Therapy for Addiction & Recovery
You are not your addiction. Therapy can help you reclaim your story — with honesty, support, and care.
What Addiction Can Feel Like
Addiction can feel like you’re stuck in a loop — wanting to stop, trying to stop, then slipping back and feeling ashamed. It can create isolation, guilt, and confusion, even when you're high-functioning on the outside.
You might be:
These experiences are deeply human. They don’t define your worth — and you don’t have to face them alone.
Why It’s More Than Willpower
Addiction isn’t a moral failing — it’s a complex struggle that often has roots in trauma, stress, pain, or disconnection. For many, it starts as a way to feel better, calmer, or in control — until it slowly takes over.
Recovery begins by understanding what role the addiction has played in your life — and what you need to replace it with in a sustainable, compassionate way.
Therapy gives you a non-judgmental space to explore the deeper layers of what you’re experiencing, and to start building a healthier relationship with yourself.
How Therapy Can Help
In therapy, we can work on:
I draw from approaches including:
Whether you're seeking sobriety, moderation, or simply clarity — we’ll find a path that’s right for you.
What to Expect in Sessions
You won’t be judged, labeled, or rushed. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery — it’s a collaboration built on trust and respect.
We’ll explore what’s working, what isn’t, and what matters most to you. We’ll go at your pace, whether you’re just starting to reflect on your patterns or already in recovery and needing support.
I’ll bring presence, perspective, and care — without shame or pressure.
“Recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up — even when it’s hard — and choosing something different.”
What Clients Say
“Before working with Irene, I didn’t even realize how anxious I was all the time. She helped me slow down, breathe, and feel like I wasn’t broken — just burnt out.”
What Clients Say
“I used to feel like my mind never shut off. Now I feel like I have actual tools that work. And I know I’m not alone.”
What Clients Say
“Irene helped me realize I don’t have to say yes to everything. Learning to set boundaries changed everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be sober to start therapy?
No. You don’t have to be sober to begin. Therapy can be a place to explore your relationship with substances or behaviors, wherever you are in that process.
Q: Do you offer 12-step-based counseling?
I offer support that can complement 12-step programs, but I also work with clients exploring other recovery paths, including harm reduction and moderation models.
Q: Can therapy help prevent relapse?
Yes. We’ll build awareness, tools, and support systems that help you recognize triggers and respond with self-compassion and skill.
Q: Is online therapy available for this?
Yes. I offer online therapy throughout California and in-person sessions in Newport Beach.
Q: Will my sessions be confidential?
Absolutely. Everything we discuss is private and protected under HIPAA.
Schedule a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’re ready to take the next step — even if you’re unsure what that looks like — therapy can help you find clarity and connection.
Maria Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, LMFT 155789
(949) 385-3689
Newport Beach Office
1000 Quail St., Suite 220
Laguna Beach Office
333 3rd St #6
Online Therapy
California Residents Only
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