Problematic or Compulsive Coping Patterns

An extra drink after a shift, a few hours of gaming, mindless doom scrolling, pornography. All can offer a break from stress and a means of escape. However, it may be worth taking a closer look when it feels hard to stop. When it's become your main way to get relief, or when it’s costing you sleep, time, or closeness with someone you care about.

We can talk about what the behavior does for you in the moment and how you feel afterward. Looking at what happens right before you reach for it can help us understand what you need at that point in the day. You can be honest about what you get from it and what you’d like to change.

We’ll work from the goals you bring in. That might involve noticing an urge before you act on it, planning for a difficult time of day, or trying another way to unwind that feels sustainable for you.