top of page
Addiction (2).jpg

Addiction Counselling

Addiction Counselling supports teens, young adults, and families impacted by substance use or addictive patterns (including gaming and compulsive screen use). Whether you’re the person struggling, or a parent feeling worried and unsure what to do next, this work focuses on clarity, practical strategies, and steady support to reduce harm, strengthen coping, and rebuild trust at home.

​
How do I know if addiction (or an addictive pattern) is becoming a concern?

​

It’s common for people to lean on substances or repetitive behaviours when stress is high, emotions feel heavy, or life feels out of control. Support can help when a behaviour starts to feel hard to manage, becomes the main way of coping, or begins affecting mood, sleep, school/work, relationships, motivation, or day-to-day functioning.

 

Common signs include:
•    Increasing secrecy, defensiveness, or conflict around the behaviour
•    Escalation over time (more frequent, harder to stop)
•    Using the behaviour to numb, escape, or cope with stress
•    Pulling away from responsibilities, relationships, or activities
•    Frequent irritability, shame, or feeling “not like myself”

​
​​
Who are these sessions for?

These sessions are a good fit when:

  • A teen or young adult is experimenting, escalating, or feeling stuck in a pattern

  • Substance use, gaming, screens, or other compulsive behaviours are starting to interfere with life

  • A parent is carrying the stress of a loved one’s choices and needs guidance, boundaries, and support

  • Your home feels tense, reactive, or emotionally exhausted around the issue

"As a parent, I feel a huge boulder has been lifted from my shoulders knowing my daughter has someone to talk to during difficult times"

– Cynthia H, Ottawa Parent

FAQS
​
​"What is Addiction?"

​

Addiction and compulsive behaviours are often rooted in coping, stress, mental health,

nervous system overload, environment, and habit loops. This work focuses on what’s driving

the pattern and building a healthier way forward—with practical, non-judgmental support

tailored to the individual and family dynamic.

​​

​

​

"What do these counselling sessions consist of?" 
​

Sessions are personalized based on needs and readiness.

 

Depending on the situation, support may include:


•    CBT tools for thoughts, urges, triggers, and choices.
•    Solution-focused coaching for clear next steps and momentum.
•    Harm-reduction support focused on safety and progress.
•    Emotional regulation + coping skills to reduce escape/numbing.
•    Life skills + confidence to strengthen self-worth and healthier decisions.
•    Parent coaching for boundaries, less conflict, and fewer power struggles.

​

​

​

"Where do these sessions take place?"
​

Sessions are available in a variety of formats based on what fits best for the person and the family.​

​

​

"What results can I expect to see?"

​

Change doesn’t happen overnight — and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Many families start to notice progress as support becomes consistent and tools are practiced: less conflict, less hiding,

clearer boundaries, and more honest communication over time. The goal is steady,

realistic momentum that holds up in real life.

​​

​

Ready to talk it through?

​

If someone you love is struggling or you’re feeling unsure what to do next —

you don’t have to figure this out alone.​​

​

bottom of page