Maybe you notice that the occasional drink has turned into a nightly ritual.
Maybe you wonder what it would be like to not use marijuana every day.
Maybe you wonder if your drug or alcohol use is “normal”.
I help people use drugs or alcohol differently.
I work with individuals who are motivated to reconsider and reduce their use of alcohol and other substances.
I have noticed that problematic substance use often comes from a desire to avoid unpleasant thoughts and feelings, or to prolong the “good” feelings.
I help patients learn to identify and tolerate a wider range of thoughts and feelings, so that they can make better choices about whether or not to use substances to cope.
I use a harm-reduction approach to meet patients where they are, however will often recommend a trial of sobriety to see if reducing substance use will have a positive impact on mood and anxiety.
I want to make sure that you get the help you need. Due to the nature of solo practice and telehealth, I will refer you elsewhere if I determine that you would benefit from more comprehensive substance use disorder services, for instance, residential treatment, medical detoxification, or intensive outpatient treatment. I reserve the right to decline to work with individuals who have active, severe substance use disorders.
Research influences
American Psychology Association Division 50: The Society of Addiction Psychology. The Addiction Psychology Podcast.
Najavits, L. (2002). Seeking safety: A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse. Guilford Publications.
Washton, A. M., & Zweben, J. E. (2006). Treating alcohol and drug problems in psychotherapy practice: Doing what works. Guilford Press.
Wisdom from fiction & memoir
St Aubyn, E (2012). Bad news: A Patrick Melrose novel. Picador.
Stuart, D. (2020). Shuggie Bain. Grove Press.
Thompson, J. (2021). Running is a kind of dreaming: A memoir. Harper Collins.
Whitaker, H. (2019). Quit like a woman: The radical choice to not drink in a culture obsessed with alcohol. The Dial Press.