Addiction & Substance Use Counselling in New Brunswick
Struggles with addiction and substance use can affect every part of your life — your health, relationships, work and sense of self. We understand that addiction is not a lack of willpower, but a complex brain-based condition that impacts how people cope, regulate and make decisions. What may start as a way to cope, unwind or escape, can gradually become something that feels difficult to control.
You might feel stuck between wanting change and not knowing how to begin. You may also feel shame, frustration or fear of being judged. In therapy, we approach addiction with compassion and curiosity — not judgment. Change is possible, and support can make that process feel more manageable.
What we help with…
We support teens and adults navigating a range of substance use and behavioural addiction concerns, including:
Patterns of dependence that feel difficult to stop despite negative consequences. This may include substances or behaviours used to cope with stress, emotions or life challenges.
Drinking that has become excessive, difficult to control or begins to impact your health, relationships, or responsibilities. Learn more.
Use of prescription or non-prescription substances that may be affecting your mental health, functioning or overall well-being. Learn more.
GAMBLING
Compulsive or problematic gambling behaviours that can lead to financial stress, secrecy and strain in relationships.
Sex & Pornography Addiction
Compulsive sexual behaviours or pornography use that feel difficult to control and may impact relationships, self-esteem or daily functioning.
GAMING ADDICTION
Difficulty controlling time spent gaming, often leading to neglect of responsibilities, relationships or well-being.
Internet & Technology Use
Excessive use of social media, gaming, or online content that interferes with sleep, productivity or relationships.
Shopping or Spending Addiction
Compulsive spending behaviours that lead to financial stress, guilt or loss of control.
How Therapy Can Help
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction — and we don’t believe there should be. Whether you’re looking to better understand your relationship with substances, reduce use or move toward sobriety, therapy offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore what change looks like for you.
We understand that addiction is often connected to deeper experiences, including trauma, stress and unmet emotional and relational needs. Our work is grounded in the belief that change happens through connection, safety and understanding, not pressure or shame. Together, we may:
Explore the underlying needs and experiences connected to substance use
Identify patterns, triggers and moments where things feel hardest
Build more supportive ways to cope with stress, emotions and overwhelm
Strengthen your motivation for change in a way that feels realistic and sustainable
Reduce shame and deepen self-compassion
Repair relationships and rebuild trust where it matters
Develop a plan that aligns with your goals, values and readiness
Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, attachment-based therapy and trauma-focused modalities such as EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). We also incorporate nervous system-informed and somatic approaches to support deeper healing. Everything we do is tailored to you — your story, your goals and your pace.
Who We Work With
We support individuals at all stages of their relationship with substances and addictive behaviours — not just when things have reached a breaking point. This includes teens and adults who are beginning to question their use, noticing patterns they don’t feel good about or wanting to better understand what’s driving their behaviour. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or identify as “addicted” to benefit from support — concern, curiosity or even a quiet sense that something isn’t working anymore is enough.
We also work with individuals who feel stuck in cycles they’ve tried to change, those actively working toward reducing use or maintaining sobriety, and people in recovery who want ongoing support, accountability and relapse prevention.
Just as importantly, we also support family members and partners who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use — helping them navigate boundaries, communication and the emotional toll that often comes with it.
Whether you’re questioning your habits, feeling overwhelmed or already taking steps toward change, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
How It Works
The first step in getting support is to fill out this form. Based on your requirements, we’ll match you with someone we feel is best suited to help you. Alternatively, you can take our quiz and get matched with an appropriate therapist for your needs.
Our therapists use trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, somatic strategies, attachment-focused therapy and cognitive therapies — always tailored to your unique needs and readiness.
Counselling sessions can be conducted in-person or virtually, whichever you prefer. Sessions typically run 50 minutes long. How often you attend sessions is discussed collaboratively and is based on your needs and schedule. You are always in control of your therapy, working at your own pace, and can choose the frequency and length to best suit your needs.
About Laura Gatien & Associates
At Laura Gatien & Associates, we take a proactive and collaborative approach to mental health treatment, offering clients access a diverse team of professionals with various expertise and specialties who learn from and can refer to one another. We take a holistic approach to treatment and believe everything makes perfect sense in the context of your life experiences.
Quality care is very important to us as a team, and we ensure this is upheld through regular clinical meetings, ongoing professional development and training opportunities, as well as using evidence-based frameworks. This helps us provide you with the best care for your individual needs so you can make progress sooner.
Our clients benefit from shared resources that exist within a team and the peace of mind that they are not just working with an individual, but are part of a broader mental health community learning and growing together.
We prioritize accessibility and availability of services, providing limited wait times and evening appointments to accommodate diverse schedules. We will regularly ask for feedback on your experience here so we can continue to improve.
From The Blog
Take the First Step
Reaching out for support can feel difficult — but it’s also a powerful step toward change. Book an appointment today to connect with a therapist who will meet you with understanding, respect and practical support.