Is Alcohol Impacting Your Life More Than You’d Like?

You may be wondering: “Do I really have a problem?” or “I don’t drink every day, but sometimes I overdo it. What does that mean?” 

Perhaps you've tried to cut back your alcohol use, but it’s harder than you expected. Maybe you want to quit completely, but want more control over your choices.

You’re definitely not alone. It is common to feel stuck between all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to alcohol use—but your path is yours to define.

If you’re exploring sobriety, mindful drinking, or just trying to understand your relationship with alcohol better, therapy can help you:

✔ Gain clarity on why you drink and what role alcohol plays in your life
✔ Build self-awareness and learn to recognize triggers
✔ Develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, or social situations
✔ Set realistic goals around drinking without pressure or judgment
✔ Work toward sobriety or a “soberish” lifestyle—at your own pace

At Petal & Peak Mental Health, we take a harm reduction approach to alcohol use therapy—meaning we meet you where you are and support your goals, whether that’s cutting back, quitting, or just exploring your options.

Who We Work With

Our approach to alcohol use counseling is best for Colorado folks who experience mild to moderate alcohol misuse but do not meet the criteria for severe alcohol use disorder. Maybe you are exploring sobriety, “soberish” living, or mindful drinking and want a supportive space to talk about alcohol without judgment. Many of our clients struggle with anxiety, stress, or trauma that influences drinking habits. We love to work with young adults, college students, professionals, or individuals reassessing their drinking in mid-life. We also offer support for alcohol use for retirees and the elderly.

Who We Do Not Work With:

• Clients with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder
• Individuals seeking treatment for polysubstance use
• Clients in need of detox, inpatient, or intensive outpatient treatment

If you need a higher level of care, we’re happy to help connect you with the right resources.

How We Approach Alcohol Use Therapy

We believe that your story matters—and your journey with alcohol is unique. That’s why we use a blend of evidence-based and compassionate therapeutic approaches to help you find what works for you.

Narrative Therapy

Your relationship with alcohol is just one part of your story. Through narrative therapy, we explore how alcohol fits into your life and help you rewrite the patterns that no longer serve you.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

We help you explore your own motivation for change, uncover what’s holding you back, and develop a plan that aligns with your values and goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify thought patterns that contribute to alcohol use and teaches practical coping strategies to change behaviors.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on self-compassion, values-based decision-making, and mindfulness, helping you make changes in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Trauma-Informed Care

For many people, alcohol use is connected to past trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain. Our approach helps you process underlying issues in a safe and supportive way.

Meet Conor: Our Alcohol Use Specialist

Conor McCarthy specializes in helping clients explore their relationship with alcohol in a way that feels empowering, not restrictive. He particularly enjoys working with young adults, college students, and individuals in life transition, though he works with clients ages 15 to 80+.

“I love working with people who are curious about their drinking habits and interested in changing their narrative around alcohol use. Your experience is valid, and you deserve support—on your terms.”
– Conor M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Use Therapy

Q: Do I have to be completely sober to work with you?

A: You don’t need to commit to full sobriety to start therapy. We support clients in exploring their drinking habits, setting their own goals, and making changes at a pace that works for them.

Q: How is this different from AA or 12-step programs?

A: While AA works well for some, it’s not the only path to change. We take a nonjudgmental, harm-reduction approach, meaning we don’t push abstinence unless that’s your goal. Therapy allows for a more personalized, flexible, and trauma-informed approach to alcohol use.

Q: What if I don’t drink every day, but sometimes I overdo it?

A: That’s exactly the kind of experience we work with! If your drinking feels a little out of control at times, but you wouldn’t call yourself an alcoholic, therapy can help you understand why and regain balance.

Q: Does insurance cover therapy for alcohol use?

A: Many insurance plans cover therapy for substance use concerns, especially if it affects your mental health.

At Petal & Peak Mental Health, we accept:
✔ Colorado Medicaid
✔ Cigna
✔ United Healthcare

If you’re unsure whether your plan covers alcohol use therapy, contact us, and we’ll verify your benefits for you.

Start Your Journey Toward a Healthier Relationship with Alcohol

You don’t have to label yourself or follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Your journey is yours to define—and we’re here to help.

Schedule a free consultation with Conor today! He offers sessions in-person in Denver & virtually for clients across Colorado

Click Here to Schedule Your Consultation

You deserve to feel in control on your terms. Let’s start the conversation.