Addiction and Compulsive Behaviour Therapy in Quebec
Support for Substance Use, Gambling, Sex & Behavioral Addictions
Are you struggling with a behavior that feels difficult to control despite knowing it may be affecting your relationships, work, or emotional well-being?
Addiction is not limited to substances. Many individuals experience compulsive behaviors such as gambling, pornography, sex, shopping, gaming, or excessive screen use. These behaviors often begin as coping strategies for stress, anxiety, trauma, or loneliness , but over time, they can lead to shame, secrecy, and emotional exhaustion.
When Should You Seek Help for Addiction?
You may benefit from professional help if:
• You feel unable to stop despite negative consequences
• Your behavior is affecting relationships or finances
• You experience cravings, secrecy, or shame
• You use substances or behaviors to cope with stress
• Attempts to quit on your own have not been successful
Early support can prevent escalation and reduce long-term emotional and relational damage. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure. You are not alone, and recovery is possible with structured, compassionate support.
The Circle of Wellness Approach to Addiction Recovery
At The Circle of Wellness, we treat addiction as both a behavioral pattern and a deeper emotional regulation challenge. Our approach integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with creative and holistic interventions to support long-term healing.
We provide support for:
• Alcohol and substance use
• Gambling addiction
• Sex and pornography addiction
• Gaming and digital addiction
• Relapse prevention
• Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or burnout
Evidence-Based Therapies We Use
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify triggers, thinking patterns, and behaviors that maintain addiction cycles. Clients learn practical tools to manage cravings, restructure negative thoughts, and reduce relapse risk.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and impulse control. It is particularly effective for individuals who engage in addictive behaviors during periods of emotional overwhelm.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps clients develop psychological flexibility and reconnect with personal values. Instead of fighting urges, clients learn to respond intentionally and build a meaningful, value-driven life.
Art Therapy for Addiction & Emotional Processing
Addiction often carries unspoken emotions — shame, grief, trauma, anger, or loneliness. Art therapy provides a non-verbal and creative way to explore these feelings safely.
Through guided creative exercises, clients can:
• Express emotions that are difficult to verbalize
• Increase self-awareness and insight
• Reduce shame and self-criticism
• Strengthen emotional regulation
• Reconnect with identity beyond addiction
Art therapy can be integrated with CBT, DBT, and ACT, creating a holistic treatment experience that supports both the mind and emotional body.
Why Our Holistic Model Works
Addictive behaviors are rarely just about the behavior itself. They are often connected to:
• Chronic stress
• Anxiety or depression
• Trauma or attachment wounds
• Relationship challenges
• Burnout or life dissatisfaction
Our Circle of Wellness model ensures that therapy addresses the full emotional landscape, helping you build resilience, stability, and sustainable change. Online therapy provides confidential, flexible access to support from the comfort of your home, reducing stigma and increasing consistency in care.
What Recovery Can Look Like
Through therapy, you can:
• Reduce urges and regain control
• Develop healthier coping mechanisms
• Improve emotional regulation
• Repair trust in relationships
• Strengthen self-esteem
• Create long-term behavioral change
Recovery is not about perfection — it is about steady progress, emotional stability, and reclaiming your life.
How to Begin
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Book your free 15-minute call
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Get matched with a therapist experienced in addiction and emotional regulation
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Begin online sessions tailored to your goals
Start addiction therapy this week! toward healing and authenticity
Frequently Asked Questions For
Addiction & Compulsive Behaviour Therapy
1. What types of addiction do you treat?
We provide support for substance use (alcohol, cannabis, prescription misuse) as well as behavioral addictions such as gambling, sex and pornography, compulsive shopping, gaming, and excessive screen use. We also treat co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and relationship stress.
2. Do I need to identify as an “addict” to start therapy?
No. If a behavior feels difficult to control or is causing distress, therapy can help. You do not need a formal diagnosis or label to seek support.
3. Is online addiction therapy effective?
Yes. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are highly effective when delivered online. Research shows virtual therapy can be just as impactful as in-person sessions for addiction and impulse control concerns.
4. How does therapy help with cravings and urges?
Therapy helps you understand your triggers, identify emotional drivers, and develop practical coping strategies. You will learn techniques to manage urges, reduce impulsive behaviors, and build long-term emotional regulation skills.
5. What if I relapse?
Relapse is sometimes part of the recovery process. Therapy provides a structured space to understand what happened, strengthen coping tools, and adjust your recovery plan without shame or judgment.
6. Can therapy help with gambling or sex addiction specifically?
Yes. Behavioral addictions such as gambling, sex, and pornography often involve impulse control and emotional regulation challenges. We use structured approaches like CBT, DBT, and ACT to address the psychological patterns underlying these behaviors.
7. Do you offer art therapy for addiction?
Yes. Art therapy can be integrated into sessions to help process shame, trauma, grief, and other emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. It provides a creative, non-verbal way to build insight and emotional healing.
8. How long does addiction therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on severity and goals. Many clients notice improvement within 8–12 sessions, though some benefit from longer-term support for sustained recovery.
9. Is this a detox or medical treatment program?
No. We do not provide medical detox services. If you require medical supervision for withdrawal, please consult a physician. Therapy focuses on psychological and emotional recovery.
10. Is therapy confidential?
Yes. All sessions are private and confidential in accordance with professional ethical standards.
11. How much does therapy cost?
Sessions start at $130. We offer flexible scheduling and no long waitlists so you can begin support promptly.
12. How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute call. We will help you connect with a therapist experienced in addiction and compulsive behaviors and create a personalized treatment plan.