Supporting Your Unique Journey

My primary goal is to help individuals achieve sustained remission from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or addiction. I firmly believe that people have the right to choose the recovery pathway that aligns best with their personal needs and values. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all—what works for one person may not work for another. My role is to assist individuals in identifying the most effective approach based on the severity of their substance use and their overall wellness goals.
 

For some, the goal may involve moderation, reduction, or more intentional substance use. I provide a nonjudgmental space to explore their relationship with alcohol and drugs, offering clinical recommendations that are often abstinence-oriented. Whether it’s complete abstinence, partial abstinence, or substance-specific abstinence, these options fall within the harm reduction spectrum and often represent the most effective ways to minimize harm.
 

Respect for Autonomy

Ultimately, decisions about one’s relationship with substances—both during and after therapy—rest with the individual and, at times, their financial supporters. I deeply respect each person’s autonomy and am committed to supporting them on their recovery journey.
 

While harm reduction is an integral part of my approach, my practice is not hands-off or "you do you." Instead, it is directional, meaning we’ll engage in honest and sometimes uncomfortable conversations aimed at reducing the risks, harms, frequency, intensity, and duration of substance use and associated behaviors.

Boundaries and Expectations

I offer my patients the "dignity of risk", but this does not mean that I have an "anything goes" ethos. I will recommend higher levels of care—such as inpatient treatment, residential programs, PHP, IOP, or sober living— when my clinical opinion is that they are warranted. I am not ideologically opposed to abstinence-based treatment or 12-Step programs.

All this being said, I am not comfortable working with individuals unable or unwilling to meet the following expectations:
 

1. Refrain from Driving While Intoxicated

   • Individuals must refrain from driving under the influence of substances, be honest about if and when this occurs, and make reasonable efforts to avoid doing so. 

2. Avoid Using Illicit Substances Alone

   • To minimize the risk of fatal overdose, individuals are expected to follow harm reduction principles, such as informing a responsible person about their substance use or utilizing a hotline.

3. Be Transparent with Other Behavioral Healthcare Providers

   • Transparency is essential. I require a Release of Information (ROI) to communicate with other behavioral healthcare providers (e.g., therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists) involved in a client’s care. I encourage clients to initiate these discussions themselves but will not withhold critical information from other members of the care team.
      

Challenging Stereotypes in Recovery

Not everyone who chooses to forgo abstinence or 12-Step recovery is “in denial” or “not in enough pain.” I believe a person’s “bottom” is when they decide to stop digging—it doesn’t require severe legal, health, or relational consequences.
 

Historically, the addiction treatment industry has heavily emphasized 12-Step programs. While these can be incredibly effective for some, they may not appeal to or benefit individuals with mild substance use issues or co-occurring psychiatric disorders. For those who are unwilling or unable to engage with the 12-Step approach, there are often few alternative options.
 

This is why I feel a responsibility to offer choice—a space where individuals can explore multiple pathways to recovery that suit their unique needs and goals.