Compulsive patterns can take on many different forms:

 

-Alcohol/drugs/nicotine/caffeine

-Gambling/shopping/excessive spending

-Excessive work habits

-Sex/love/relationships

-Exercise

-Over eating/under eating 

-Internet/pornography/video games

-Complaining/lying 

 

Essentially when we find ourselves in a pattern that feels out of balance we are acting in ways to soothe uncomfortable feelings or emotions. Some of these patterns can seem more self-destructive then others but underneath when we are using an external substance, person, or behavior to soothe an internal emotional state we never feel a lasting sense of satisfaction but instead always looking for the next fix. 

 

I use a mindfulness based approach to this kind of patterning. Together we will find ways to practice pausing,  practice siting with the emotions that arise, and take action by choosing a healthier resource to ease what feel uncomfortable.  This is easier said than done and takes time,effort, practice, and commitment. Whatever the driving force behind such conditioning is we will approach it with compassion, gentleness and kindness. 

 

Often if the addiction/patterning is severely disruptive to a persons lifestyle I will provide information about outside resourcing such as 12-step groups, harm reduction, or other supportive services to get the most support possible.