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) £40 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) £80 1-1 Addiction Counselling Session, plus WhatsApp or other messaging service support 50 minute weekly counselling session (in-person in NW5, by video or telephone call) plus daily messaging contact over WhatsApp or similar (inc. weekends, with reasonable boundaries discussed) £160 weekly 1-1 Shorter Video/Telephone Counselling Support (during detox* / reduction / moderation) 25 minute (video or telephone call) £40 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) ) 1-1 WhatsApp or similar messaging service support Daily messaging contact (inc. weekends, with reasonable boundaries discussed) £80 per week 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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