Addiction Therapists in Dartmouth, NS

Michelle Strazzeri

Michelle Strazzeri

Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

Virtual

For 9 years I have worked with individuals, couples and families on a wide variety of issues including communication breakdown, trauma, abuse, accident, injury, addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. I understand that change is difficult, and it is hard to take the first step in seeking out therapy support. I know it takes courage to start this process.

Therapy Collective

Therapy Collective

Registered Psychologist/Counselling Therapist/Certified Counsellor

Virtual

We are a group practice with psychologists, CCC's, CT's, and a therapy dog who offer counselling and formal psycho-educational assessments. We cover a broad range of presenting concerns for children, youth, families, couples, and individuals. We offer a variety of approaches as well: EMDR, Cognitive-Hypnotherapy, Art Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Somatic.

Neal Henderson

Neal Henderson

Registered Counselling Therapist

In-Person

Neal Henderson, MEd (CCC/RCT-C), BSW (RSW), BA Owner/Operator, Creating Your Balance Counselling Therapy 25 Wentworth St, Unit 102, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2S7 Phone or Text: (902) 420-6934 | Email: [email protected] Website: https://cybct.ca/

Brisha Marli Clark

Brisha Marli Clark

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I understand that we can all fall into cycles of negative self-thoughts and limiting beliefs. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s words—“you may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”—I approach therapy with the belief that while we may not choose our hardships, we do have the power to grow through them.

Krista Olson

Krista Olson

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I honour the courage and vulnerability it takes to ask for help and to truly look at ourselves. It is a privilege to hold a safe and meaningful space, and to collaborate with clients in the often delicate process of self-exploration, experiential healing, and growth. I would love the opportunity to join you on your journey.

Stephanie Campoli

Stephanie Campoli

MSW, RSW

Virtual

Stephanie Campoli Psychotherapy is a trauma-focused practice in Oshawa, Ontario, offering in-person therapy and virtual psychotherapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia. The practice specializes in comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, and addictions treatment, with particular expertise in supporting people living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and trauma.

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Professional Counsellor, MPCC-Provisional designation with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA).

Virtual

I work with pilots and men in high-pressure careers who are navigating anxiety, burnout, identity challenges, or major life transitions. Many of the people I support are looking for counselling that is practical, confidential, and respectful of their professional context. For pilots concerns about career impact, medical implications often create hesitation around seeking support.

How do therapists in Dartmouth, NS compare?

Number of therapists listed

7

Average years in practice

9.6 Years

Currently accepting new clients

100 %

Therapists in Dartmouth, NS who prioritize treating:

100% Addiction
71% Anxiety
57% Depression
43% ADHD
43% Trauma and PTSD
29% Eating Disorders
29% Emotional Dysregulation
29% Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

How therapists see their clients

86% Online Only
14% In Person Only

Top therapy approaches used in Dartmouth, NS:

43% Trauma Focused
29% Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
29% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
14% Art Therapy
14% Attachment-based
14% Somatic
14% Relational
14% Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction

What is addiction and how does therapy help?

Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use or behaviour despite negative consequences. It involves changes in brain circuitry affecting reward, motivation, memory, and impulse control. Therapy helps by addressing the underlying psychological drivers of addiction — trauma, mental health conditions, emotional dysregulation, social isolation — as well as the thought patterns and triggers that sustain addictive cycles. Therapy is most effective when combined with other supports such as medical care and peer support.

What types of addiction can therapy address?

Therapy addresses a wide range of substance and behavioural addictions, including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis dependence, cocaine and stimulant misuse, prescription medication misuse, gambling disorder, sexual addiction, internet and gaming addiction, and food addiction. Many addiction counsellors are also trained to address co-occurring mental health conditions, which are extremely common among people with addiction — often called dual diagnosis.

What therapy approaches are used for addiction?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is widely used to help people explore their ambivalence about change in a non-judgmental way. CBT for addiction addresses the thoughts and patterns that trigger substance use and builds skills for managing cravings and high-risk situations. Twelve-step facilitation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed approaches, and community reinforcement are also evidence-based. Many therapists integrate multiple approaches based on where you are in your recovery journey.

Does therapy require me to commit to abstinence?

Not necessarily. Many therapists and programs work with a harm reduction model, which supports safer use and reducing negative consequences without requiring abstinence as the only goal. Others work within an abstinence-based framework. Some people want abstinence; others want to reduce use or improve their relationship with a substance. Discuss your goals openly with a potential therapist — a good therapist will work with your goals rather than imposing a single approach.

Is addiction counselling covered by insurance in Canada?

Coverage varies by province and plan. Many extended health benefits cover psychotherapy for addiction when provided by a registered psychologist, social worker, or counsellor. Some provinces offer publicly funded addiction services through health authorities — waitlists vary by region. It is worth contacting your province's addiction services line for information on publicly funded options, and checking your extended benefits for privately covered therapy.