Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorders.
The Goal: Any Positive Change
Michael Pond is a Vancouver Island-based psychotherapist who specializes in treatment of alcohol use disorders. He sees clients virtually across Canada and world-wide.
Thirty years of professional practice combined with Michael’s own life-threatening battle with alcohol, convinced him harm reduction, “any positive change” offers clients the best chance of recovery from this devastating condition.
From a report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA Columbia) on the state of addiction treatment: “The research evidence clearly demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment typically is a recipe for failure.”
Michael uses evidence-based techniques to teach how to best to support a loved one reduce or quit drinking entirely. What does “evidence-based” mean? It means these therapies have all been proven in successive scientific clinical trials to be effective. In addition, Michael strongly encourages clients find a support group in which they feel comfortable. Support groups work. Groups like SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, SHE RECOVERS. Shop around until you find one that works for you.
MICHAEL’S STORY
Michael’s own harrowing trip to rock bottom and back informs his fresh approach to addiction treatment.
Watch the film: Wasted
an hour-long documentary that aired on The Nature of Things, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Television flagship science program.
Scaffolded on Michael’s gripping personal story his partner – filmmaker Maureen Palmer- reveals a revolution in addiction research and treatment and makes a powerful case for an expanded tool kit to treat a costly public health crisis.
Read Michael’s Memoir:
Wasted: An Alcoholic Therapist’s Fight For Recovery in A Flawed Treatment System
Psychotherapist Michael Pond built a life helping others struggling with addiction, but he could not help himself. In this riveting tale, Michael recounts how he lost his practice, his home, and his family as a result of his out-of-control drinking and how total abstinence-based treatment failed to help him. Wasted: An Alcoholic Therapist’s Fight For Recovery in a Flawed Treatment System, sets out a bold plan to transform a system steeped in shame and stigma, to one that delivers evidence-based, compassionate care.
“A vividly written page-turner…gripping and helpful.”
–GABOR MATÉ, THE GLOBE AND MAIL
A New Support for Drinkers From Michael’s partner Maureen:
You Don’t Have to Quit:
20 Science-Backed Strategies to Help Your Loved One Drink Less.
Stop relationship-killing conflict, start to employ smart, effective strategies proven to help loved ones drink less or quit entirely.
Maureen Palmer
In a world that glorifies alcohol—from signature cocktails to craft beer—helping a loved one with a drinking problem feels like a losing battle. You’ve begged, bargained and demanded they stop, only to see consumption ramp up and your relationship break down. This approach enforces a vicious cycle of confrontation, shame and more drinking. Author and filmmaker Maureen Palmer has been there, and she’s found a better way.
In You Don’t Have to Quit, Palmer shifts the conventional abstinence-only mindset to one that encourages positive change and harm reduction. She interviews world experts who’ve created successful tools, techniques and resources to help reduce or stop drinking entirely. Her twenty practical, science-backed strategies operationalize compassion and empathy—and healthy boundaries—to help your loved one drink less, or quit entirely.
To Book an Appointment:
Please email [E-Address: michaeljamespond | gmail] or fill out the contact form below.