Our Story
Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Why work with me?
I have worked with many folks in their recovery journey. I take a unique approach that is centered on harm-reduction and compassion. Coming to therapy and considering doing something different
This is a safer space to talk about what you are struggling with. You might be concerned that I might try to get you to go “to rehab.” I have worked with many folks that have been in long-term recovery without them entering a detox center or addiction rehab at all levels of addiction.
As a therapist, respecting your autonomy while also challenging and supporting you is my style.
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If I’m successful in most areas of my life, why can’t I control my substance use?
Is it really addiction if my work performance hasn’t suffered yet?
Do I really have a problem when I feel financially ok—great even?
How much is too much—and have I crossed that line?
Why do I need substances to feel calm, focused, function, or reach the next level at work?
Have I tried to cut back or stop and been unable to?
Have I gone to great lengths to organize and get substances?
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How do I manage stress, anxiety, and pressure without substances?
Can I continue to perform at a high level without my usual coping strategy?
Is this a personal weakness—or a legitimate health issue?
Do I rely on substances to feel confident, creative, or socially comfortable?
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What would life look like without using substances?
How can I get help without disrupting my entire life or career?
Is there addiction treatment that understands high-pressure professions?
What if recovery doesn’t work for me?
High-Performers & Addiction
When shit hits the fan and you don’t know what to do.
You might be swirling with anxiety.
Will my colleagues find out?
What happens if I get caught at work?
How can I cope or function at work with the mounting pressure of work, home, and relationship demands?
If I cut down or quit will I lose my edge?
Using helps me feel like my personality is more manageable and I’m more chill. Will I lose control of my life and my emotions if I stop or cut down?
How can I get help without other people finding out?
What will my life be like without this?
Will this blow up my career or my relationship?
What if I can’t stop?
High Performers & Addiction
High-performing professionals struggling with addiction often experience a hidden conflict between competence, control, and reliance on substances. Many continue to function successfully at work while privately questioning their relationship with alcohol or drugs.
Rather than obvious dysfunction, addiction in high performers often shows up as persistent internal questions:
Control and Substance Use
If I’m successful in most areas of my life, why can’t I control my substance use?
Is it really addiction if my work performance hasn’t suffered yet?
Do I really have a problem when I feel financially ok?
How much is too much—and have I crossed that line?
Why do I need substances to feel calm, focused, function, or reach the next level at work?
Have I tried to cut back or stop and been unable to?
Professional Image and Career Impact
Will seeking help affect my career, reputation, or professional standing?
Could my employer, colleagues, or clients find out?
Would taking time off for treatment put my job at risk?
How do I maintain my image of control while admitting I need support?
Coping, Stress, and Performance
How do I manage stress, anxiety, and pressure without substances?
Can I continue to perform at a high level without my usual coping strategy?
Is this a personal weakness—or a legitimate health issue?
Do I rely on substances to feel confident, creative, or socially comfortable?
Recovery and What Comes Next
What would life look like without using substances?
How can I get help without disrupting my entire life or career?
Is there addiction treatment that understands high-pressure professions?
What if recovery doesn’t work for me?
For many high performers, addiction remains hidden and internally managed until stress, health, or relationships reach a breaking point. Early, confidential support can help address substance use while preserving both professional performance and personal wellbeing.
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Will my colleagues find out?
What happens if I get caught at work?
How can I cope or function at work with the mounting pressure of work, home, and relationship demands?
If I cut down or quit will I lose my edge?
Using helps me feel like my personality is more manageable and I’m more chill. Will I lose control of my life and my emotions if I stop or cut down?
How can I get help without other people finding out?
What will my life be like without this?
Will this blow up my career or my relationship?
What if I can’t stop?
How to Become a Client?
1. Schedule a consultation.
Reach out to me here to book a complimentary 30-minute consult call (yes it’s free!) by contacting me here.
2. Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
During our call, you can share whatever feels important about your history or goals, and I’ll answer any questions you have. This time is simply for us to connect and see if working together feels right.
3. Book your first session.
If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first appointment.
4. Complete your paperwork.
Fill out your paperwork (don’t work it’s pretty minimal and straight forward). I value getting to know you face to face not through a dissertation of written info.
5. Show up and we’ll take it from there.
That’s really it. Starting therapy doesn’t have to be complicated.
Contact me.
Sarah Nunes, Relationship and Trauma Therapist
sarahnunes@therapyemail.com
(585)-332-3289

