Addiction Therapy
You're not broken. You're stuck.
Practical, honest therapy for adults questioning their relationship with alcohol or substances. Online across Ontario.
A Closer Look
Something has shifted, and you know it.
Maybe it started slowly. A drink to take the edge off became two, then three, then most nights. Or maybe it was always there, but lately it feels harder to ignore.
You're still showing up. Still managing work, relationships, responsibilities. But privately, there's a growing disconnect between who you are and who you want to be.
You might not be sure if what you're dealing with is "bad enough" to need help. You might be telling yourself you should be able to handle this on your own. That's one of the most common things I hear from people in your position.
The fact that you're reading this says something. It says you're paying attention to what's happening, even if you're not sure what to do about it yet.
Does this sound familiar
You might recognize some of these patterns.
You've tried to cut back, and it works for a while, but things always seem to shift back.
You feel stuck, and you thought your life would look different by now.
You set rules for yourself, but you struggle to stick to them.
You feel a quiet shame about something you haven't told anyone.
You find it hard to leave work at work or be present at home.
You've tried therapy before, and it felt like you were just being validated without anything actually changing.
Sleep has become unpredictable or dependent on something to wind down.
You know something needs to change, but you can't picture what that change looks like.
How Therapy Helps
This isn't about being told what to do
Therapy with me isn't about following a program or being pushed into a decision you're not ready for. It's not about being labeled or judged. And it's definitely not about someone who has never been through it telling you how to fix your life.
This work is about understanding what's driving the pattern. What are you coping with? What role does the substance play? What would your life look like if this one thing weren't running the show?
We work on building a more intentional relationship with the choices you make. That might mean reducing use, stopping entirely, or simply getting honest about what's happening. The direction is yours.
I bring practical tools, lived experience, and a non-dogmatic approach. I have experience with 12-step recovery, SMART Recovery, and harm reduction. I don't believe there's one right way to approach change. I believe in finding the way that works for you.
My Approach
Dave Edwards
Someone who
gets it.
I'm not coming to this work from a textbook. I'm long-time sober myself, and I have over a decade of experience supporting people through recovery. I also grew up in a family where addiction was present, so I understand what it looks like from both sides.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent 18 years in corporate banking. I understand the pressure, the performance expectations, and the quiet fear that if anyone really knew what was going on, everything would fall apart.
That combination of lived experience, professional background, and clinical training means I can meet you where you are without needing you to explain yourself from scratch.
Dave Edwards
Begin Again.
Dave Edwards Psychotherapy
What to Expect
How the work unfolds
First session
A mix of conversation and practical questions. I want to understand what brought you here and how it's affecting your daily life. You'll leave with at least one useful takeaway.
Ongoing work
Collaborative sessions grounded in your values. We focus on practical strategies using ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and other approaches depending on what fits your life.
Your path forward
Harm reduction or abstinence. I don't prescribe one path. We figure out what makes sense for you, and we adjust as we go. The direction is always yours.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. You don't need to have already made a change before we start working together. Many people come in while they're still using and figure out their direction through the process.
Labels aren't the point. If your relationship with alcohol or another substance is causing you stress, affecting your relationships, or keeping you stuck, that's enough reason to talk to someone.
I'm familiar with 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, and other models. I don't push any single approach. My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on your values and building a life that feels meaningful, regardless of which recovery path you take.
A lot of people tell me that. Often, previous therapy felt too general or the therapist couldn't really relate. I bring lived experience, practical tools, and a collaborative style that's focused on real change, not just processing.
No. I work with both men and women. While many of my clients are men, I welcome anyone who feels this work could help them.
Take the first step
You don't need to have it all figured out.
Start with a free 20-minute video consult. No pressure.