Substance Use Counseling
I take a person centered and harm reduction approach to substance use, meaning I support you with working towards your own goals to improve your relationship with substances.
Harm reduction sometimes refers to a framework focused on reducing potential risks associated with a practice. Examples of harm reduction in our everyday lives include: wearing a seatbelt when we drive, wearing a helmet when driving a bike, avoiding drinking and driving, taking birth control etc. Harm reduction as a philosophy is about more than just reducing harms. Harm reduction principles include meeting people where they are at in their journey, meaning strategies are tailored to the individual, taking into consideration various factors that contribute to one's ability to meaningfully engage in a practice.
Harm reduction involves respecting one's autonomy. For example, if someone wants to use a drug, one could argue it would be best to avoid these practices altogether, however we have learned over the years that "just say no" isn't enough to stop people from wanting to participate in these practices as there are often valid reasons people might chose to. Therefore, harm reduction focuses on ways to increase physical and psychological safety if one chooses to engage in such practices. This does not mean that abstinence isn't an option, its just not the only one.
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Together we can work on exploring your personal goals surrounding substance use you engage in and tailor an approach that makes sense for you. ​
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I am familiar with various forms of substance use including alcohol use, cannabis use, chemsex/Party N Play, the rave/party scene (including psychedelics, research chemicals, MDMA, ketamine and GHB), opioid use (e.g 'down'), benzodiazepine use (e.g xanax), stimulant use (e.g meth, cocaine).
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Fees: $130 for 50 minute session
$170 +for 80 minute session (recommended for intakes)
FREE 20 minute consultation available
Reduced cost available with limited availability (100)
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*Note: As of June 20th 2024 psychotherapy services are now exempt from HST
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Fees are subject to change on a yearly basis