Steve Comella
I provide professional expertise in addiction, encompassing both substances and behaviors, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of Complex Trauma and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in older adults. I emphasize being present with clients and validating their experiences, including both positive and negative dimensions. My approach is defined by nonjudgmental support, compassion, and empathy. I aim to cultivate a safe, comfortable environment that encourages exploration of individual struggles and life challenges. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients uncover their authentic selves and identify barriers to personal growth. I am an Oregon State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an Oregon State and National Master's-Level Addiction Counselor (MAC, CADC III). I offer American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessments and ADHD assessments for older adults. I hold certifications as a trauma professional, an ADHD professional, and a grief counselor.
First session
What to Anticipate During Your Initial Session Embarking on the journey of therapy requires significant courage. The initial session serves as a gentle introduction rather than an interrogation. The following outlines what you can expect during our first 50 minutes: • A Judgment-Free Environment: You are afforded the opportunity to discuss cravings, coping mechanisms, or trauma triggers without the fear of shame or criticism. • Flexible Timelines: The pace of our discussions is entirely determined by you. There will be no pressure to confront challenging trauma memories or triggers until you feel entirely secure. • Identifying Connections: We will begin to examine the interplay between your ADHD, trauma, and addictive behaviors, aiding you in recognizing these patterns as survival strategies rather than personal failures. • Collaborative Development of a Roadmap: We will investigate what recovery and healing entail for you, formulating a realistic plan that is tailored to your unique experiences and neurological makeup. By the end of our first hour, you will likely feel a sense of relief, have a clear understanding of the next steps, and recognize that you are no longer required to navigate this journey alone.
Strengths
I perceive both substance and behavioral addictions as dissociative mechanisms. It is essential to understand the underlying drivers, recognizing that substances or behaviors often reflect deeper issues and serve as coping mechanisms, and that trauma is a major driver. This includes both self-inflicted trauma while in active addiction and Trauma from outside sources. These insights come from both my academic studies and my lived experiences. I am qualified to diagnose and provide therapy for Addictions,, using ASAM criteria, ADHD, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, and grief.
Ideal clients
My Ideal Therapy Client Profile • The Overwhelmed Survivor: Ready to safely untangle the roots of their coping mechanisms in a clinical setting • Maladaptive Coping: Using substances or behaviors as a desperate form of emotional self-medication. • Nervous System Dysregulation: Living in a chronic state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. • Attachment Wounds: Fearing vulnerability while deeply craving a safe, non-judgmental connection. • Insight-Seeking: Wanting to understand why they do what they do, not just what they are doing. • Psychologically Minded: Open to exploring how past family dynamics and trauma shape current relationships. • Ambivalent but Brave: Terrified of touching old wounds, yet showing up anyway because the pain of staying the same is worse. • Shame Reduction: Moving from "What is wrong with me?" to "What happened to me, and how did I adapt?"
Treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from "What is wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" This approach emphasizes understanding individuals and their experiences, guided by principles of healing, safety, and empowerment. Safety: Creating a space where you feel physically and emotionally secure is my top priority, enabling comfort and openness during our sessions. Trustworthiness and Transparency: I prioritize open communication to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship and ensure you feel confident and secure. Collaboration: Our journey is a partnership where your insights and preferences guide our work, recognizing you as an expert in your own life. Empowerment: I aim to validate your strengths and resilience and support you in reclaiming control over your narrative and healing process. Resistance to Re-traumatization: I focus on minimizing triggers and protecting your emotional well-being, creating an environment that respects your past while allowing you to move forward safely. These principles ensure our work together is compassionate and effective in supporting your healing journey.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Man
Top specialties
ADHD
Addiction / Substance Use
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Anxiety
Attachment Issues
Childhood / Intergenerational Trauma
Depression
Eating Disorders
Grief
Life Transitions
Loneliness / Isolation
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Man
Doesn't specialize in
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Illness
Family Therapy
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Foster Care/Adoption
Learning / School Challenges
Learning Disabilities
Perinatal / Postpartum
Perinatal Mental Health
Personality Disorders
Postpartum
Serious Mental Illness
Serious Mental Illness / Crisis
Women's Issues
Licensed in
OregonLicense C2524