Addiction
Addiction often begins as a way of coping, with pain, stress, overwhelm or difficult experiences. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling or another behaviour, it may have quietened your mind or eased something that felt too much to hold.
There’s no judgement here, no labels, and no strict rules about what recovery has to look like.
How therapy can help
Together, we can explore what the substance or behaviour has been doing for you, and the needs, experiences or feelings that may sit beneath it. We’ll meet those with compassion rather than criticism.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Whether you’re hoping to stop, cut down, or simply understand your relationship with it, we’ll work at your pace towards a life that feels steadier and more connected.
How we work together
For addiction, I usually suggest counselling as the foundation. It gives us space to understand what’s driving things and how they affect your life, weaving in CBT, solution-focused approaches and mindfulness practices where they help.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be brought in alongside counselling if it feels right for you, to support with stress, cravings and building new routines. It isn’t a stand-alone treatment for addiction, and you never have to include it.
Working alongside other support
If you’re physically dependent on alcohol or other substances, please don’t stop suddenly without medical advice, as this can be dangerous. I’d always encourage you to speak to your GP or local drug and alcohol service, and I’m happy to work alongside them. If I think more specialist support would suit you better, I’ll be honest and help you find it.
Taking the first step
If you’d like to talk, we can start with a free 20-minute phone call. It’s a chance to ask any questions and see whether working together feels right for you.
For gambling, the National Gambling Helpline is free and open 24/7 on 0808 8020 133.