Addiction and Recovery Services

Why Addiction Counseling

Substance use doesn’t come out of nowhere.

For many, it’s tied to overwhelm, trauma, relationships, pressure, and the constant expectation to hold everything together.

Alcohol or drugs can become a way to cope—to quiet anxiety, numb pain, manage emotions, or just get through the day. And for a while, it works… until it doesn’t.

Addiction counseling isn’t about shame or labeling you. It’s about understanding why this became something your system relied on—and building new ways to cope that don’t cost you your health, relationships, or sense of self.

You don’t have to hit a breaking point to start. If something feels out of control, heavy, or unsustainable—reach out. There is hope.

I have a long work history in addictions counseling and helped develop outpatient programing for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. I am particularly passionate about helping women recover. Whether you are just starting your journey, had a recent slip, or are questioning if this is even the right space for you, I can help.

Many of my clients are:

• Using alcohol or substances to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm

• High-functioning on the outside, but struggling privately

• Carrying trauma that still shows up in their body, relationships, or sense of safety

• Feeling shame, secrecy, or fear about their substance use

• Wanting a different relationship with substances—whether that’s moderation, boundaries, or sobriety

You don’t have to identify as an “addict” to work with me. If your relationship with substances feels complicated, we can work with that.

My approach is trauma informed, which means we look at substance use as a response - not failure. The use of chemicals is an attempt at a solution, not the core of the problem. However, often times this attempt comes with a number of consequences.

I integrate a range of approaches to my work in addiction. I do not believe recovery is one size fits all model:

• 12-Step Support: If you’re in AA/NA (or thinking about it), I help you process the work in a way that feels grounded, personal, and aligned with your identity—not performative or rigid.

• Women for Sobriety (WFS): A strength-based, empowering approach that centers self-worth, emotional growth, and compassion—especially for women who are done with shame-based models.

• Harm Reduction: Not everyone wants—or needs—abstinence right away. We can focus on safer use, awareness, and gradual change without all-or-nothing pressure.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We get practical. Identifying triggers, interrupting patterns, and building tools you can actually use in real life—not just in session.

• Trauma-Informed Work: We don’t ignore the “why.” We work with your nervous system, your history, and the parts of you that learned to cope this way—so change actually sticks.

This is collaborative, honest work. No judgment. No one-size-fits-all plan. Just a space to figure out what recovery looks like for you.