Addictive Behavior & Substance Use Therapy in San Diego

Understanding Patterns That Feel Difficult to Change

Sometimes a behavior begins as a way of coping and gradually becomes something that feels difficult to control.

You may find yourself repeatedly engaging in a behavior or using a substance despite wanting to make a change. You may feel caught between wanting relief in the moment and dealing with consequences later.

Therapy can provide a nonjudgmental space to understand these patterns and consider what you want to change.

When a Pattern Starts Affecting Your Life

You may be seeking therapy because you notice:

• Difficulty reducing or stopping a behavior

• Repeated attempts to change that haven't lasted

• Feeling preoccupied with a substance or behavior

• Using substances or behaviors to manage difficult emotions

• Relationship problems related to the pattern

• Work or financial consequences

• Feelings of shame or secrecy

• A growing sense that the behavior is no longer aligned with your values

You don't have to wait until a problem becomes severe before seeking support.

Understanding the Function of a Behavior

Addictive behaviors often serve a purpose, even when they create problems over time.

A substance or behavior may temporarily provide relief from anxiety, loneliness, stress, boredom, difficult emotions, or other experiences. Addictive behavior may serve as a form of self-care, a way to obtain sexual or social connection, or a means of coping with underlying emotional pain or trauma.

Understanding that function is an important part of creating change.

Therapy can help you understand the immediate relief a behavior provides, navigate its long-term consequences, and discover healthier ways to meet valid needs. 

What Therapy Can Help With

Depending on your goals and circumstances, therapy may focus on:

• Understanding triggers and patterns

• Identifying emotional and situational cues

• Developing alternative coping strategies

• Exploring ambivalence about change

• Building greater awareness of urges and behaviors

• Addressing shame and self-criticism

• Improving relationships

• Clarifying personal values

• Creating realistic goals for change

• Developing strategies for maintaining progress

Change doesn't have to be approached as an all-or-nothing process. Therapy can help you understand where you are and determine what meaningful change looks like for you.

Substance Use & Mental Health

Substance use and emotional concerns can sometimes reinforce one another. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, and other concerns may influence substance use, while substance use can also affect mood, relationships, and functioning.

Therapy can provide space to consider these connections as part of a broader understanding of your experience.

A Collaborative, Nonjudgmental Approach

I approach this work with curiosity rather than judgment. You don't need to arrive with everything figured out.

Together, we can explore what you're experiencing, what you want to change, and what approaches may be appropriate for your circumstances.

When Additional Support May Be Needed

Some substance use concerns require a higher level of care or medical support than outpatient psychotherapy can provide. If that is the case, I can help identify whether additional services or referrals may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing an immediate medical or psychiatric emergency, please seek emergency care or call 911.

Addictive Behavior Therapy in San Diego & California

I provide individual therapy in downtown San Diego and secure telehealth throughout California.

If you're concerned about a pattern involving substance use or another addictive behavior, you can reach out to discuss whether therapy may be an appropriate fit.

Schedule a 15-Minute Consultation