Addiction Counselling therapy can look at any form of behaviour that may be causing you concern.
There are many misconceptions about what addiction and addictive behaviour is, many people associate addictions with actions like: drinking; gambling; smoking and using drugs, in fact it is possible to become addicted to almost any activity: work; sex; shopping; the internet & gadgets; exercise & healthy eating.
Addiction counselling seeks to explore where the behaviour has its roots and discover the underlying issue or trigger.
What is an addiction or Addictive Behaviour?
Being an addict is defined by whether you ‘do’ or ‘do not’ have control over your own behaviour. That behaviour could be ‘doing’, ‘consuming’ or ‘using’ something that may be harmful/detrimental to your health or mental wellbeing.
Addiction counselling and therapy can look at any form of behaviour that may be causing you concern.
How did I become addicted?
Addictive behaviour generally involves activities that provide an escape from worries or pain. It is through this perceived ‘escape’ that a person may develop long-lasting habits that, in some cases, hinder their everyday lives and those of others.
Am I addicted, do I have an addiction problem?
This is often a question that is asked by a client in their first counselling session, but the only person who really knows if you have a problem with your behaviour, is you.
How does addiction counselling help?
Many people are embarrassed about their addiction or addictive behaviour. Seeking counselling for your addiction is a big step. In a confidential space you can speak openly and feel completely confident that we will offer a non-judgmental caring approach in a safe space for you to express how you are feeling. Your therapist will not be shocked or judge you, whatever the addiction.
Working with a trained addiction counsellor can help you to find the roots to your addictive behaviour. For many this behaviour started as a reaction or coping mechanism to another area of your life that wasn’t under your control.
Addiction counselling seeks to explore where the behaviour has its roots and discover the underlying issue or trigger. This is one of the ways that you will be able to address your addictions and learn to find a way forward.
Addictions Counsellor, finding the right person
Research shows again and again that the effectiveness of the therapy or counselling is affected by the relationship you have with your therapist or counsellor. It is therefore important that you find someone who you feel comfortable with and whom you can build a trusting relationship.
Addiction Counselling in London
To find a counsellor or help with addictions and addictive behaviour take a look at the profiles of the London Therapists at City Therapy Rooms, each profile is written by the therapist and gives you more information about how they work and their availability.
Please feel free to chat on the telephone to a few therapists or to meet several before deciding who you would like to work with. The initial session is an opportunity for both you and the therapist to decide if you would like to work together.
Therapists who work specifically with addictions and addictive behaviour are: Corrine Sweet, Emily Fiddian, Laura Solomons, Lottie Boswell, Shauna Corke.
Sex Addiction Therapy:
Therapists who work specifically with sex addictions, addiction to porn and other psychosexual issues are:
Delia Schumacher
Some helpful information about addiction and addictive behaviour
NHS Choices
A useful guide to all things ‘addiction’ related. Lots of helpful links for further information. NHS Choices on Addiction
Drinkaware
Drinkaware is an independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK. They have a very useful resources page on links to other help and advice on alcohol abuse and alcoholism support. Drinkaware
Talk to Frank
A useful resource for everything ‘drug addiction’ related. A non nonsense website that speaks openly. Talk to Frank
StepChange
Helpful advice around issues over debt and addictions
© Brian Cotsen
