therapy for Addiction & compulsions

has a substance or behavior become your primary relationship? These behaviors are often messengers, signaling unprocessed pain, unmet needs, or chronic dysregulation beneath the surface. Trauma-Informed, Integrative Psychotherapy for High-Functioning Adults

In this psychotherapy practice, therapy for addictions and compulsions is approached with nuance, discretion, and deep respect for your lived experience. Together, we explore what drives the cycle beneath the behavior using a trauma-informed, somatic, and integrative lens. This is a sophisticated, restorative space for high-functioning adults who are ready to move beyond managing symptoms and begin reclaiming clarity, agency, and inner alignment.

Rather than focusing solely on stopping a behavior, our work centers on understanding the emotional, relational, and nervous-system patterns that make the behavior necessary in the first place. Healing happens at depth—where lasting change becomes possible.

Finding an Experienced New York Addiction & Compulsion Therapist

Finding the right therapist for addictions or compulsive behaviors in New York City is less about labels and more about understanding what the behavior is doing for you.

In a city that rewards intensity, productivity, and constant availability, addictions and compulsions often develop as adaptive ways to manage chronic stress, numb difficult emotions, cope with trauma, or regain a sense of control. Effective addiction therapy looks beyond the behavior itself to the emotional, relational, and psychological patterns underneath.

An experienced addiction therapist offers a range of evidence-informed, integrative modalities and adapts the work as your needs evolve or as related concerns—such as anxiety, shame, trauma, or relationship difficulties—come into focus. Equally important, you should feel respected rather than judged, supported rather than managed. A strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and attunement is often what allows real and lasting change to occur.

Is Addiction Becoming Your Primary Relationship?

Addiction can gradually become a primary relationship in a person’s life, overshadowing other connections and priorities. The substance or behavior begins to demand increasing time, attention, and emotional energy.

When this happens, the need to satisfy cravings or engage in compulsive behaviors may take precedence over relationships, responsibilities, and even basic self-care. Over time, this can lead to emotional distance, secrecy, trust ruptures, and persistent conflict with loved ones.

In these situations, addiction is not only an individual struggle—it becomes part of a relational dynamic. The addictive behavior may begin to function as a source of comfort, regulation, or perceived control, while genuine emotional connection recedes into the background.

Healing involves more than stopping a behavior. It includes developing internal and relational capacities that allow real relationships, self-trust, and emotional regulation to replace what the addiction once provided.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction can be understood as the continued use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences. Many individuals do not seek treatment because they cannot imagine life without their substance or behavior of choice. Over time, addiction often replaces primary relationships and becomes experienced as a reliable source of comfort, relief, or escape.

Addictive patterns become reinforced in the brain and nervous system through associations with pleasure, relief, and the reduction of emotional pain. De-coupling these experiences from substances and behaviors—and re-pairing them with healthier sources of regulation and connection—is central to recovery.

Addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower. It is a complex, biopsychosocial condition that alters brain functioning and emotional regulation. With appropriate support and treatment, recovery is possible and can become a profound process of growth, integration, and self-discovery.

Signs That Addiction or Compulsion May Be Present

• Strong desire or urge to use a substance or engage in a behavior (cravings)

• Taking substances or engaging in behaviors in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended

• Tolerance (needing more for the same effect) or diminished effect with the same amount

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use

• Interference with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities

• Continued use despite interpersonal, emotional, or physical consequences

• Withdrawal symptoms or using to avoid withdrawal

• Increasing secrecy, isolation, or shame

How Therapy Helps with Addictions & Compulsions

The goal of addiction therapy is not only symptom reduction, but deeper healing.

Our work focuses on:

• Identifying and healing early trauma wounds

• Developing healthier nervous-system regulation

• Building emotional resilience and self-awareness

• Expanding capacity for authentic, supportive relationships

• Replacing compulsive coping with flexible, conscious choice

Many clinicians find that addictions are best treated through an integrative, multimodal approach that addresses mind, body, nervous system, and relational patterns.

Co-Occurring Concerns

Addictive and compulsive behaviors frequently coexist with other unresolved difficulties. These behaviors are often symptoms of underlying conditions rather than isolated problems.

Common co-occurring concerns include:

• Anxiety disorders

• Mood disorders

• Trauma and PTSD

• Depression

• ADHD

• Bipolar disorder

• Personality organization difficulties

Addressing these interconnected layers significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Common Types of Addictions & Compulsive Behaviors

• Alcohol

• Drugs / substances

• Gambling

• Internet / technology

• Video games

• Sexual compulsivity

• Food / binge eating

• Shopping

• Cosmetic or plastic surgery compulsions

• Risk-taking behaviors

• Anger and aggression

• Nicotine

• Work addiction

• Prescription medications

Integrative Treatment Approaches

Successful treatment for addictive behaviors often involves an integrative approach that may include:

• Trauma-informed psychotherapy

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

• EMDR therapy using addiction protocols

• Somatic Experiencing

• DBT skills for emotional regulation

• Mindfulness-based approaches

In some cases, medication, detox, or higher levels of care may be appropriate as part of a broader treatment plan. Therapists with addiction training are well-positioned to assess when additional support is indicated and to provide referrals when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions – Addiction & Compulsion Therapy

How do I know if I need therapy for an addiction or compulsion?

If a substance or behavior feels difficult to control, interferes with your relationships, work, health, or sense of self, or is something you rely on to cope with stress or emotions, therapy may be helpful. You do not need to identify as “addicted” to benefit from working with an addiction or compulsion therapist. Many clients seek therapy because they sense a pattern that no longer feels aligned with who they want to be.

Do I have to stop my behavior before starting therapy?

No. Therapy is a place to explore your relationship with the behavior without pressure, shame, or ultimatums. For some clients, reducing or stopping a behavior becomes an early goal; for others, understanding what the behavior is doing for them comes first. Change tends to unfold more sustainably when it emerges from insight, nervous-system regulation, and internal readiness rather than force.

Is addiction always rooted in trauma?

Not always, but trauma, chronic stress, attachment wounds, and emotional neglect are very common contributors. Many addictive and compulsive behaviors develop as adaptive strategies to manage overwhelming feelings or unmet needs. A trauma-informed approach helps address these deeper layers rather than focusing only on surface-level behaviors.

What makes your approach to addiction therapy different?

My work is integrative, trauma-informed, and depth-oriented. Rather than relying on a single model, I draw from multiple evidence-based and somatic approaches to understand the full context of your experience. The focus is not on shaming, labeling, or rigid protocols, but on helping you develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and internal freedom.

Do you work with high-functioning professionals?

Yes. Many clients appear highly successful on the outside while privately struggling with compulsive patterns, burnout, or emotional disconnection. I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who want discreet, sophisticated care that addresses underlying drivers rather than simply managing symptoms.

Can you help with both substance use and behavioral addictions?

Yes. I work with a wide range of substance-related and behavioral compulsions, including alcohol, drugs, nicotine, food, shopping, sex, gambling, internet/technology, work, and other repetitive behaviors that feel out of control or distressing.

How does EMDR help with addiction?

EMDR can help process unresolved experiences that contribute to cravings, emotional triggers, and compulsive urges. Specialized addiction protocols within EMDR support the nervous system in releasing associations between distress and substances or behaviors, making it easier to respond differently over time.

Will therapy require lifelong abstinence?

Therapy does not impose a single philosophy about recovery. Some clients pursue abstinence, while others explore moderation or harm reduction. We collaboratively clarify what aligns with your values, health, and long-term wellbeing.

Do you coordinate with psychiatrists or medical providers?

Yes, when appropriate. Addiction and compulsion treatment can sometimes include medication or medical support. With your consent, I can collaborate with prescribing providers to ensure cohesive care.

How long does addiction therapy take?

There is no fixed timeline. Some clients experience meaningful shifts within months; others engage in longer-term work to address complex trauma, attachment patterns, or longstanding relational dynamics. We periodically revisit goals and adjust the pace accordingly.

Is addiction therapy confidential?

Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limited legal exceptions related to safety. Many clients choose private-pay treatment for an additional layer of discretion.