Facing the real problem is the first step toward healing.
How do we help?
At Wise Mind Therapy, we understand the complexity of addiction, and we have a lot of tools in our tool-belt to help you find the path that is right for you. We know that the addiction is serving you in some way, or you wouldn't do it. Change is very hard, and we have compassion for that. So when we refer to "addiction therapy" we are talking about both the tool-belt that we have, and the compassion that we have for each client. Wherever you are on your journey, you can trust that our therapists will be right there with you, without pressure, without judgement. Keep reading to learn about a few examples of "tools" in our "tool-belt".
We experience addiction in our bodies. The discomfort of changing habitual behavior is immense. Add a physical addiction to that, and it can become overwhelming for anyone. Our therapists understand this. Change happens one step at a time.
Over time, your therapist will help you become more tolerant of the distressing feelings that cause you to engage in the behavior or addiction. Together, you will explore the complex landscape of your addiction. As you learn to face your addiction with curiosity, tolerance, and compassion, you will be able to engage in exercises to strengthen your will to change, resolve your past trauma, and learn new behaviors.
Here are a few tools clients may engage in:
Motivational Interviewing: Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative conversation to strengthen a person's own motivation to change. People often feel ambivalent, or torn in two directions, about changing addictive behavior. We understand that if it wasn’t serving a purpose you wouldn't be doing it. For example, why would you want to stop drinking alcohol if it is the only way that you can overcome your social anxiety? Motivational interviewing can help people overcome ambivalence and find clarity.
EMDR DeTUR Protocol: The Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing (DeTUR) method is an urge reduction protocol. We use it to target addiction in order to reduce triggers that normally cause the client to use (food, alcohol, etc), and reduce the intensity of the urge around using. This method also allows clients to clearly visualize a happy life without the substance use or targeted behavior. Clients can clearly visualize a path to a life of freedom without the chains of addiction.
EMDR Standard Protocol: Engaging in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to recover from trauma can lead to a change in how a person feels. Reducing symptoms of trauma can make it much easier to stop engaging in addictive behaviors. To read more about EMDR Therapy click here.
Ego State Therapy: Ego State therapy can help clients feel more control over their addiction. By understanding, and having compassion for all conflicting parts of ourselves, we are able to become more self aware, and have more self control.
Remember, each client is different. We meet you where you are and use the tools that best fit your needs. If you would like to talk to a therapist, with no pressure, please contact us by clicking on the button below.
