Addiction Counselling

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Addiction can affect relationships, work, health, self-esteem and the way you cope with difficult emotions or stress.

We provide supportive, evidence-based counselling for people concerned about substance use or behavioural patterns that feel difficult to control, including alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography and other compulsive behaviours.

Our therapists offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to understand the role these behaviours are playing in your life, explore underlying patterns and develop practical strategies for meaningful and sustainable change.

You Do Not Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Seek Support

You may benefit from counselling if you are questioning your relationship with a substance or behaviour, noticing consequences, struggling to cut back or simply feeling that something has become harder to control than you would like.

Who This Support Is For

Using alcohol or drugs more often, in larger amounts or in ways that feel difficult to control

Compulsive gambling, pornography use or other behaviours that are affecting daily life

Trying to cut back or stop but repeatedly returning to the same pattern

Using substances or behaviours to cope with stress, trauma, loneliness, anxiety or painful emotions

Experiencing relationship, financial, work or health consequences connected to addiction

Feeling guilt, shame, secrecy or frustration about patterns you want to change

How Counselling Can Help

Addiction counselling focuses on understanding what maintains the pattern, strengthening coping strategies and helping you make changes that align with your goals and values.

✓ Identify triggers, patterns and situations connected to substance use or compulsive behaviour

✓ Develop healthier strategies for managing cravings, stress and difficult emotions

✓ Explore underlying concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, shame or relationship stress

✓ Build motivation, self-awareness and confidence around change

✓ Create realistic strategies for reducing harm, changing behaviour or supporting recovery goals

Understanding Addiction

Addictive patterns often develop for a reason. A substance or behaviour may initially provide relief from stress, emotional pain, boredom, trauma, loneliness or overwhelming thoughts.

Over time, the same coping strategy can begin creating problems of its own. People may find themselves caught between wanting relief in the moment and wanting something different for their relationships, health, work or future.

Counselling can help you understand this cycle without reducing your experience to willpower or judgment.

Substance Use & Behavioural Addictions

Addiction counselling may address concerns involving alcohol, recreational or prescription drug misuse, gambling, pornography or other repetitive behaviours that have become difficult to manage.

The goal of counselling is not to assume what change should look like for you. Your therapist can work collaboratively with you to understand your concerns, clarify your goals and determine what strategies and supports may be appropriate.

Addiction, Shame & Relationships

Addiction can create secrecy, guilt, conflict and disconnection. It can also affect trust, communication and intimacy within relationships.

Counselling can provide a space to address these concerns honestly, understand the impact of the behaviour and work toward healthier patterns of coping, communication and connection.

Our Approach

Our therapists use a client-centred, trauma-informed approach grounded in evidence-based and evidence-informed practices.

Counselling is collaborative and individualized. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on triggers, coping strategies, emotional regulation, trauma, relationships, shame, motivation, relapse prevention and developing healthier patterns over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to consider myself addicted to seek counselling?

No. You can seek counselling if you are simply concerned about your relationship with a substance or behaviour, want to understand a pattern or are thinking about making changes.

Can counselling help with pornography addiction or compulsive pornography use?

Yes. Counselling can help explore triggers, emotional patterns, relationship concerns, shame and coping strategies connected to compulsive pornography use while supporting goals for behavioural change.

Do I have to stop completely before starting counselling?

No. You do not need to have already stopped using a substance or engaging in a behaviour before seeking support. Counselling can begin wherever you currently are in the process of considering or making change.

Can addiction counselling help with relapse?

Yes. Counselling can help identify factors connected to relapse, strengthen coping strategies and develop a more realistic plan for responding to triggers, setbacks and high-risk situations.

Is addiction counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health-benefit plans cover psychological or counselling services. Coverage depends on the practitioner’s designation and your individual plan, so we recommend confirming the details directly with your insurer.

In-Person & Online Addiction Counselling

Calgary: In-person and virtual counselling

Red Deer: In-person coming soon and virtual counselling based on therapist availability

Across Alberta: Secure virtual counselling

Ontario: Secure virtual counselling for clients ages 13 and older

Getting Started

If substance use or a compulsive behaviour is affecting your wellbeing, relationships or daily life, support is available. You can review our therapists, book online or contact our office for help choosing the right service.

Book an Appointment

Meet Our Team

Important Time Zone Notice

Appointment times default to Mountain Time (MT). If you are booking from Ontario or another time zone, please adjust the time zone at the top of the booking page before selecting an appointment.