Specialty Areas

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma and Abuse
• Relationship Problems
• Couples Counseling

Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors

Addictive and compulsive behaviors (such as alcohol and drug use, compulsive gambling, shopping, eating, etc.) often go hand-in-hand with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Trauma is often the hidden underlying source of addictive and compulsive behaviors. In fact, it is estimated that approximately one-third of those who suffer from the after-effects of trauma turn to alcohol or drug use for relief.

Addictive behaviors have a powerful, yet short term ability to mask the emotional pain of trauma. In addition to my training in trauma, I have a wide range of training and work experience with alcohol and drug issues as well as other compulsive behaviors.

My approach is comprehensive. I address the emotional aspects of addictions, including the underlying painful feelings and emotional traumas. I also work to unearth and transform the negative thinking and beliefs that are encouraging the addictive behavior. I find it useful to explore self-care skills, strategies to deal with cravings and urges, relapse prevention planning, and spiritual and community support. I also completed training with Julia Ross, MA, author of The Mood Cure, on the effects of diet and nutrition on brain chemistry and addictions.

I also work with co-dependency, which is a style of living that emphasizes the needs and feelings of another person over your own well-being. In this work, I focus on helping you to develop a healthy sense of individuality and independence, coupled with a capacity for intimacy.

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