Substance Use and Addiction Counseling

I offer compassionate substance use and addiction counseling from a relational and trauma informed perspective, grounded in the belief that recovery is essential to long term sustainability, growth, and overall wellness. Recovery is not simply about stopping a behavior. It is about rebuilding safety, self trust, meaning, and connection.

With over eighteen years of experience in the addiction and recovery field, I have worked across inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, long term care, and rehabilitation settings. I have also managed substance use disorder treatment programs and hold North Carolina’s highest substance use disorder licensure. This depth of experience allows me to support recovery with both clinical expertise and real world understanding.

I work with individuals navigating substance use concerns, early recovery, relapse prevention, long term recovery maintenance, and life transitions related to addiction. I also support individuals addressing gambling related concerns and other behavioral patterns that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or emotional well being.

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and empowering. Therapy is tailored to your history, nervous system, values, and goals. I help clients work through ambivalence, reduce shame, address underlying trauma or emotional pain, and build sustainable coping strategies that support long term recovery.

I integrate evidence based and holistic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, polyvagal informed care, nervous system regulation, and the Living in Balance model. This allows for structured support while honoring the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Services are offered discreetly, including for individuals working in military, government, healthcare, or high responsibility roles.

  • Resources and Links

    Living in Balance Manual
    A structured workbook series supporting recovery and relapse prevention
    https://www.summit.net/living-in-balance

    SMART Recovery
    A science based mutual support program focused on self empowerment
    https://www.smartrecovery.org

  • Scope of Practice Notice

    I do not provide treatment for sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behaviors. Individuals seeking support in this area should work with a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist who has specialized training. I am happy to assist with referrals if needed.

    Recovery Philosophy

    I take a HOLISTIC pro recovery approach that honors multiple pathways to healing. This may include abstinence based recovery, harm reduction, or long term maintenance depending on individual needs and goals. Recovery is not linear, and setbacks do not equal failure.

    Therapy emphasizes accountability without judgment, structure without rigidity, and compassion without minimizing responsibility. The goal is to support meaningful, sustainable change and long term wellness.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you work with people at different stages of recovery
    Yes. I support individuals in early recovery, long term recovery, relapse prevention, and those questioning their relationship with substances or behaviors.

    Do I have to be sober to start therapy
    No. Therapy can support exploration, motivation, and readiness for change at your pace.

    Do you work with Veterans and high responsibility professionals
    Yes. I offer discreet care for Veterans, military connected individuals, healthcare workers, and professionals seeking privacy and flexibility.

    Is this therapy only for substance use disorders
    No. Recovery work often overlaps with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and life transitions, which can also be addressed in therapy.

    Getting Started

    If you are considering recovery focused therapy, the first step is a brief consultation to discuss your goals, needs, and whether this approach feels like a good fit. Therapy is available via video or phone, with evening and weekend options.