Photo of Alisa Hoffman, Psychologist in 90037, CA
Alisa Hoffman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90037
I am an interactive therapist, interested in helping clients reduce symptoms of distress, usually anxiety or depression and explore with them the roots of their distress. I find whether it is addiction, eating disorders, chronic pain, or straight forward relationship issues, understanding the "why" as well as the "how" to fix it, helps the problem and symptoms subside. Clients that work with me finish therapy with a greater awareness of themselves which helps them avoid difficulties in the future as well as a host of healthy coping strategies to help get through the rough times ahead.
I am an interactive therapist, interested in helping clients reduce symptoms of distress, usually anxiety or depression and explore with them the roots of their distress. I find whether it is addiction, eating disorders, chronic pain, or straight forward relationship issues, understanding the "why" as well as the "how" to fix it, helps the problem and symptoms subside. Clients that work with me finish therapy with a greater awareness of themselves which helps them avoid difficulties in the future as well as a host of healthy coping strategies to help get through the rough times ahead.
(310) 879-5020 View (310) 879-5020
Photo of Brooke Spahn, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90037, CA
Brooke Spahn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90037
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in Eating Disorders and Substance abuse, and PTSD/Trauma. I approach my clients from a team stance, always making sure they have a well-rounded support base around them. I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained and use it as a tool with my existing clients and as well as see clients who primarily seek EMDR sessions to move stuck experiences and core beliefs. To me, the importance of therapy is to get your life back into balance as addiction and trauma can create an "all or nothing" element and a repetition of patters and maladaptive behaviors.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in Eating Disorders and Substance abuse, and PTSD/Trauma. I approach my clients from a team stance, always making sure they have a well-rounded support base around them. I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained and use it as a tool with my existing clients and as well as see clients who primarily seek EMDR sessions to move stuck experiences and core beliefs. To me, the importance of therapy is to get your life back into balance as addiction and trauma can create an "all or nothing" element and a repetition of patters and maladaptive behaviors.
(818) 853-9442 View (818) 853-9442

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Substance Use Therapists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.