Compassionate Care Without Judgment
Substance use and addictive patterns are rarely about willpower or moral weakness. More often, they are resourceful—yet exhausting—attempts to cope with unbearable stress, nervous system overload, relational pain, or unresolved trauma. When life feels overwhelming, substances can feel like the only reliable way to quiet racing thoughts or numb deep emotional aches.
Over time, however, what once provided temporary relief can begin to take a heavy toll on physical health, relationships, career stability, and self-esteem. You do not have to carry this cycle alone, and you do not have to hit rock bottom to seek compassionate care.
Who Addiction & Substance Use Counselling Is For
Our virtual practice offers a grounded, confidential space for adults across British Columbia navigating:
- Substance Dependency: Challenges with alcohol, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, or other substances impacting your health or daily functioning.
- Emotional & Stress-Triggered Use: Reaching for substances to numb loneliness, manage work burnout, or navigate social anxiety—supported with our anxiety counselling.
- Trauma-Related Coping: Working through underlying physical or emotional wounds with specialized trauma & PTSD therapy.
- Harm Reduction & Moderation Goals: Practical strategies to minimize risks, regain control, or establish sustainable sobriety on your own terms.
- Loved Ones & Family Impact: Boundary setting, emotional regulation, and self-care for individuals affected by someone else's substance use.
Rimsha's Clinical Approach & Harm Reduction
Rimsha Qureshi, MACP, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #29320), practices from an empathetic harm reduction framework. We honor that you are the expert in your own lived experience. We work collaboratively to understand the unmet emotional needs beneath substance use, without shame or forced labels.
Drawing on Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic grounding, therapy helps you identify triggers, disrupt automatic cravings, and construct a personalized toolkit of healthy emotional outlets.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes long, completely non-judgmental, and delivered via secure virtual video or phone across Surrey, Delta, Metro Vancouver, and British Columbia. You set the pacing and the goals.
Virtual appointments provide discreet, accessible support from home, removing barriers like travel or scheduling stress. Review our fees and direct billing options or submit an inquiry through our confidential contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Counselling
Do I need to be completely sober to attend counselling?
No. We meet you wherever you are on your journey using a compassionate harm reduction philosophy. Whether your goal is understanding your patterns, reducing intake, practicing safer use, or pursuing total abstinence, our work together is entirely free of judgment.
How is trauma connected to substance use?
Substances often serve as functional coping tools developed to soothe emotional overwhelm, soothe chronic anxiety, or numb unresolved trauma. In our sessions, we address the underlying root pain rather than just focusing on the behaviour.
Is my counselling confidential?
Yes. All therapy sessions adhere strictly to BCACC professional ethical standards and provincial privacy regulations (PIPA). Your records and discussions remain completely confidential.
Explore Related Therapeutic Support
Substance use often intersects with other life challenges. Learn more about our comprehensive virtual care:
- Trauma & PTSD Therapy — Healing underlying wounds and uncoupling pain from coping habits.
- Anxiety & Depression Support — Rebuilding nervous system balance and emotional stability.
- Relationship & Couples Counselling — Rebuilding trust, boundaries, and communication with loved ones.
Take the First Step in a Safe Space
Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk with Rimsha about your goals in an open, non-judgmental atmosphere.