Addiction counselling in Surrey, BC · online across BC
Underneath the habit, there's usually a reason.
Counselling for alcohol, drugs, gambling and other addictive patterns, and for families affected by addiction. Confidential and non-judgmental, in English, Punjabi or Hindi.
- 1Pick a timeBook a free 30-minute call online through Jane.
- 2Talk it throughBy phone or video. Ask anything, with no obligation.
- 3Decide in your own timeNo pressure to book a session afterwards.
Direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, TELUS Health and most other extended health plans (coverage varies, so check yours) · Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC #24906 · EMDR trained (EMDRIA) · EFT trained (ICEEFT)
You'll be talking with Sartaj Sandhu, RCC. I offer EMDR and trauma-focused counselling in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Fleetwood, Surrey, and online anywhere in BC. More about me →
A different way to look at it
Addiction is often a way of coping that stopped working.
Drinking, using or gambling usually starts as relief: from stress, pain, loneliness, or memories that are hard to carry. Over time, the relief costs more than it gives. That isn't a moral failure. It's a pattern, and patterns can change.
Here, we look at the habit and at what's underneath it, so change has something solid to stand on.
My experience
I've sat in the room with this many times.
I've facilitated groups on emotions and substance use at Moving Forward Family Services, through the Rahi program and at VAAPSI.
In my counselling work I've also supported court-referred clients with addiction-related requirements, alongside probation officers, ICBC, MCFD and family courts, and worked with families trying to hold things together while someone they love is struggling.
Very little will surprise me. You can be honest here.
What people bring
No habit is too big or too small to talk about.
- Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs
- Prescription medication that's become hard to manage
- Gambling, gaming and other compulsive habits
- Using to cope with stress, trauma, anger or loneliness
- Staying on track after treatment or a relapse
- Living with, or growing up with, someone's addiction
- Court, probation or ICBC substance-use requirements
How I help
Your goals, your pace.
Whether you want to quit, cut back, or just understand what's going on, we start where you are.
Understand the pattern
- What triggers the urge, and what it's doing for you
- Your goals, in your own words
- Skills for cravings and high-risk moments
Work on what's underneath
- EMDR when the pattern is tied to trauma or painful memories
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for feelings and relationships
Build a life that holds
- A relapse-prevention plan you actually believe in
- Repairing trust with family, at your pace
- Ongoing support when you need it
Counselling isn't a detox or medical program. Stopping some substances suddenly can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor or call 8-1-1 first. If someone may be overdosing, call 911.
Gambling
Gambling addiction counselling in Surrey.
Gambling can stay hidden longer than drinking or drugs. There's nothing to smell and nothing to see, until the money is gone, the debts pile up, or someone finds the bank statements. Many people keep it secret out of shame, and families often find out last.
Here, we look at what gambling does for you, whether that's escape, excitement, hope of fixing money problems or quieting stress, and build a plan for the urges, the money and the relationships it has strained.
It might be time to talk if
- You chase losses, or bet more to get the same feeling
- You hide how much you gamble, or borrow to cover it
- Online betting, casino trips or lottery spending keep creeping up
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to cut back
- Someone you love is gambling and you don't know what to do
Sessions are in English, Punjabi or Hindi, in person in Surrey or online across BC. Family members can come on their own.
For families
When someone you love is struggling.
Addiction affects the whole family. Many families keep it hidden out of shame or worry about what others will say, and carry it alone for years. You can come on your own, with your partner, or as a family, and everything stays confidential.
Together we work on how to look after yourself, set boundaries without giving up on them, and talk in a way that's more likely to help. See family counselling.
Court-referred?
The Restore Program
If a court, probation officer, MCFD or ICBC has asked you to attend substance-use or impaired-driving counselling, the Restore Program is designed to meet court, probation and MCFD counselling requirements, with a Letter of Participation and Certificate of Completion. Restore doesn't replace the province's Responsible Driver Program for impaired driving, but it can be used as added or earlier support.
Common questions
About addiction counselling
Do I have to quit completely to start counselling?
No. You don't need to be sober, or even sure you want to stop. Some people want to quit, others want to cut back or understand why they use. We start from your goals.
Is it confidential? Will my family or employer find out?
What you share stays between us. I only share information with your written consent, or in the rare cases the law requires it, such as a risk of serious harm. Court-referred counselling has its own rules, and we go through exactly what is shared in the first session.
What if I need help with withdrawal?
Stopping some substances suddenly, especially alcohol or benzodiazepines, can be medically dangerous. Counselling isn't a detox program, so please talk to your doctor or call 8-1-1 first. I'm happy to work alongside your medical care.
Can I come about a family member's addiction?
Yes. Many people come for support while someone they love is struggling. You'll learn how to look after yourself, set boundaries and talk to them in a way that's more likely to help.
I've been ordered to attend substance-use counselling. Can you help?
Often, yes. The Restore Program is designed to meet court, probation and MCFD counselling requirements, with a Letter of Participation and Certificate of Completion. It doesn't replace provincially mandated programs such as the Responsible Driver Program for impaired driving, but it can be used as added or earlier support.
Can sessions be in Punjabi or Hindi?
Yes. Individual and family sessions can be in English, Punjabi or Hindi, in person in Surrey or online across BC.
Do you offer counselling for gambling addiction?
Yes. Gambling counselling covers the urges, the money and the secrecy, and what the gambling has been helping you cope with. Family members affected by someone's gambling can also come on their own. Sessions are in person in Surrey or online across BC.
Related
Other ways I can help
You don't have to have it figured out to start.
A free, confidential 30-minute call for you or someone you love.