Struggling with an addiction can be distressing, both for you and those around you. We know that addiction cannot be managed on your own. Whether you find yourself in the grips of an addiction or you are simply struggling to control the behaviour, whether the addiction is substances, shopping, sports, work, or people, I can provide the next steps advice and or support.
There are many reasons why an addiction starts and what purpose the addiction serves: together we can start to think about and understand the role of your addiction. I see addiction as the symptom of what has long been suppressed within you, a way to numb the pain. What starts as a solution eventually becomes the problem.
It probably started out as a useful strategy; for many, it provides confidence, ways to manage social events, relationships or work-related challenges. It becomes a way to manage stress or feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety, heartbreak, grief and loss, physical pain, or dealing with trauma.
Once a behaviour becomes entrenched, it is very hard to ‘just stop’, as individuals are so often told. Breaking free from an addiction is all about what needs to change, not just in the behaviour, but also in the thoughts you think and in the feelings you feel.
My work with addictive behaviours differs from the psychodynamic approach. For me, addiction is multi-faceted, affecting your psychology, biology and social/environmental factors, and therefore addiction treatment is best delivered as a biopsychosocial model. The biopsychosocial model addresses an entire constellation of factors, and treatment outcomes are more effective when dealt with in a holistic way.
I have worked in the field of substance misuse for nearly 15 years in a variety of settings both in the community and in private work. And I have extensive experience in supporting individuals and groups from all walks of life.
BSc (Hons), Dip.Couns, MBACP, AP.
I am an IFS Therapist based in Cheltenham Gloucestershire and registered with the BACP. I have many years of experience working with mental health, addictions and trauma. Within these contexts I have worked with depression & anxiety, bereavement & loss, trauma, self-harm, chronic pain, low-self-esteem, and eating disorders.
I offer remote video consultations to anyone but have a core grounding in Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas.
