Addiction

We are all habitual creatures posessing inbuilt habit-forming qualities.  In a functional, happy and creative life, useful habits sustain us, providing order, rhythm and constancy that enhances productivity, creativity, optimism, connecting deeply with oneself and with others. Whilst positive habits support a life well lived, toxic or negative habits wreak havoc with our best intentions.

I might define destructive habits or addictions as any behaviours that are compulsively repeated despite their negative consequences for the individual.  I won’t go into particular classification of chemical and behavioural addictions, because any ‘thing’ can become addictive.  The mind that is tied addictive behaviours is a complex and paradoxical.  Mnay counseing interventions, styles and methods can be employed in addictions, depending on many variables.  However, the one obvious success factor is a commitment to recovery and

There are a variety of counselling methodologies that I can employ to address addictions and addictive behaviours. My counselling response to your problem habits would depend on several factors.  For example: what previous attempts have been made to beat the habit; what type of addiction is it; how long has it been in place; how much do you actually enjoy the addictive behaviour; level of motivation, how much personal support etc.

After your thorough completion of my emailed intake questionnaire, an initial intake sessions would be focussed on a thorough assessment of life circumstances prior to and during the development of the addictive habits.  Most importantly, I will be working out just what kind of internal resources,  (will-power, focus, motivation, clarity, belief systems, personal management skills) are available to you. Also assessing what external supports and pressures exist in your life (family, partner, workplace scenario, other stressors and pressures at play, chronic health problems, current lifestyle factors).

I do not work with active chronic drug users or those in active withdrawal, as there are better alternatives available than my services.