​Addiction Counselling (including Alcohol, Drugs and Pornography)

​I have worked in addiction for 25 years. Much of my experience is working in the private and public sector with people with drug and alcohol problems, but in recent years my clientele has broadened to include those struggling with porn and other addictions and compulsive behaviours.

I believe these dependencies usually develop as an attitudinal response to, and a behavioural defence against, emotional problems. These problems can be current, and they can originate in traumatic early life experiences and relationships. 

​Detox
Some people with drug abuse or alcohol problems need detoxification treatment from their substance of abuse before beginning therapy, or require medical treatment alongside counselling. If you do need treatment, please get in touch, as I  can refer you to a   specialist  private clinic  in London, offering   out-patient   treatments for  addiction.

Moderating
Some over-drinkers want to move from problematic drinking to what we call 'controlled' or 'moderate' drinking. This transition may require a temporary period of abstinence, with the support of addiction counselling. Achieving a moderation of one's drinking habits, however, is not necessarily an easier option than complete abstinence as it involves changing the way you think about the alcohol you drink. It also means always developing a strict level of self-control, which is made  more difficult  after a couple of drinks.​

The process
All   addictions  take some time  to overcome - often years, rather than weeks or months. There is no silver bullet  to stop behaviours that have been    habitual for many years and that you have been  using to cope  with  life for  so long.   Lapse and relapse    are often part of the process of achieving  abstinence in the long term, but counselling will help you through these difficult times. Counselling will also help you to learn  from any  slip-ups you make, and then support you, once you are abstinent,  in staying that way.

We begin by  looking at the practical things   you  can do to  help  you towards abstinence    or moderation,  as well as trying to help you change unhelpful or distorted patterns    of thinking. We would    also look at what is going on for you emotionally   and, in doing so, help you reduce any anxiety that may be making life  feel very uncomfortable   and scary. 

​We would also have a look at early   memories     for any clues to why you might  think, feel and behave in the way you do.   Once you are abstinent or in control of your use, it's easier to do this more deeply     psychological  work known    as 'psychotherapy'.

If you have an addiction and are seeking help, I can assess your needs at our first appointment. 

Fees

Initial   Meeting / Assessment /  Addiction Advice
50 minute session  (in-person,   by video-call  or telephone)
£45

​Addiction Counselling Fees

​1-1 Addiction Counselling (while still using /  while detoxing / controlling / reducing)
50 minute counselling session (in-person in NW5, by video or telephone call)
£85

1-1 Shorter Video/Telephone Counselling Support (during detox* / reduction  / moderation)
25 minute (video or telephone call)   £45
10 minute check-in support (video or telephone call)   £20

(*detox    must be undertaken  in  the care of a regulated addiction service   (privately or NHS-funded)  )

Please note:     If you want to discuss    a concessionary    fee, please drop me a message or email.

If you would like to arrange an initial  assessment appointment (charged at half my usual session rate), please contact me by email, contact form, or mobile.

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