As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I provide outpatient individual drug & alcohol counseling.  Typically we will meet once a week for a 50 minute session.  

During the counseling process, I will be guiding you in taking an objective look at the problems your substance use has created in your life and help you with the daily challenges that often accompany early sobriety.  I provide a safe environment for you to identify and express your experiences, thoughts and feelings.  We will also explore what triggers you to use substances and establish strategies to prevent relapse that fit  you as an individual. 

Because substance dependency is a physical brain chemistry disease, I treat the physical effects the chemicals have had on you as well as the emotional and spiritual effects.  Even if you are not addicted, you may be experiencing pain in your life due to your alcohol/drug use.  I can help?  

I believe in a holistic approach to treatment.  Some examples of this are, exercise, proper nutrition, prayer and meditation, massage therapy, addiction and/or psychiatric medications when needed and trauma work to name a few.  Together we will decide which of these tools will be most effective for you and what resources are available.  

If this is your first attempt at recovery, I welcome the opportunity to teach you the tools you need to live your best life.  If you have attempted sobriety in the past but have gone back to using, I hope to give your a personalized approach that fits you as a unique person by exploring with you what hasn't worked in the past and what may work for you.

Some people I work with have tried the 12-Step approach and found it was not a good fit for the.  Some people are not interested in trying that method.  If that describes you, then you are in the right place!  I respect and honor your choices and preferences.  Together, let's figure out what will work for you.

Frequently asked questions:

Will going to outpatient individual sessions once a week be enough to help me or do I need inpatient treatment first?

I believe in starting with outpatient treatment to build a support system so that you can learn how to live in your current environment without substances.  If recovery is not achieved on an outpatient basis, I will help you choose an inpatient treatment center that best suits your individual needs.  Inpatient treatment may be necessary because addiction is a brain chemistry disease which could require a more intensive approach, not because you lack "will power".  However, many people achieve life-long recovery through outpatient treatment.

How long is your drug & alcohol counseling program?

Everyone who walks through my door is a unique person with a unique personal journey.   Therefore, I provide individualized counseling.  There are many factors that determine how long you will be in counseling.  Please call me and we can discuss your particular needs.  Together we will determine hen you are ready to end the therapeutic  relationship.  You are free to end at any time.

Does insurance pay for the outpatient counseling you provide?

In some cases, yes, but in most cases no.  It depends on your particular insurance policy and company.  An insurance company may pay for one person and not another because of the differences in the policies.  I can provide an insurance form at the end of each month for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.  i do not bill insurance companies directly and require payment as to come to each session. 

 Do you spend a lot of time thinking and worrying bout someone you love who is abusing alcohol or drugs?  Do you find yourself doing things that are not helpful?

If you answered yes, you can benefit from your own counseling, whether or not your loved one seeks help. Family members, friends and loved ones lives have been negatively impacted by the behaviors and attitudes of the substance abuser in their life.  Therefore, counseling for you is also very important.  As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I understand the challenges of loving someone who has substance use issues and being scared and frustrated by their choices. 

     In weekly individual counseling sessions or in a group setting, together we will explore how you can best live your life within your relationship.  I will help you identify your behaviors that have not been helpful.  The focus in this process is on you! You will learn how to take care of yourself and practice self-care and self-compassion.  Begin to appreciate that you have wants and needs and that they matter!  Problems in your life occur when you have set aside your own needs and wants and focus on other people. Let's explore healthy ways to set boundaries that clearly state what you want and need.  You want to help them but don't know how to help and not contribute to the problem.  If that describes you, please contact me.

Out of State Assessment

Do you have an outstanding DUI or other drug/alcohol related offense in another state and need an assessment in order to get your license? 

If so, I am able to administer an evaluation for many states.  Call to see if I can help you. 

Help during these trying times

Have you noticed you are drinking or using more than you used to because of the stress, the financial impact and emotional strain of the current and recent events in our nation and the world?  Has drinking/drug use become a problem right now but wasn't previously?  This does not mean your are addicted.  I am here to help you get back on track.  You don't have to commit to long term counseling. I offer counseling that fits your individual needs.               

I am available  for individual counseling sessions to support you and give you tools for coping in a healthy way during this difficult time in our society.   

I am a trained drug and alcohol interventionist with over 25 years of experience.

 I believe in a loving and caring approach to intervention.  An intervention begins with a group of individuals concerned enough to come together and ask the drug/alcohol user to get immediate help.

I help the group decide if a drug or alcohol intervention is the best next step.  If not, I will offer alternative options and suggestions on how to best help.  If an intervention is decided upon, I guide the group in the intervention process.  This includes writing a letter that begins with loving statements about the qualities they appreciate as well as examples of they have witnessed substance use negatively affecting the user's life.  I also give recommendations for treatment.  Interventions tend to be very emotionally charge for all the members involved and can get out of hand very easily.  That is why having an interventionist facilitating is so important.  I will help keep everyone  focused on the purpose of the meeting.
The "surprise approach" is often necessary because of the denial that accompanies addiction.  This can be a lifesaving effort that requires swift action.  I will help you determine if this approach best suits your situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a drug and alcohol intervention where a group of people gang up on someone to force them into getting help?
No.  I believe in a kind and respectful approach to an intervention.  It starts with a group of concerned loved ones who are willing to express what wonderful qualities the person has and also how those qualities have been impacted by their drug/alcohol use.  This is not an "in your face" approach, which I believe is disrespectful.

How many people do we need at the intervention?
It can be two or three people up to about eight.  Usually I don't like to have more than ten people but it depends on the individual case.  The important factor is deciding what would be most effective without being overwhelming. 

Does it have to be a surprise?
The method I use for drug and alcohol interventions is usually a surprise approach because the user is in denial about the extent of their problem and would not likely agree to a planned meeting.  Denial is typically very deep and an intervention is a chance to intervene in their denial so they will accept help.  An intervention can be a good option after other attempts have been made to talk with the user to no avail.  At times it is used when the loved ones are concerned about the safety of the individual or others.

Won't they be angry?
We cannot predict how a person will react.  At times there is anger and at other times there is relief.  Everyone involved in the process has a tendency to become emotional during the intervention because they care so much.  That is one reason it is important to have a trained interventionist facilitating the process.  It keeps the group and the substance user on point so that  emotional responses don't derail the purpose. 

How do I know if an intervention is needed and is best?
The best way to determine that is to schedule an initial appointment with me to discuss what you have tried and if this is the best next step.  If it isn't, I will help you look at other options.  The initial appointment has no obligation and can include the entire team or just a couple of key players to explore the possibility of a drug or alcohol intervention.

My mission is to inspire hope, healing and the development of inner strength in both those with substance abuse and their loved ones. Through a process of active listening and direction, an action plan is developed that includes positive physical, emotional and spiritual changes leading to life-long recovery. 

Associations:

I am a member of:  

CAADAC -  California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors  

I am also a part of a Christian Women Therapist networking group.