...
Shouldn't I be able to figure this out on my own?
Many people feel that if they just try harder, they could stop relying on substances and behaviors without any outside help. However, research shows that treatment and support promote higher recovery rates. If you go it alone, you might not be able to recognize potential issues or solutions. I am trained and experienced in helping clients understand their addictive or destructive patterns, and provide solutions from a new angle. I can offer you human connection, confidentiality, and support.
Isn't therapy expensive and time-consuming?
If you consider how much time and energy you might be spending on harmful substances and behaviors, therapy is a bargain. It can save you money, years of frustration, and time wasted on shame, remorse, and self-aggression. Some of my clients have seen success with changing long-standing behaviors in a short amount of time.
I offer different treatment options, including individual and group therapy and consultations. I can also help point you toward community resources which span a variety of interests and budgets. Your treatment may also be covered by health savings accounts and by insurers who reimburse their clients for out-of-network mental health providers.
What if I'm not ready? What if I'm not sure I want to quit?
I am not here to force you to do anything you may not feel prepared for. I strive to offer a collaborative relationship, not judgment. Together, we will identify your addiction(s), consider the physical and emotional underpinnings and consequences, and address your potential to change. I am here to help you understand your mind, body, feelings, and actions so that you can make a well-informed choice about how to best live your life.
Don't let addiction live your life for you.
If cravings and compulsions monopolize your thoughts, you may not be reaching your full potential in your creative, professional, social or spiritual life. You might be preventing yourself from developing relationships or more nourishing activities that truly feed you. You don’t have to live with shame, regret, or avoidance. I can help you discover what your mind and body need to manage stress and engage fully with the world around you. You don’t have to struggle alone.
I invite you to call me at Waking Heart Therapy, 303-551-3923, for a free 15-minute phone consultation, and to learn more about addiction counseling and psychotherapy services in Boulder, Colorado. You are also welcome to email me at [email protected]. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit my blog where I regularly post on addiction-related topics.