In-person in Brampton, Virtual across Ontario
Therapy For Addiction
Grounded, evidence-based support for substance use, porn, gambling, and other compulsive behaviours. Move toward recovery with practical tools and a clear, structured plan built around you.
Trauma-Informed Care
Culturally-Sensitive Approach
Compassionate Support
Addiction is often a symptom, not the root problem.
It usually begins as a way to manage something else, whether that is anxiety, trauma, or ongoing stress. Because the relief is immediate, the brain quickly learns to associate the behaviour with escape.
It usually begins as a way to manage something else, whether that is anxiety, trauma, or ongoing stress.
At Here and Now Therapy, we help you get to the root cause of the addiction in a confidential, judgement-free space, and build the tools to move forward.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
Recovery is possible, whatever you are dealing with. We support you navigate:
Sexual Addiction
Compulsive sexual behaviour, including pornography use, chronic masturbation, or seeking out sexual activity in ways that affect your everyday life, relationships, or your sense of control.
Substance Use
Repeated use of alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or prescription medication as a way to cope, unwind, or get through the day.
Gambling
Betting, casino games, sports wagering, or online gambling that becomes hard to step away from, even when it starts causing financial or personal strain.
Video Game or Screen Addiction
Gaming, social media, or general screen use that starts to take priority over responsibilities, relationships, or sleep.
Seeking help from a therapist for addiction takes courage.
Angad Sachdev is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who primarily draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in his work with addiction.
CBT
IS built on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. In addiction, you map out what happens before, during, and after use, spot the specific triggers and beliefs that keep the cycle going, and practice clear responses for the moments you are most likely to relapse.
IFS
Views the mind as made up of different parts. In addiction, you work directly with the part that reaches for the behaviour, understand what it is trying to protect you from, and address that underlying pain so the part no longer has to rely on the addiction to manage it.
If Any of This Feels Familiar:
Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
Anxiety or low mood between the highs
Trouble focusing on work or daily tasks
Withdrawal from friends, family, or social plans
Shame or guilt that lingers after use
Restlessness or physical discomfort when not using
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Neglecting responsibilities, hygiene, or health
Recovery is not about being perfect. It is about moving forward, one honest step at a time.
Sign Up For A Complimentary 20-Minute Consultation
Questions About Therapy for Addiction
-
No. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin therapy. Many clients come in simply recognising that a habit has started to affect their life, relationships, or wellbeing. We’re here for you when you feel ready.
-
Talk therapy gives you a confidential space to look at what sits underneath the addiction, including the emotional triggers, relationships, and past experiences that shape it.
Instead of focusing only on the behaviour, your therapist helps you recognise harmful patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and develop the emotional resilience to handle stress and setbacks without turning to the addiction.
-
Yes, and long-term change is where talk therapy does some of its most meaningful work. Because addiction is usually tied to deeper emotional patterns, therapy helps you address the causes rather than just the behaviour.
Consistent effort on your part is important, and that foundation is what makes recovery sustainable.
-
Yes, employer insurance covers addiction therapy. Here and Now Therapy provides official receipts for all sessions, which you can submit to your insurance provider. We recommend confirming your specific coverage before starting therapy.
-
Counselling is a powerful part of recovery, but lasting change usually depends on a combination of support working together. Alongside therapy, that often includes:
Medical support or detox where a physical dependency is involved
Peer or group support, such as 12-step or SMART Recovery
Support from family and close relationships
Lifestyle changes around sleep, routine, and stress