Services
If someone has an addictive disorder, they are no longer able to ‘just stop’ drinking or taking drugs – substance misuse problems create and result from changes in brain chemistry. This affects the part of the brain responsible for rewarding behaviours, causing surges in dopamine (the ‘feel good’ hormone).
The 'need' for substances overpowers all other considerations.
COUNSELLING FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES
My role as an addictions counsellor and family therapist is to help you find out how to make the changes you need to start living your life to the full.
I use a person-centred, empathic approach to understand your world and what matters to you. It’s important that you feel accepted, not judged or criticised – I’m very aware that it takes courage to ask someone for help. We will work as a partnership, agreeing on goals you’d like to achieve, and our conversations will be entirely private and confidential (please see Confidentiality Statement).
If you are withdrawing from alcohol or drugs, you may need medical attention – it would be wise to check in with your GP. Some mental health conditions could require the help of a different professional. If I’m not able to help I’ll do my best to make a recommendation.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH ADDICTION
You’ve been doing your best – but despite your efforts to help your loved one, the problems only seem to get worse.
Addiction is an all-consuming relationship with a substance or behaviour that is driven by a conscious or unconscious desire to feel something different, which results in a range of harmful consequences. The impact of substance misuse on family life can be harmful. The stigma of addiction can lead to families becoming isolated and increasingly perplexed and frustrated.
I’ve supported many people affected by someone’s substance misuse - helping them to understand addiction and to move out of frustrating cycles of communication. They’ve discovered effective ways of coping and looking after themselves.
SUPERVISION FOR PROFESSIONALS
As a clinical supervisor I work with individuals and groups, using the Hawkins and Shohet seven-mode Model of Supervision, with a focus on interpersonal relationships, collaboration and the therapeutic alliance.
I will support you and act as a sounding board as you explore and reflect on your choice of interventions and theoretical approaches. I am registered as a supervisor with the Centre for Supervision and Team Development: http://www.cstdlondon.co.uk/supervisors/graduate-supervisors/