Counselling options

Counselling for Substance use issues:

In the beginning of this process, a person will be asked a number of questions around current use, patterns, history of using, benefits and consequences of substance use, safety,  supports, and the process of making change. Together, we will explore your triggers, your coping strategies, relapse prevention strategies, and your goals. You may be asked to observe your cravings (thoughts and feelings) related to using, and work on developing/using alternative coping strategies. People often cope with negative feelings and conflict by using substances. We will address your values, and your vision for a meaningful recovery process. Slips are part of the process. Some may want abstinence and others may be seeking harm reduction goals.

Counselling to support family members concerned about significant other’s substance use:

The focus of this counseling is to support the concerned person. Based on your needs and using a motivational interviewing approach, this counseling addresses your self-care and boundaries, issues of coping with stigma, navigating the treatment system. In addition, we can work on how you may support the person who is using substances, to make change in a non–confrontational style, while working on taking care of yourself.

Women’s Group: Women Making Change, a Motivational Approach to exploring Change

This is a support group for women who are considering and working towards making decisions in some area of their lives: career, education, relationships, work-life balance, health and lifestyle, etc.

The group format will include structured exercises, self-reflective work, discussion and activities in partners and the larger group. Note that this is not a therapy group: we will focus on the “here and now” issues that impact your ability to move forward. We will explore ambivalence about change, and support each other in taking steps toward individual goals.

Resources to support you in your change process:

Get Your Loved One Sober, Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading and Threatening, by Robert J. Meyers, Ph.D, and Brenda L. Wolfe, Ph.D., Hazelden, 2004

A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders, Written by Caroline P. O’Grady and Wayne Skinner, CAMH, 2007 (a copy can be found at the website of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

A Woman’s Addiction Workbook, by Lisa M. Najavits, Ph.D., New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2002

Wellness Recovery Action Plan and Peer Support, Mary Ellen Copeland and Shery Mead, Peach Press, 2004