Addictive Behaviours
Addiction doesn’t always appear in the ways people might assume. While it can involve substances like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine (including smoking and vaping), it can also take the form of compulsive behaviours such as gambling, overworking, overspending, disordered eating, risky sexual activity, or self-harm.
You might feel trapped in a cycle experiencing temporary relief, only to be followed by shame, guilt, or frustration. Even with strong intentions to change, the behaviour often persists, impacting your health, relationships, finances, and sense of self-worth.
It’s Not Just About Willpower
Addiction is often misunderstood as a lack of self-control. But it’s rarely just about the behaviour itself. More often, it’s a response to emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of emptiness. The behaviour may have started as a way to cope but over time, it can become something that feels impossible to break free from.
Some behaviours, like overworking or shopping, may even be socially accepted or encouraged which can make it harder to recognise the impact they’re having on your life. When others don’t understand, it can feel even more isolating.
How Counselling can Help
Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we can work to:
- Understand the underlying emotional drivers of the behaviour
- Develop healthier ways of coping with stress, pain, or unmet needs
- Rebuild your sense of self-worth and confidence
- Restore connection in your relationships and with yourself
My Approach
I work with both adults and young people to support recovery from a wide range of addictive behaviours, including alcohol and drug misuse. My approach is grounded in harm reduction and draws on techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This includes helping clients:
- Build motivation for change
- Cope with urges and cravings
- Understand and manage difficult thoughts and feelings
- Develop healthier behaviours
- Move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life
Each session takes place in a safe, supportive environment where you’re encouraged to explore your experiences, express your needs, and identify meaningful personal goals. Together, we’ll work to challenge unhelpful patterns, build self-awareness, and create space for growth and lasting change.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, reaching out is a courageous and hopeful first step. Support is available and recovery is possible.
Assessment Tools
At times, to better understand the nature and extent of the difficulties you’re facing, I may use a selection of validated assessment tools, including:
- AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)
- LDQ (Leeds Dependence Questionnaire)
- CORE-10 (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation)
These assessments help tailor our work together to meet your specific needs and track progress over time in a meaningful way.
Let’s Talk
Do you want to do more, be more, accomplish more, but don't know where to begin? I'm here to help you get started. Don't wait another moment. The time is now. The person is you. Take the leap and start living.