Addiction & Substance Use Counselling in Kitchener-Waterloo

You Don’t Have to Hide Anymore

Shame grows in the dark. I offer a private and non-judgmental space to explore your relationship with substances. You are safe here.

It started as a way to unwind.

Maybe it was a glass of wine to settle your nerves after a high-pressure day. Maybe it was something to help you sleep or a way to turn off your brain when the anxiety got too loud.

But now "taking the edge off" feels more like a necessity than a choice.

On the outside you are holding it all together. You show up for work. You take care of your family. You are the responsible one. But privately you are exhausted by the mental math of tracking how much you are using and trying to hide it from the people you love.

You might tell yourself that you can stop whenever you want. But when you try to stop the anxiety comes rushing back.

At Intentional Living Psychotherapy, I do not see addiction as a moral failing. I see it as a coping strategy that used to work but is now hurting you. We will work together to find a new way to cope.

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Is It a Habit or a Problem?

You do not need to hit "rock bottom" to ask for help. Many people struggle with "gray area" drinking or substance use that impacts their internal peace even if their external life looks fine..

The Double Life

You feel like you are living two different lives. There is the professional version of you during the day and the version of you that needs to numb out at night. The secrecy is draining your energy.
Loss of Control

You set rules for yourself like "only on weekends" or "only one drink." But you find yourself breaking those rules again and again. You feel frustrated with yourself for not sticking to the plan.
Numbing Emotions

You use substances to avoid feeling specific emotions. This might be loneliness, anger, grief, or the pressure of high expectations. When the buzz wears off the feelings are still there.
Time Lost

You spend a lot of time thinking about using, actually using, or recovering from the after-effects (hangovers, brain fog, fatigue). It is starting to eat into your hobbies and your time with family
Relationship Strain

Your partner or family has made comments about your usage. You might feel defensive when they bring it up. This creates distance and tension in your most important relationships.

Compassionate Support for Change

I don’t believe in a "one size fits all" approach to addiction. We will work together to understand the root of the behaviour and create a plan that aligns with your goals.

I meet you where you are. For some clients the goal is complete sobriety. For others, the goal is cutting back or using more safely. I provide a shame-free space to discuss your goals without pressure. We focus on reducing the negative impact on your life.
In IFS we view the part of you that uses substances as a "Firefighter." This part is trying to put out the fire of emotional pain. It is not trying to hurt you. It is trying to help you survive. We will work with this part to understand what it is protecting you from so we can heal the underlying wound.
Addiction is often a response to trauma. It is an attempt to regulate a nervous system that feels unsafe. We will work on stabilizing your nervous system using healthy tools. This reduces the urge to numb out when things get difficult.
In many immigrant and religious communities, addiction carries a heavy stigma. It can feel like a betrayal of the family. I understand this shame. I offer a confidential space where you can explore these cultural pressures without fear of judgment.

Therapy That Fits Your Life

I know that reaching out is the hardest step. I strive to make the process as warm and accessible as possible.

In-Person in Kitchener-Waterloo:

For those who crave a physical safe space, my office is located at 900 Guelph Street. It’s a quiet, welcoming environment where you can leave the world at the door.
Online Therapy Across Ontario:

If you have a busy schedule or feel safer in your own home, I offer secure video sessions. This is a great option for clients in Toronto, Brampton, or surrounding areas.
Culturally Inclusive:

You shouldn't have to explain your culture to your therapist. I hold space for the nuances of your identity, faith, and family dynamics, ensuring you feel seen in your wholeness.

Meet Ruba

I know that walking into a therapy office to talk about addiction is terrifying. You might worry that I will judge you or tell you what to do.

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I specialize in working with high-functioning individuals who use substances to cope with pressure. My practice is a place where you can be honest about your struggles.

I See the Person, Not the Habit: You are more than your substance use. I see your strengths, your values, and your humanity.
Understanding the "Why": I am interested in why you need to numb out. We will look at the stress, the trauma, and the expectations that are driving the behavior.
Confidentiality is Key: I know that for professionals, privacy is everything. What we discuss here stays here.

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How Therapy Works

1. Understanding Your Story

In our first session, I’ll learn about your experiences, challenges, and goals at a pace that feels comfortable.
2. Creating a Personalized Plan

Together, we’ll build a personalized plan with strategies to help you heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges
3. Doing the Work

Through reflection and new skills, you’ll gain insight, break patterns, and make meaningful changes in your life.
4. Tracking Progress

We’ll adjust as needed, celebrate growth, and ensure therapy continues to meet your evolving needs.
5. Moving Forward

When you’re ready, we’ll explore what’s next, whether that’s reducing sessions, setting new goals, or confidently moving on.