Addiction is a complex pattern of behaviour that develops in response to pain, trauma, or unmet needs. It is not a moral failing. Recovery requires understanding about what drives the behaviour, not just stopping it.
I work with behavioural and chemical addictions, supporting people at all stages of recovery from contemplation to long-term maintenance, with an understanding of the 12 Step programme and other recovery models.
My Experience in Addictions Work
I have served as a Therapist for individuals, couples and families, as well as a Group Facilitator for Charter Harley Street, supporting clients and their loved ones in addiction recovery.
Types of Addiction I Work With
Chemical
- Alcohol
- Prescription medications
- Recreational drugs
- Smoking & vaping
- Sugar
Behavioural
- Porn & hypersexuality
- Gambling
- Gaming & internet use
- Work & achievement
- Shopping & spending
Co-dependency
- Basing wellbeing on others
- Managing others' lives
- Rescuing & caretaking
- People-pleasing patterns
- Losing self in relationships
How Addictions Therapy Works
Understanding the Function of Addiction
We explore what the addiction provides, whether numbing pain, managing anxiety, creating a sense of control, or meeting unmet needs. Understanding the 'why' helps address the underlying drivers rather than just the behaviour itself.
Working With the Recovery Process
Whether you are using the 12 Step model, another structured programme, or developing your own path, therapy supports the psychological and emotional aspects of recovery. This includes working with shame, grief, identity changes, and developing new coping strategies.
Addressing Co-occurring Issues
Addiction rarely exists in isolation. We work with trauma, attachment patterns, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and other factors that contribute to or result from addictive behaviour.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery
Recovery is not just about abstinence: it is about building a life where the addiction is no longer needed. This includes developing authentic relationships, processing difficult emotions, and creating meaning beyond the addictive behaviour.
Understanding Co-dependency
Co-dependency is often overlooked as an addictive pattern, yet it can be one of the most challenging to address. It involves becoming addicted to managing, controlling, or rescuing others, often at the expense of your own needs and wellbeing.
I work with individuals and couples to understand co-dependent patterns, develop healthier boundaries, and build relationships based on genuine connection rather than fusion or control.
Working With Shame and Relapse
Shame is often the most destructive aspect of addiction, creating a cycle where the behaviour meant to escape painful feelings actually generates more of them.
Relapse is common in recovery. Rather than treating it as failure, we use it as information, understanding what triggered the relapse, what was needed that was not available, and how to strengthen recovery moving forward.
Therapy provides a non-judgemental space to be honest about struggles, setbacks, and the messy reality of recovery.
Working Together
I am happy to work alongside residential treatment programmes, 12 Step sponsors and fellowship members, psychiatrists, addiction medicine specialists, and family therapists.
My collaboration with Mandy Saligari means I can refer clients and families to her recovery groups when appropriate.
When to Seek Support
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from addictions therapy. It can help if you are:
- Contemplating change but feeling stuck
- Newly in recovery or navigating early stages
- Experiencing or fearing relapse
- Affected by someone else's addiction
Ready to Begin?
Let's discuss your situation and explore how therapy can support your recovery journey.
Get In Touch