Addiction Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Abby Tait
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
You might come to therapy feeling stuck in familiar patterns - ways of coping, thinking, or relating that once made sense but now feel hard to shift. You may be thoughtful and self-aware, yet find yourself overthinking, avoiding certain emotions, or feeling disconnected from who you are or where you’re headed. Questions about identity, values, and purpose often sit quietly underneath these experi…
Johann Kong
MSW,RSW
I can bring in our work together a wide range of expertise and experiences from a seasoned professional mindset that puts your needs at the centre. More importantly, I understand pain and trauma and know how hard it can be to navigate through these experiences towards health and wellness. I am committed to providing a safe, caring, non-judgmental space to support you in your journey.
Chris Graham
Professional Counsellor, MPCC-Provisional designation with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA).
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.
Chris Pankewich
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and non-directive, partnering with you to develop a customized toolkit that includes conceptual frameworks, practical skills, and a solid knowledge base. This toolkit is designed to enhance your quality of life, help you overcome obstacles, and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Anna Marson
Registered Psychotherapist
Anna Marson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment, stress, and emotion regulation. She integrates evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and ADHD coaching to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for lasting, positive change. Her approach is compassionate, brain/body-informed, and strength-based.
Joey Mercer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I support adults and young adults healing from addiction, social anxiety, and depression, and guide trauma recovery through an EMDR-informed lens. As a non-Indigenous person working with Indigenous clients, I strive to honour a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective and practice with cultural humility. Recovery doesn't happen to you, it happens because of you. I'll be there beside you.
Brayden Keeler
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Brayden (she/her) obtained a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult, Brayden is particularly attuned to the challenges faced by others with neurodivergence, especially recognizing symptoms often overlooked in youth identifying as female.
Shannon Jervis
Registered Social Worker
Throughout my career, I have provided unwavering support to clients affected by neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, and various mental health challenges. I specialize in creating a collaborative and meaningful treatment plan tailored to individual needs, fostering a therapeutic environment. As a therapist, I use a strength-based, client-focused approach.
Lester Vega
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I offer gentle, Jungian-oriented and psychodynamic psychotherapy for clients navigating anxiety, emotional disconnection, complex trauma, attachment wounds, burnout, and repeating relational patterns. Together, we explore emotions, relationships, dreams, spirituality, and meaning at a pace that supports insight, healing, and a more grounded relationship with yourself.
Jamie Smith
Registered Psychotherapist
"My life is fine, why do I feel like this?" "I don't really know how I feel" Depression, loneliness, addiction, anxiety, feeling stuck, people pleasing often point to complex or developmental trauma with no quick fix. If you're reading this you can tell that something is wrong, but might not know where to start. The power to change and heal is inside you waiting to be found.
Greg Clarke
Mental Health/Addiction Counsellor - RSSW, Psychotherapist , CCAC MATS CPGC
Hello, I’m Greg Clarke. I have spent the last 40 years working in the mental health and addiction field. Throughout my career, I have focused on providing compassionate support to individuals facing a variety of challenges, including addiction, problem gambling, chronic conditions, grief and bereavement, life changes and ageing, as well as anxiety and depression.
Jeremy Mayer
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker at Psychotherapy For You
Cherisse N. Doobay
Therapist
In our first session, I will ask you to share your story about your current struggles. We will work collaboratively to identify the core issues and what your goals are for our work together. At the core of my work is the belief in the resiliency of the human spirit; and that change can happen when we connect with each other and with our human nature.
Tharshiga Elankeeran
Registered Psychotherapist MA RP, IMD (candidate)
I embrace the profound truth that we are all interconnected when we mindfully inhabit the present moment. As therapists, we acknowledge the intricate web of human experiences, emotions, and relationships. This awareness creates a nurturing space where clients can explore their inner landscapes with compassion. Together, we embark on a journey of empathy, resilience, and shared transformation.
Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with The Support Station, a Canadian-based, woman-owned organization that believes cost shouldn't be a barrier to accessing quality mental health and wellness support. Each client's session fees are adjusted according to not only their monthly income, but also any bills and debts paid out regularly get considered as well.
Horace Spence
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Coach Spence Wellness & Therapy Services provides trusted, culturally grounded therapy and holistic coaching for individuals, couples, and families. We support healing from stress, anxiety, and conflict while strengthening communication, resilience, and self-care. Through counseling, workshops, and wellness tools, we help clients build balance across mind, body, and spirit.
Lylla Goheen
Registered Psychotherapist RP (Qualifying), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)
Do you and your partner speak different languages? Whether it’s the silence of a "roommate phase," sexual dysfunction, or the weight of chronic illness, you don't have to navigate it alone. I provide inclusive Sex Therapy, Gottman Couples Counselling, and Chronic Pain support in Etobicoke & Toronto. My practice is judgment-free and not "one-size-fits-all." Let's start your new era.
Madeleine Krupl
Registered Social Worker
I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can go to work through things that are vulnerable to you, without fear of judgment or ridicule. We will work together, as equals, build on your inner strengths, knowledge and direction. I support to teens, adults, couples and families experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties.
Lauren Adam
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with children, adolescents, & young adults who are navigating anxiety, family conflict, addiction challenges, and trauma. I also have a special interest in supporting elite athletes, retired athletes & high achievers to navigate perfectionism and performance anxiety. Sessions with me are relaxed, engaging, and even fun!
Mohamad Shabib
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Mohamad Shabib is a trauma-informed counsellor specializing in PTSD, addiction, and complex trauma. He integrates CBT, EMDR, and evidence-based approaches with a culturally responsive lens shaped by refugee and public health experience. He supports vulnerable populations, including refugees and first responders, in healing, resilience, and recovery.
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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.