Substance use and addiction counseling in Denver and Arvada

Support for changing your relationship with substances or behaviors — whether you are questioning where things stand, cutting back, or protecting your recovery.

A calm, minimal room with a light sofa, a potted plant, and warm natural light.

Overview

What is substance use and addiction counseling?

Substance use and addiction counseling can support clients who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, drugs, sex, porn, social media, or other behaviors that feel difficult to change.

Gravity Counseling clinicians work with substance use concerns alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, grief, identity, stress, relationships, and justice-involved experiences. The work can include harm reduction, relapse prevention, accountability, insight, and practical coping skills.

Interested in addiction counseling?

Reach out with what is happening now, what support you already have, and what you hope will change.

Request a consultation

When is substance use or addiction counseling a good fit?

  • You are questioning whether substance use is costing you something.
  • You are in recovery and want support for relapse prevention and mental health.
  • You want help changing a behavior without being reduced to that behavior.
  • Substance use, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship stress feel connected.

What to expect

What this work can support.

Substance use patterns

Therapy can help you understand triggers, consequences, ambivalence, cravings, shame cycles, and what needs to change for life to feel more workable.

Recovery and relapse prevention

For clients in recovery, therapy can support coping skills, boundaries, relationships, nervous system regulation, and a realistic plan for high-risk moments.

Behavioral addiction concerns

Some clients seek support for sex, porn, social media, internet, or other behaviors that have started to feel compulsive, secretive, or out of line with their values.

A grounded start.

  1. 01

    Clarify the pattern

    Therapy begins by understanding what is happening, what it is costing, what it is helping you avoid or meet, and what you want to be different.

  2. 02

    Build practical supports

    Sessions may focus on triggers, coping skills, harm reduction, relapse prevention, communication, accountability, and support systems.

  3. 03

    Work with what sits underneath

    Many clients also need space for trauma, grief, shame, identity, attachment, stress, or mood concerns that interact with addictive patterns.

Your care team

Clinicians with addiction and substance use experience.

Not sure who is the right fit? Start with a free consultation and the practice can help you find a match.

Portrait of Alexis "Lex" Irias

Therapist

Alexis "Lex" Irias · LPCC, ADDC

Lex is a bicultural Latina clinician whose work is shaped by cultural transitions, identity, addiction recovery, and holistic grounding.

Services in Spanish

  • Addiction
  • Cultural transitions
  • Holistic recovery

Lex Irias is a bicultural Latina who grew up between Honduras and South Florida, shaped by the constant dance of adaptation and belonging. Her lived experiences have given her a deep understanding of cultural transitions, identity, and the importance of finding grounding in an ever-changing world.

Having grown up in a family impacted by addiction and witnessing the struggles of substance use firsthand, Lex developed a strong passion for supporting communities affected by addiction. Her background in digital marketing also gave her direct insight into the growing crisis of digital addiction, an emerging mental health concern in today’s world.

As a therapist, Lex takes a holistic, systemic, and intuitive approach. She views therapy as a collaborative and transformative journey, one that fosters self-awareness, empowerment, and ideally, a place where therapy is no longer needed.

Her work is grounded in developmental theories, bioenergetics, depth (Jungian) psychology, and a blend of Eastern and Western practices, including positive psychology, non-violent communication, and deep self-exploration. She also integrates art, play, and movement as therapeutic tools to help clients process and express emotions beyond words.

Lex holds a Master’s in Clinical Behavioral Health and Addiction Counseling, is a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, has completed training as a Synergistic Play Therapist, and is currently pursuing certification in Nutrition for Mental Health and Internal Family Systems.

Portrait of Mckenna Joosten

Therapist

Mckenna Joosten · LCSW, LAC

Mckenna works with individuals experiencing loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction through creative, goal-centered care.

  • Loss and grief
  • Trauma
  • Addiction

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 5 years of experience working with individuals experiencing loss, trauma/negative experiences, depression, anxiety, and addiction. In my practice I believe that everyone’s unique experiences are best met with creative solutions.

Through the use of different modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy, and narrative therapy we can create a specific plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Through therapy we are able to start at the goal of how we want to feel and/or behave and work backwards by creating specific steps to get there.

I hold a few beliefs through my practice and these include: the person you spend the most time with is yourself so how we talk to and about ourselves matters; we get the best results when we look at all aspects of health including physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, social, and all others; and we cannot stop all bad things and pain from happening in life, but we can work hard to cope with them in a way that is effective for us. I look forward to hearing your story.

Portrait of Jessica Kahanaoi

Therapist

Jessica Kahanaoi · LPC, LAC

Jessica helps people gain insight, shift their outlook, increase awareness of their needs and feelings, and build tools for balance and fulfillment.

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma
  • Substance use

Hello, I’m Jessica. People from all walks of life experience challenges and stressors that can be overwhelming and impact their well-being. Counseling can provide you with a safe place to talk about these stressors, gain the tools to overcome challenges, and achieve balance and fulfillment in life.

I believe in the power of therapy to help you gain insight about your thoughts, shift your outlook, and increase awareness of your feelings, needs, and desires, to help you live your best life.

Using a collaborative strength-based approach, I help guide and empower you to quiet worrisome thoughts, explore painful patterns in your life, and provide practice in coping, self-care, and personal growth. In a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive way, I can help you find relief and change patterns of behavior in your personal life and relationships.

I began my journey in the field by working in various residential treatment programs for adults and adolescents while earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and integrative therapeutic practices at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In 2017, I graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in substance abuse.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Over the past 7 years, I have been working with adults in community mental health, providing individual therapy and crisis evaluations. I also have experience working with children and adolescents, offering in-home individual and family therapy for over 2 years.

I specialize in working with adults battling depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use concerns, and clients navigating life transitions. My approach is eclectic, tailored to suit the unique needs of each client.

Portrait of Judy Watts

Therapist and Clinical Director

Judy Watts · LCSW, CSAT

Judy is a licensed clinical social worker with training in EMDR and certification in sex addiction therapy.

  • Substance use
  • Trauma
  • EMDR

I am a licensed clinical social worker. My professional experience includes working with populations struggling with substance use and trauma. I also have experience working with those involved in the criminal justice system.

I prefer to utilize a client-centered, interpersonal approach in the therapeutic relationship, with training in EMDR and certification in sex addiction therapy. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified Grief Informed Professional.

I prefer to utilize a number of different therapeutic modalities in sessions, such as DBT, CBT, attachment, narrative, etc. I believe in the importance of finding the right coping skills and in the importance of self-care. I also feel it is important to have an interpersonal experience within the therapeutic relationship.

Portrait of Dale Gibson

Therapist

Dale Gibson · LPC, LAC

Dale helps adults navigate addiction, chronic pain, and mental health challenges using EMDR and Acceptance Commitment Therapy in a safe, supportive environment.

  • Addiction
  • EMDR
  • Chronic pain
  • Mental health challenges
  • ACT

I specialize in helping adults navigate addiction and mental health challenges. I received my Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology from Colorado State University.

Using Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), I provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, gain insight, and develop practical strategies to manage stress and build healthier coping mechanisms for lasting change.

My ideal client feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges, such as stress, anxiety, or negative patterns that no longer serve them. They need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their emotions and behaviors, seeking guidance to break free from cycles that hold them back.

Their goal is to understand themselves, heal from past wounds, and create healthier, more fulfilling habits. Ultimately, they want to feel empowered, confident, and at peace, with support to achieve a balanced, meaningful life.

Portrait of Kassidy Johnson

Therapist

Kassidy Johnson · LCSW

Kassidy supports adults navigating mental health challenges, substance use, identity development, life transitions, and sustainable change.

  • Substance use
  • Identity development
  • Life transitions

Hi. I’m Kassidy, and I’m so happy you’re here. I support adults navigating mental health challenges, substance use, identity development, and life transitions.

I am deeply systems-minded, attuned to the many internal and external factors that shape well-being, and I believe strongly in people’s capacity to grow, heal, and adapt.

In my work, I help my clients make sense of their internal world while building external structures that support sustainable change. I draw from Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused principles, integrating these modalities in a way that aligns with each person’s strengths, goals, and experience.

I have a particular passion for supporting individuals navigating complex relationships with substances, whether exploring patterns of use, building insight, strengthening coping skills, or working toward readiness for change in a way that feels empowering. I approach these matters through a harm-reduction framework.

My style is relational and holistic, rooted in transparency and thoughtful pacing that meets you where you are while supporting where you want to go. I strive to balance compassionate support with gentle accountability, honoring your lived experience while inviting meaningful change.

Portrait of Tyler Cornelius

Therapist

Tyler Cornelius · LPCC

Tyler helps clients manage anxiety, navigate life transitions, and build stability while exploring identity and major life challenges.

  • Anxiety
  • Life transitions
  • Identity exploration

I am a counselor candidate whose clinical background is rooted in serving some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. Alongside my practice, I serve as a case manager helping individuals navigate complex, high-stress systems and major life crises. This work has directly shaped my commitment to providing a safe, welcoming space free of judgment.

In my practice, I focus on helping individuals manage anxiety, navigate life transitions, and safely explore aspects of identity. Our work will focus on building stability now so you can confidently tackle what matters most to you afterward. If you’re looking for someone to help guide you through life’s chaotic challenges, I am committed to helping you navigate through.

Portrait of Yasmina Cobrinik

Therapist

Yasmina Cobrinik · LPCC

Yasmina supports clients in building the life they want, moving at the speed of trust with a mix of EMDR, IFS, ACT, attachment, somatic, and mindfulness work.

  • EMDR
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Life transitions

I think of my role as your therapist like the wind that bends the willows at high elevation, helping them grow stronger and more flexible over time. I’m here to support you in building the life you want, always taking care to move at the speed of trust.

I’ve worked in wilderness therapy, residential settings, intensive outpatient programs, and private/group practices, and what I’ve learned is that healing happens through genuine connection: between you and me, between you and yourself, and in your community.

I focus on collaboration and creating space for honest, sometimes challenging conversations, always with the respect and care you deserve. I am not the kind of therapist who just listens and nods.

My therapy style uses a mix of clinical approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment theory, polyvagal work, somatic techniques, mindfulness, existential ideas, and the occasional nature-based metaphor. As of June 2026, I have completed IFS Level 1 Training.

I specialize in working with clients facing complex challenges including anxiety, identity-work, relationship issues, life transitions, and addiction, including sex addiction/offenders. In our work, you can expect to be held in a genuinely nonjudgmental, safe space where challenge and collaboration are one in the same.

If you’re ready to move forward, please feel free to reach out for a free 15 minute phone consultation or an initial appointment.

Questions about Substance Use and Addiction Counseling.

Do I have to be sober to start addiction counseling?

Not necessarily. Some clients begin therapy while actively questioning or changing use. The right plan depends on safety, level of care needs, goals, and clinical fit.

Can therapy help if I already have a recovery program?

Yes. Therapy can complement recovery support by focusing on mental health, trauma, relationships, shame, coping skills, triggers, and relapse prevention.

Do you work with sex or porn addiction concerns?

Gravity Counseling has clinicians whose profiles include sex addiction, porn addiction, unwanted behaviors, and related relationship concerns. A consultation can help clarify fit.

What if I need a higher level of care?

Outpatient therapy is not always the right level of support. If detox, intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, crisis care, or medical support is needed, your therapist can help discuss next steps and referrals.

Talk with us about substance use or addiction counseling.

Reach out with what you are hoping to change, what support you already have, and whether you prefer Denver, Arvada, or telehealth.