Therapy for Alcohol & Marijuana Use
Regain Control of Your Relationship with Alcohol and Marijuana
Strategic, confidential online counseling for professionals in West Des Moines and across Iowa
When Your "Off-Switch" Becomes a Concern
It’s a familiar pattern for many successful people. The glass of wine to decompress after a long day. The joint to quiet a racing mind. At first, it’s a tool—a well-deserved reward or a way to manage the pressure to perform. But lately, you’ve noticed a shift. The choice to drink or use feels less like a choice.
You might be tired of the mental fog, the broken promises to yourself, or the anxiety that creeps in when you try to cut back. You see the disconnect between the capable person you are at work and the one who relies on a substance to get through the evening. You want to feel in control again, but the thought of giving up your primary coping tool is overwhelming.
A Confidential, Judgment-Free Space to Find Your Footing
At Sabrina Vonderhaar Counseling, I offer specialized online therapy for professionals across Iowa who are questioning their relationship with alcohol and marijuana. This is your private space to explore the role these substances play in your life without pressure or judgment. Whether your goal is to reduce your consumption, understand your triggers, or pursue sobriety, I am here to guide you with directness and proven, effective methods.
Why Choose Specialized Online Therapy?
Your path deserves a focused and personalized approach. Individual online therapy offers unique advantages designed for your reality:
A Plan for Your Life
Therapy is crafted around your unique history, your specific triggers related to alcohol or marijuana, and your vision for a life where you are in control.
Absolute Privacy & Comfort
Engage in sessions from the discretion of your home or office anywhere in Iowa, removing the stress of travel or waiting rooms.
Seamless Integration
Online availability makes prioritizing this work practical and flexible, fitting into your demanding schedule.
Deep Dive into Root Causes
We will explore the underlying stress, anxiety, or life pressures that may be driving your use of alcohol and marijuana.
Practical Coping Skills
You will gain actionable tools to manage cravings, navigate social pressures, and build resilience without turning to a substance.
Imagine a Life Where...
You Wake Up with Clarity
Mornings are free from regret and the fog of yesterday’s choices, replaced by energy and presence.
Peace Becomes Your Default
The constant internal negotiation about using gives way to a quiet confidence and inner calm.
Your Relationships Deepen
You connect authentically with loved ones, building trust and sharing your true self without secrets or hidden habits.
Your Passions Reignite
The time and energy once consumed by substance use are now directed toward activities and goals that genuinely excite you.
You Feel Confident in Any Setting
Social situations and personal challenges are navigated with ease, knowing you have healthy strategies beyond using.
Control is Yours
You make choices about your life and your well-being from a place of empowerment, not compulsion.
This Is the Right Fit For You If…
Your Coping Mechanism Feels Like a Requirement
What used to be a way to relax or celebrate now feels like a nightly necessity to function or unwind.
You're Questioning Your Control
You find yourself thinking about drinking or using more often than you'd like, and attempts to cut back have been unsuccessful.
You Want a Strategic, Private Solution
You need a confidential space with a licensed professional to figure out a plan without disrupting your career or personal life.
You're Ready for Clarity and Action
You know something needs to change and you're prepared to invest in a process that provides real tools and lasting insight.
You're an Iowa Resident Seeking Flexibility
You require high-quality, specialized therapy that is fully online and accessible from anywhere in Iowa.
Our Framework for Change
Your journey is unique, and our process is structured to support your progress.
1. Understanding Your Story
We’ll start with a direct conversation about your life. We will explore your experiences with alcohol and marijuana, what you hope to change, and what a future free from their influence could look like.
2. Crafting Your Personalized Plan
We will build a clear, actionable plan. This means identifying your specific triggers, understanding your emotional patterns, and developing practical ways to manage urges without these substances.
3. Building Skills & Resilience
In our ongoing sessions, you will learn and practice new skills for managing stress, improving emotional responses, and navigating social or professional situations where use is common.
4. Sustaining Your Progress
As you gain momentum, we focus on maintaining lasting change. We develop your personalized relapse prevention plan and ensure you feel confident in your ability to live a full life on your own terms.
This May Not Be the Right Immediate Fit If…
You need immediate medical detox
Safety must come first. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or require medically supervised detoxification, immediate medical care is necessary.
You are being forced into treatment
For therapy to be effective, your genuine willingness and active participation are essential.
Your primary goal is to "fix" someone else
Our work focuses on your individual journey and personal change.
You Do Not Have to Face This Alone
The grip of substance use can make you feel incredibly isolated, but you are not defined by your struggles. There is immense strength in reaching out for help, and a fulfilling life free from its influence is entirely possible. Imagine waking up with clarity, facing challenges with confidence, and truly owning your life. That future is absolutely possible.
If you are ready to explore your path towards lasting recovery and rediscover a life filled with purpose and authenticity, I invite you to connect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy for Alcohol & Marijuana Use
How much does therapy cost?
Your initial assessment session, which is a deeper dive into your history and goals, is $250 for 60 to 90 minutes. Ongoing follow-up sessions are $200 for 45 minutes.
Do you accept insurance for counseling?
I am an out-of-network provider. I do not bill insurance companies directly, but I can provide you with a superbill (a detailed receipt) to submit to your provider for potential reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to inquire about your specific out-of-network mental health benefits.
What if I’m not ready to commit to complete abstinence?
That is a common and valid place to start. Our work is guided by your goals. Whether your aim is to reduce harm, explore the impact of your use, or work towards full sobriety from one or both substances, I will support you in making the choices that align with your values and readiness.
How is this different from general therapy?
While general therapy can be helpful, this specialized therapy focuses on the unique complexities of problematic substance use. We use targeted strategies for managing cravings, building relapse prevention skills, and understanding the specific behavioral patterns linked to alcohol and marijuana use in high-pressure lifestyles.
What if I relapse?
Recovery is a process, not a perfect path. A relapse does not erase your progress. We will approach it with compassion and curiosity, analyzing what happened to strengthen your coping strategies and reinforce your commitment to your long-term goals. It is an opportunity for growth, not judgment.