Addiction Counselling
Addiction Counselling
Services in Calgary
Stepping into Addiction Counselling is a big step so congratulations on getting to this point. Stepping into Addiction Counselling is a big step, so congratulations on getting to this point. By now, you likely have some suspicion (if not total clarity) that your substance use or behaviour engagement has become unmanageable and you would like to further explore treatment for this. Below is information about how Sana Psychological may be able to support you in your journey.

The short story
At Sana Psychological, Paige Abbott (Registered Psychologist) works with Addiction of any manifestation.
Addiction counselling involves an initial session or two to get to know you and determine treatment planning and recommendations, which will include self-management strategies as well as community support. Sessions can occur in person or virtually (by phone or video). Fees are $200/session. Treatment can be short-term (3-6 months) or long-term (6 months +) depending on need and preference. Addiction is treated as a chronic condition of the brain and sessions are a combination of process and psychoeducational support to appreciate the difference between you and the unhealthy part of your brain. Sessions are also available for family members and loved ones who are open to supporting around boundaries, self-care and communication.

The long story
Addiction counselling involves an initial session or two to get to know you and determine treatment planning and recommendations, which will include self-management strategies as well as community support. Sessions can occur in person or virtually (by phone or video). Fees are $200/session. Treatment can be short-term (3-6 months) or long-term (6 months +) depending on need and preference. Addiction is treated as a chronic condition of the brain and sessions are a combination of process and psychoeducational support to appreciate the difference between you and the unhealthy part of your brain. Sessions are also available for family members and loved ones who are open to supporting around boundaries, self-care and communication.
At Sana Psychological, Paige Abbott (Registered Psychologist) works with Addiction of any manifestation.
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Gambling
- Relationships
- Codependency
- Sex and love
- Eating disorders
- Shopping / Spending
-
Video game / Media
( read an article written by Paige on gaming and relationships here ) - Work
- Excercise
- Mental Health
- Hoarding
- Shame
Follow-up sessions will be a combination of processing where you are at, what you have been trying and doing, what is/is not helping, exploration of triggers and vulnerabilities, building of strengths and resources through accountability and gentle feedback and challenging. Paige Abbott endorses and encourages participation in addiction recovery community support groups, whether that be 12-Step programs, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, or any other support groups that you come across to aid you in your journey.
A major part of Addiction Counselling is the exploration of relationships and feelings, as these do tend to drive a lot of the fuel that supports Addiction. Therefore, you can anticipate that the exploration of these areas will constitute part of the counselling process. Initially, we will focus on stabilization and immediate needs for health and safety, including looking at detoxification supports if needed. As stabilization occurs, a more in-depth exploration of the underlying roots and drivers of problematic behaviours can happen.

External Referrals
Sometimes people require more intensive treatment programs than what can be provided in outpatient counselling.
If this is the case for you or if it is determined you would benefit from more intensive treatment, Sana Psychological can provide referrals to suitable rehab programs at treatment facilities. As mentioned above, encouragement may also be made to check-out community and mutual support groups as peer support for recovery is incredibly important. Sana Psychological is here to help you start your journey of recovery as well as for continuing care. If you have been in recovery for years and are looking to keep furthering your journey to well-being, please reach out.


Sana Psychological’s Approach
to Addiction
Paige Abbott has worked in Addiction treatment since 2011 and has come to strongly appreciate that Addiction is Addiction, which means that Addiction is about the brain and genetics more than it is about the specific behaviours (these are just symptoms).
In a nutshell, the understanding is that risk for Addiction is created at the level of genetics

Becomes triggered or activated by the environment, exposure, stress, and/or trauma

Starts to show up in certain areas initially (often relationships, food, media, early substance use)

Over time progresses and impacts all areas of life, including memory and motivation.
The treatment plan becomes about the stabilization of acute physical health and substance risks, followed by getting to know what Addiction looks like and how it operates inside of you. Encouraged recovery is to look at a variety and diversity of coping mechanisms, including aspects of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual, financial, and cultural health.
Paige is the co-author of three books related to Addiction that she would encourage you to check out to learn more about this approach to Addiction Counselling. These books are ‘Addiction is Addiction,’ ‘Addiction is Addiction Workbook‘ and ‘Love, the Drug.’


For loved ones
Sessions are also available for family members and loved ones who are concerned about someone else’s Addiction-related behaviour and are open to exploring support for themselves. Typically this support will involve learning about you, the challenges and strengths you carry, and exploration of boundaries, self-care, and healthy communication.
Additional points
Unsure if you have Addiction? Sana Psychological can help you assess and determine where you are currently at and provide support suggestions to meet you wherever you are in your journey of health and wellness.
Logistics
Addictions counselling Calgary sessions are offered in-person and using Technology Assisted Counselling across Alberta and Canada, depending on need and preference. Session fee is $200/session and can be short or long-term support for those new to or experienced in recovery.
