Addiction Therapists in Toronto, ON
Malaka Hakim has a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is an active member of the CRPO and a certified Clinical Traumatologist. Malaka helps clients with their stress, anxiety, depression, substance-use, anger management, behavioral issues, ADHD, ASD, along with other mental health disorders. She also works with a multitude of different approaches, including client -centered, ACT, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, MI, EFT, and strength based therapy. Malaka’s authentic personality, paired with a genuine respect for others allows her to work with clients that encounter varying degrees of challenges.
Malaka Hakim has a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is an active member of the CRPO and a certified Clinical Traumatologist. Malaka helps clients with their stress, anxiety, depression, substance-use, anger management, behavioral issues, ADHD, ASD, along with other mental health disorders. She also works with a multitude of different approaches, including client -centered, ACT, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, MI, EFT, and strength based therapy. Malaka’s authentic personality, paired with a genuine respect for others allows her to work with clients that encounter varying degrees of challenges.
I am passionate about working with individuals who are navigating challenges such as childhood trauma, addiction, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and relationship struggles.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and am currently completing my Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Yorkville University (expected graduation May 2027). This ongoing doctoral training deepens my clinical expertise and strengthens the integrative, research-informed care I provide.
I am passionate about working with individuals who are navigating challenges such as childhood trauma, addiction, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and relationship struggles.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and am currently completing my Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Yorkville University (expected graduation May 2027). This ongoing doctoral training deepens my clinical expertise and strengthens the integrative, research-informed care I provide.
It's not easy to seek support and yet, here you are. That takes courage! Together, we will explore and examine the behaviours and situations that are impacting your life. Your goals are my goals, and together we will work to overcome the hurdles that life presents. My role in your journey is to be non-judgemental, and to support you in creating positive changes that you want to see in order to become the ideal you that may have been lost along the way or you have yet to find.
It's not easy to seek support and yet, here you are. That takes courage! Together, we will explore and examine the behaviours and situations that are impacting your life. Your goals are my goals, and together we will work to overcome the hurdles that life presents. My role in your journey is to be non-judgemental, and to support you in creating positive changes that you want to see in order to become the ideal you that may have been lost along the way or you have yet to find.
The struggles we bring to therapy – procrastination, addiction, depression, relationship issues – are not just problems to be solved, but guides into our hidden parts and complex stories.
Focus Areas: Folks struggling with addiction, navigating identity, especially as an immigrant, queer, or experiencing major life transitions, caregiver fatigue, and trauma. I draw from my training in IFS, EFT and Expressive Arts Therapy.
My work revolves around three pillars: relationality, parts work and connection through the arts & body.
The struggles we bring to therapy – procrastination, addiction, depression, relationship issues – are not just problems to be solved, but guides into our hidden parts and complex stories.
Focus Areas: Folks struggling with addiction, navigating identity, especially as an immigrant, queer, or experiencing major life transitions, caregiver fatigue, and trauma. I draw from my training in IFS, EFT and Expressive Arts Therapy.
My work revolves around three pillars: relationality, parts work and connection through the arts & body.
Gabor Mate where I am trained to work with addictions and childhood trauma.
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
Gabor Mate where I am trained to work with addictions and childhood trauma.
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
Therapy for Addiction & Families Impacted - Dave
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP-Q
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My name is Dave, and I support individuals struggling with addiction as well as the loved ones impacted by it.
Therapy with me is straightforward and supportive. We’ll look at what’s driving the addiction or stress, and build practical strategies for change. For loved ones, we’ll focus on boundaries, coping, and finding balance. Together we’ll work on breaking destructive patterns, lowering the chaos, and building healthier ways forward.
My name is Dave, and I support individuals struggling with addiction as well as the loved ones impacted by it.
Therapy with me is straightforward and supportive. We’ll look at what’s driving the addiction or stress, and build practical strategies for change. For loved ones, we’ll focus on boundaries, coping, and finding balance. Together we’ll work on breaking destructive patterns, lowering the chaos, and building healthier ways forward.
Julia Taştek: Addictions, LGBTQ, ADHD
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have experience in working with those dealing with addiction issues, LGBTQ issues, and working with older adults.
Are you feeling checked-out, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life? Are you finding yourself struggling to make it through each day? Many of us struggle silently with stress, anxiety, and even burnout, but it is possible to move towards balance and self-fulfillment. Therapy offers an opportunity for personal growth through self-reflection, learning new skills, and changing unhelpful thinking/behaviour patterns. I want to help you become the best version of yourself. You've taken the first important step! Together let's make your tomorrow better than your yesterday!
I have experience in working with those dealing with addiction issues, LGBTQ issues, and working with older adults.
Are you feeling checked-out, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life? Are you finding yourself struggling to make it through each day? Many of us struggle silently with stress, anxiety, and even burnout, but it is possible to move towards balance and self-fulfillment. Therapy offers an opportunity for personal growth through self-reflection, learning new skills, and changing unhelpful thinking/behaviour patterns. I want to help you become the best version of yourself. You've taken the first important step! Together let's make your tomorrow better than your yesterday!
You may have learned to cope by pushing through, disconnecting, or turning to substances or behaviours to survive.
I support people navigating PTSD, complex trauma, relational and family trauma, substance and behavioral addiction, sexual and domestic violence, and intimacy concerns. My work centres cultural identity, migration, and immigrant experiences. Using trauma-focused approaches, I help rebuild safety, reduce shame, and restore a sense of agency and connection.
You may have learned to cope by pushing through, disconnecting, or turning to substances or behaviours to survive.
I support people navigating PTSD, complex trauma, relational and family trauma, substance and behavioral addiction, sexual and domestic violence, and intimacy concerns. My work centres cultural identity, migration, and immigrant experiences. Using trauma-focused approaches, I help rebuild safety, reduce shame, and restore a sense of agency and connection.
I offer relief from emotional pain caused by mental health issues, addiction problems, trouble in a marriage or relationship (couple therapy), life's difficult stages such as finding a life partner to reaching middle age, trauma from early childhood, grieving over losses, and so on.
My practice is entitled 'Awareness: The First Step to Healthy Living' because I believe that clients want to explore and become familiar with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, so that life can feel fulfilling. We all experience confusion in life, questioning how to navigate the difficult stages of change, loss, upheaval, insecurity, and, hoping to feel content and accepting of ourselves. I hope to work with clients who want help in managing their lives, whether they struggle with serious mental health, or would like reflect on what they can do better.
I offer relief from emotional pain caused by mental health issues, addiction problems, trouble in a marriage or relationship (couple therapy), life's difficult stages such as finding a life partner to reaching middle age, trauma from early childhood, grieving over losses, and so on.
My practice is entitled 'Awareness: The First Step to Healthy Living' because I believe that clients want to explore and become familiar with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, so that life can feel fulfilling. We all experience confusion in life, questioning how to navigate the difficult stages of change, loss, upheaval, insecurity, and, hoping to feel content and accepting of ourselves. I hope to work with clients who want help in managing their lives, whether they struggle with serious mental health, or would like reflect on what they can do better.
I provide treatment for addiction, depression, anxiety, phobias, general life stressors, as well as a variety of other mental health concerns.
I offer evidence-based treatment including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
I provide treatment for addiction, depression, anxiety, phobias, general life stressors, as well as a variety of other mental health concerns.
I offer evidence-based treatment including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
I began using addictions to cope with the anxiety, choosing the short-term relief despite the long-term consequences.
The last six years I have volunteered as a counsellor, as well as working two years in the Emergency department at CAMH. I completed over 200 hours of supervised practice to register with CRPO, focusing on CBT and Motivational interviewing. My practice is trauma informed, and incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion Focused Therapy.
I began using addictions to cope with the anxiety, choosing the short-term relief despite the long-term consequences.
The last six years I have volunteered as a counsellor, as well as working two years in the Emergency department at CAMH. I completed over 200 hours of supervised practice to register with CRPO, focusing on CBT and Motivational interviewing. My practice is trauma informed, and incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion Focused Therapy.
Ilana is a Registered Psychotherapist providing individual, couples and family therapy to adolescents and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. She supports clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, addictive behaviours, relationship challenges, low self-esteem grief and bereavement, complex family dynamics, co-dependency, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health concerns. She is a trained EMDR therapist and integrates EMDR into her work with clients experiencing trauma, attachment wounds and distressing life events.
Ilana is a Registered Psychotherapist providing individual, couples and family therapy to adolescents and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. She supports clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, addictive behaviours, relationship challenges, low self-esteem grief and bereavement, complex family dynamics, co-dependency, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health concerns. She is a trained EMDR therapist and integrates EMDR into her work with clients experiencing trauma, attachment wounds and distressing life events.
I support individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and emotional regulation, using DBT-informed, CBT, solution-focused, narrative, and emotion-focused approaches.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Anxiety or low mood might be affecting your relationships, work, or sense of self, and past experiences may still be shaping how you respond to stress or conflicts. You may want relief from the constant overthinking, emotional intensity, or exhaustion, and at the same time, want to better understand why these patterns keep showing up. Many of the clients I work with want to feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their emotions. Some are looking to improve as individuals or as a couple.
I support individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and emotional regulation, using DBT-informed, CBT, solution-focused, narrative, and emotion-focused approaches.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Anxiety or low mood might be affecting your relationships, work, or sense of self, and past experiences may still be shaping how you respond to stress or conflicts. You may want relief from the constant overthinking, emotional intensity, or exhaustion, and at the same time, want to better understand why these patterns keep showing up. Many of the clients I work with want to feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their emotions. Some are looking to improve as individuals or as a couple.
I have been working in Social Work for the better part of a decade with a specialization in addiction-based treatment, trauma work and supporting members of the queer community.
Practicing from a client-centered perspective, I utilize therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. I also specialize in working with folks who engage in PnP / Chemsex.
I have been working in Social Work for the better part of a decade with a specialization in addiction-based treatment, trauma work and supporting members of the queer community.
Practicing from a client-centered perspective, I utilize therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. I also specialize in working with folks who engage in PnP / Chemsex.
With 15+ years in addiction, trauma, and mental health, I’ve served in private practice, homeless organizations, and community services in Canada and the UK.
Unresolved trauma, attachment injuries, and old emotional wounds from our past create a fractured foundation within us. These issues can impact our sense of self, leave us feeling empty inside, and lead us to believe there is something fundamentally wrong with us. Some symptoms we experience as adults—such as excessive self-blame, addictive behaviors, anxiety, depression, a constant need to please others, sensitivity to rejection, and a tendency to feel overwhelmed—are often rooted in what was missing during our childhood.
I invite you to explore the part of yourself that was hurt and still carries this trauma and suffering.
With 15+ years in addiction, trauma, and mental health, I’ve served in private practice, homeless organizations, and community services in Canada and the UK.
Unresolved trauma, attachment injuries, and old emotional wounds from our past create a fractured foundation within us. These issues can impact our sense of self, leave us feeling empty inside, and lead us to believe there is something fundamentally wrong with us. Some symptoms we experience as adults—such as excessive self-blame, addictive behaviors, anxiety, depression, a constant need to please others, sensitivity to rejection, and a tendency to feel overwhelmed—are often rooted in what was missing during our childhood.
I invite you to explore the part of yourself that was hurt and still carries this trauma and suffering.
I specialize in trauma, addictions, and complex mental health conditions.
I'm a nurse, social worker & psychotherapist with 10+ years of experience working with complex mental health presentations, trauma, addictions & psychosis recovery. Blending psychological therapy with a strong understanding of psychiatric & medical factors, helping clients understand what’s happening while building stability, clarity & sustainable change.
I specialize in trauma, addictions, and complex mental health conditions.
I'm a nurse, social worker & psychotherapist with 10+ years of experience working with complex mental health presentations, trauma, addictions & psychosis recovery. Blending psychological therapy with a strong understanding of psychiatric & medical factors, helping clients understand what’s happening while building stability, clarity & sustainable change.
People seek therapy for different reasons, whether it’s for mental health maintenance, experiencing symptoms, struggling with relationships or in the workplace or because they are in acute crisis. I am a Registered Psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples, families and groups of all backgrounds, ages, communities and beliefs. I work to create a nonjudgmental, safe and comfortable space where you can be yourself and talk about issues and what you might be struggling with that might feel difficult or embarrassing.
People seek therapy for different reasons, whether it’s for mental health maintenance, experiencing symptoms, struggling with relationships or in the workplace or because they are in acute crisis. I am a Registered Psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples, families and groups of all backgrounds, ages, communities and beliefs. I work to create a nonjudgmental, safe and comfortable space where you can be yourself and talk about issues and what you might be struggling with that might feel difficult or embarrassing.
Addictions Canada (Jamie Smith)
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, BA Hon, HN Dip, PG cert, ACC
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K
I am an addictions counsellor with lived experience.
After graduating from University in London England, Jamie immigrated to Canada in 2012 to work in media, television and comedy. With him, he had 15 + years living with his own addiction issues. Today he has long term sobriety and an education in Addictions and Mental Heath. He has now dedicated his career to helping others that have experienced similar issue
I am an addictions counsellor with lived experience.
After graduating from University in London England, Jamie immigrated to Canada in 2012 to work in media, television and comedy. With him, he had 15 + years living with his own addiction issues. Today he has long term sobriety and an education in Addictions and Mental Heath. He has now dedicated his career to helping others that have experienced similar issue
Kelly - Addiction & Women’s Mental
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J
Would you like to address an addiction to drinking or other substances?
In our initial sessions, I take time to get to know you. Together, we explore the challenges you are facing and identify the areas where healing and growth are most needed. Whether you are navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or reconnecting with yourself, I offer a safe space for us to explore together.
Would you like to address an addiction to drinking or other substances?
In our initial sessions, I take time to get to know you. Together, we explore the challenges you are facing and identify the areas where healing and growth are most needed. Whether you are navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or reconnecting with yourself, I offer a safe space for us to explore together.
With over a decade of experience in addiction and mental health counselling, I specialize in providing empathetic support to individuals of all ages.
Accepting new clients! Have you ever felt like your voice is not being heard and your challenges seem insurmountable? Have you experienced moments where it seems like no one truly understands the depth of your struggles? Do you feel like your story is unheard and your problems are overwhelming? I believe that by truly understanding your narrative, your challenges can become more manageable. With over a decade of experience in mental health counselling, I am here to provide you with empathetic support, no matter your age.
With over a decade of experience in addiction and mental health counselling, I specialize in providing empathetic support to individuals of all ages.
Accepting new clients! Have you ever felt like your voice is not being heard and your challenges seem insurmountable? Have you experienced moments where it seems like no one truly understands the depth of your struggles? Do you feel like your story is unheard and your problems are overwhelming? I believe that by truly understanding your narrative, your challenges can become more manageable. With over a decade of experience in mental health counselling, I am here to provide you with empathetic support, no matter your age.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Addiction Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- Concord
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
Addiction Counsellors
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.