Understanding Substance Use

Navigating substance use is deeply personal, and seeking support takes courage. While our network of therapists specializing in this area is growing, you can explore professionals who offer compassionate guidance.

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Substance use exists on a spectrum, and the path to seeking support looks different for everyone. Whether you're questioning your relationship with a substance, concerned about patterns you've noticed, or supporting a loved one, therapy can provide a non-judgmental space to explore your experiences and goals. Therapists who work in this area understand the complexity of substance use and approach each person's situation with compassion.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who may incorporate approaches helpful for those navigating substance use, such as harm reduction, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care. Watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their style and whether they might be a good fit for your needs. You might also explore related areas like finding a therapist in Canada or consider therapists who work with stress, coping skills, or life transitions.

Corey Lesperance

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Windsor, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Corey Lesperance

Corey Lesperance

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
$150/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behavioural Issues, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Christian counselling, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Dissociation, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Trauma, Suicidal ideation, Substance Use, Shadow Work, PTSD
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behavioural Issues, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Christian counselling, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Dissociation, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Trauma, Suicidal ideation, Substance Use, Shadow Work, PTSD
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Halyna Polityka

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NT, and NU.
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Halyna Polityka

Halyna Polityka

Registered Psychotherapist
$190/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples, Decision making, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Relationships, Goal Setting, Emotional regulation, Career Performance, Work-Life Balance, Substance Use, Somatic Therapy, Sleeping difficulties
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples, Decision making, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Relationships, Goal Setting, Emotional regulation, Career Performance, Work-Life Balance, Substance Use, Somatic Therapy, Sleeping difficulties
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About First Session
What is substance use?

Substance use refers to the consumption of substances such as alcohol, prescription medications, cannabis, or other drugs. It exists on a wide spectrum, from occasional use to patterns that may feel concerning or difficult to manage. Therapy can help people at any point on this spectrum who want to explore their relationship with substances in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

What are the benefits of therapy for substance use?

Therapy offers a confidential space to explore your experiences without judgment. It can help you understand patterns, identify what may be driving certain behaviours, develop coping strategies, address underlying concerns like stress or trauma, and work toward goals that feel meaningful to you. Therapy supports the whole person, not just the behaviour.

Who is therapy for substance use for?

Therapy for substance use is for anyone who wants support. This includes people questioning their relationship with a substance, those who have noticed patterns they'd like to change, individuals in recovery, family members affected by a loved one's substance use, and anyone seeking a compassionate space to explore these experiences.

How do I find a therapist for substance use support?

On First Session, you can use filters to browse therapists and read their profiles to understand their approach. Look for therapists who mention experience with addiction, harm reduction, or related areas. Our network is growing, so you might also consider therapists who work with underlying concerns like trauma, anxiety, or coping skills, as these often intersect with substance use.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

Many therapeutic approaches can be helpful when navigating substance use. These include harm reduction, which meets you where you are without requiring abstinence; trauma-informed care, which recognizes the connection between past experiences and current patterns; and motivational interviewing, which supports you in exploring your own motivations for change. Therapists may also draw on CBT, mindfulness, or other modalities.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. You can browse profiles, watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist's personality and approach, and filter by specialty or availability. Many therapists offer free consultations so you can ask questions before committing. Both online and in-person options are available to fit your needs.