Addiction Counselling

Helping You Take Control of Your Recovery

Help for Addiction

Addiction affects people of all ages and walks of life, and it is reported that “1 in 10 Canadians 15 years of age and over report symptoms consistent with alcohol or illicit drug dependence” (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2011). Addiction can occur to alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, sex, and other rewarding behaviors.

People, once addicted, mistakenly believe that they can use alcohol and other drugs without harming themselves or other people. Those with an addiction also believe that they can stop using their drug or behavior of choice any time they want.

Recovery from addiction is a life-long process, and begins when the person reaches a point at which they decide they can no longer live the way they have been.

Since many people who suffer from addiction are often addicted to more than one substance or behavior, proper assessment for multiple addictions is necessary. The interaction of these addictions can have a significant effect on treatment and recovery.

Additional Resources

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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

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The Science of Addiction

Questions on Counselling

How do I know if I need counselling?

Sometimes we need to seek help from a trained professional to work through problems that we are encountering. You may need counselling if:

  • you are feeling overwhelmed, and your problems do not seem to improve despite your best efforts
  • you are having difficulties in your relationships
  • it is difficult to carry out your daily routine, performance at work is affected, relationships are strained, or you are not feeling like you are coping effectively
  • You are using alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, or other means that are negatively affecting your life
  • You feel unhappy or hopeless
What can I expect in a first session?

During the first session, paperwork is completed as well as a functional assessment. I will ask about your concerns and what has brought you to therapy. Once all information has been gathered, goals for therapy and a treatment plan can be discussed.

How do I know if it’s the right fit for me?

You should feel comfortable with your psychologist and be able to discuss personal information. It is important to have a good rapport with your psychologist and feel at ease with him/her.

In order to determine if we are a good fit for each other, I offer a free 20 minute consultation.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 60 minutes in length, which includes admin time (i.e. payment, booking next appointments, etc). Longer sessions may be arranged in 15 minute segments.

How many sessions are required?

Therapy is individual to each person and the amount of time required is dependant on several factors. Some of these factors include the nature of the concerns brought to therapy, complexity of the issues, amount of work completed outside of sessions, and motivation to change.

What is the cost?

The Fee Schedule recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta is a guideline for setting fees for services. My fees are set using this schedule as a guideline. You can access this fee schedule on the Psychologists’ Association website at www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca.

My fee for individual sessions is $220/hour.

Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of psychological services. However, I will issue a receipt for fees paid, and if you have an insurance plan, this may be submitted to your insurance company for full or partial re-imbursement.

Live Your Best Life

I can support you in finding the path to health and healing.