Addiction

Addiction Counselling and Treatment in North Vancouver, BC and West Vancouver, BC

Feeling Trapped in a Cycle of Addiction?

Addiction to substances or gambling can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. It can disrupt your life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Understanding the Science of Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain's reward system. When you engage in addictive behaviors, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure. Over time, your brain becomes reliant on these substances or activities, making it difficult to break free from the cycle of addiction.

What does Addiction feel like for you?

  • Cravings:

"I have intense urges to use substances or gamble, even when I know it's harmful."

  • Loss of control:

"I can't control how much I use or gamble, even if I want to."

  • Neglecting responsibilities:

"I'm neglecting my work, family, or other important commitments."

  • Financial problems:

"I'm spending more money than I can afford on substances or gambling."

  • Legal troubles:

"I've gotten into trouble with the law because of my addiction."

  • Physical health problems:

"My physical health is deteriorating due to my addiction."

  • Emotional distress:

"I feel anxious, depressed, or irritable."

  • Isolation:

"I'm withdrawing from friends and family."

Many clients pay little or nothing out of pocket — we direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife, Telus Health / Canada Life, GreenShield, and more. See all insurance & funding options → Direct billing available

Hope and Healing - Treating Addiction

Our team in North Vancouver and West Vancouver takes a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach to addiction and substance use — understanding that compulsive behaviour is almost always rooted in pain, not weakness. We use evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR Therapy (particularly where addiction is tied to trauma), DBT, and motivational interviewing. Neurofeedback and Biofeedback are available as adjuncts to support craving regulation and emotional dysregulation at the physiological level. We work collaboratively with medical providers where relevant.

Ready to break free from addiction? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Need help finding the right counsellor for you? Get matched to one of our qualified Registered Clinical Counsellors

Work with our counselling team

Our counsellors take a non-judgmental, evidence-based approach to addiction and substance use. Sessions in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and by secure video.

Maryam Mills

Maryam Mills

MA, RCC-ACS, CCC, BCN, EMDRIA-Consultant — Clinic Director

“My aim is to guide clients toward realizing their highest potential — drawing on EMDR, neurofeedback, and a deeply holistic understanding of what shapes each person's experience.”

EMDR Neurofeedback Trauma Couples Hypnotherapy Farsi Full profile →
Teresa Berkholtz

Teresa Berkholtz

MA, RCC

“I believe every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength, and purpose — I use EMDR and parts work to help clients find what keeps them stuck.”

EMDR IFS / Parts work Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Alireza Badri

Alireza Badri

MA, RCC

“I bring a calm, thoughtful presence — helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of strength using EMDR, DBT, and ACT.”

EMDR DBT ACT Gottman Farsi Full profile →
Sogol Shams

Sogol Shams

PhD, MACP, RCC

“I'm dedicated to creating a culturally sensitive, supportive environment — drawing on CBT, EMDR, and play therapy to empower clients of all ages to build resilience and thrive.”

EMDR CBT Play therapy IFS Farsi Full profile →
Jackie McGregor

Jackie McGregor

MACP, RCC

“True healing involves attending to the whole person — I integrate IFS, somatic, and Gottman approaches to help clients achieve deeper self-discovery and lasting change.”

IFS / Parts work Somatic CBT Gottman Full profile →
Stephanie Stanton

Stephanie Stanton

MACP, RCC, RRT

“My background as a respiratory therapist shaped my understanding of how stress and anxiety live in the body — I work alongside clients to explore the patterns that may no longer be serving them.”

EMDR IFS Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Diba Ferdowsi

Diba Ferdowsi

Counselling Intern — available through our low-cost counselling program

“I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions — supervised by our senior clinical team.”

CBT DBT Mindfulness Farsi Low-cost program only Full profile →

Ready to get started? Not sure who to book with — we'll match you with the right counsellor.

Book a free 15 min. consultation

Addiction & Substance Use — Frequently Asked Questions

No — and waiting until things are at their worst often means more to rebuild. Counselling for addiction and substance use is effective at any stage, whether you're concerned about a pattern that's developing, struggling with dependence, or working to maintain recovery. Earlier support tends to produce better outcomes.
A health condition — always. Addiction is understood as a complex interaction of neurobiology, trauma, environment, and coping patterns. Our counsellors take a non-judgmental, compassionate approach. Shame is one of the biggest barriers to recovery, and our role is to help remove it, not reinforce it.
We use evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR (particularly where addiction is tied to trauma), motivational interviewing, and IFS. Neurofeedback is also used as an adjunct to support craving regulation and emotional dysregulation. We work collaboratively with medical providers and other supports where relevant.
Yes. Our counsellors work with gambling, internet and gaming addiction, and other behavioural compulsions using the same evidence-based framework as substance use. The underlying patterns — reward-seeking, avoidance, shame cycles — are often very similar regardless of the specific behaviour.

Community and Industry Resources for Addiction