Who is a good fit for BCRS Counseling?

Not only did I enter recovery as an adolescent, but I have worked professionally with teens and their families for about half of my career. My experience gives me an invaluable understanding of the unique challenges faced by teens and their families when it comes to addiction and recovery.

My goal when working with adolescents and their families is always to develop a shared sense of TEAMWORK. Too often addiction & substance abuse are seen as behavioral issues stemming from lack of discipline (especially when it comes to teens). Together we will operate with the knowledge that we are all on the same side, and that the best way to recover is together as a family.

Struggling with addiction or substance abuse as a young adult comes with its own unique challenges. Ages 18-25 are usually a time when we experience a lot of big life transitions with many expectations on our shoulders. Sometimes it feels like addiction has stolen our best years from us or that we aren't as far along in life as we expected to be by this time. 

Not only do I want to help you with your substance abuse issues, but I also want to help you with your life issues. Together we will clarify your life goals, develop acceptance about your current situation and set you up for the future that you want to pursue.

I have worked to help adults with addiction from every walk of life, everything from people who struggle with housing & food insecurity to Doctors and CEO's. I have helped estranged families reconnect and assisted the elderly in finding peace in their final years. 

Together I am confident we will be able to develop and enact a plan that will work for you and your goals.

Until recent years, purely abstinence-based recovery has been seen as the 'gold standard'. While I would never encourage someone to use illegal substances or overindulge with alcohol, I believe that an approach to recovery that's singularly focused on abstinence isn't right for everyone. I myself have witnessed people along the full spectrum of recovery achieve their life goals, which demonstrates to me that complete abstinence is not always required for success in recovery.

Together we will determine what feels right and doable for you at the present time in your life. I will hold you accountable to the goals you set, but I will not shame you for being imperfect. I myself had multiple relapses before being able to reach my personal goal of complete abstinence. I have also seen too many times people be discouraged by professionals in the field as well as other members of the recovery community for using/drinking instead of being supported in these difficult moments. 

NOTE: With clients who are minors, my approach WILL differ. As alcohol and other substances are illegal for minors to consume, I will not advocate or condone use. That being said, I still will not shame someone for being imperfect. Relapse is very commonly a part of recovery. 

I am a staunch supporter and ally of the LGBT+ community. I am committed to doing my best to help you feel safe and comfortable in the therapeutic space.