Boulder Addiction Therapy:

A Path to Healing and Recovery

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, you're not alone. 


Addiction can take many forms, from alcoholism to opioid addiction, and has a devastating impact on you and the people you care about. In this article, we will explore the importance of addiction counseling and therapy in Boulder and how it can be a vital step on the journey to recovery.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition that affects both the body and the mind. It's characterized by a compulsive need to use a substance or engage in a behavior, despite the negative consequences it brings.

This compulsive behavior impacts the biology, psychology, and social health of the alcoholic or addict, as well as their loved ones.

Addiction is a family disease that impacts the entire family system, whether it’s the family of origin or the family of choice.

Addiction Counseling: A Lifeline for Recovery

Addiction counseling is a crucial component of the recovery process. It provides people with a safe and supportive environment to address the root causes of their addiction, whether it's alcoholism, opioid addiction, or any other substance or behavior. 

I offer addiction counseling in Boulder designed to help individuals better understand their addiction, develop and apply coping strategies, and connect to a community of sober people working towards healthier, more fulfilling lives.

I offer two types of addiction counseling and therapy in Boulder–alcoholism counseling and opioid addiction counseling

Alcoholism Therapy & Counseling in Boulder

 In alcoholism counseling, I work with people to help them transition out of alcohol treatment facilities, and build the independent, sober lives they dream about. I work with them to:

  • Create personalized treatment plans 

  • Set-up independent alcohol and drug monitoring 

  • Find sober communities 

  • Process and repair the wreckage that alcoholism has created in their relationships with themselves and others

Opioid Addiction Counseling

The lethality of opioid addiction is a growing concern. With opioid addiction counseling in Boulder, my clients receive:  

  • Guidance on sustaining their recovery through transitions 

  • Exploring the factors that led to their substance abuse 

  • Identifying healthier coping mechanisms

    My goal in addiction therapy is to help my clients pivot from a life of self-destruction to a life of creativity, joy, and meaning.

The Process of Addiction Therapy

If you're considering addiction therapy in Boulder, you might wonder what the process entails. Here's an overview of what to expect:

1. Consultation: Your journey begins with a free 20 minute consult to start the process of getting to know each other. It also helps me understand your specific situation. This gives you the opportunity to learn how I work with clients and ask questions, and helps me determine the safest and most effective ways to support you in your sobriety.

2. Treatment planning: Based on the consult, we collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan outlining your goals and strategies for recovery.

3. Therapeutic approaches: From there, we will use various therapeutic approaches to help you build and maintain sobriety, including:

  • Motivational interviewing

  • Group therapy

  • Experiential therapy

  • 12-Step Facilitation

  • EMDR

  • Brainspotting

These methods help us address the roller coaster of emotions that come up as you work through any trauma that led to and resulted from your addiction.

4. Ongoing support: I provide my clients with individual addiction counseling, group sessions, and help them access free community resources to maintain sobriety.  

5. Relapse prevention: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” has never been more true than with relapse prevention. 

When I begin working with newly sober clients, we use independent alcohol and drug monitoring services to conduct regular at-home testing. This creates a framework of accountability and stability that leads to long term freedom by helping to prevent relapse.  

I also help my clients identify high-risk  behaviors, relationships, and environments that have the potential to threaten their sobriety. While learning to identify and avoid these triggers, we also invest in  developing strategies that will help them sustain their recovery long-term, such as getting involved in supportive communities, creating external accountability, and setting and working towards life-affirming goals.

The Benefits of Doing Addiction Counseling and Therapy in Boulder with DJBTherapy

1. Personalized treatment plans: If you decide to work with me, we’ll tailor your treatment plans to meet your unique needs. We will spend the first few sessions identifying the goals for your therapy, and creating a vision for how your life will improve when you accomplish those goals. This process helps you monitor your progress independently.

2. Supportive environment: We will collaboratively create a safe and non-judgmental space by identifying the values that are important to you in a therapeutic relationship. Then, we will practice methods to calm your nervous system and lower anxiety, so you can openly discuss, process, and move through your struggles and fears.

3. Holistic approach: I will help you identify and exercise self-care methods in your daily life that will positively impact all aspects of your wellness: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, and financial.

4. Relapse prevention: I will help you create a new design for living that reduces the risk of relapse through external alcohol and drug monitoring, identifying triggers, managing cravings, and connecting to sober communities to ensure lasting recovery.

5. Improved mental health: My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can feel safe sharing your truth.When you’re able to do this while simultaneously eliminating substance abuse, feelings of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm will transform into feelings of calm, meaning, and purpose over time.

The Road to Recovery

Investing in recovery through addiction counseling and therapy in Boulder can be a transformative experience. It's an opportunity to break free from the chains of addiction and regain control of your life. With the guidance of an experienced professional, you can overcome the challenges of alcoholism, opioid addiction, or any other form of substance dependency.

Remember, recovery is a unique and personal journey. It's not about perfection, it’s about progress. Seeking help is a courageous step, and it's one that can lead to a brighter, addiction-free future.

If you or someone you know is in need of addiction counseling in the greater Boulder area, reach out to schedule a consultation. The path to healing and recovery starts with that first conversation.