Getting the support you need
Services
Help for families & friends
Addiction can be really tricky for families and friends too. You may be at the end of your tether and don’t know what to do for the best. The decision to see a therapist may feel a bit daunting to begin with. Sometimes it’s a big decision, particularly if you’ve suffered a trauma or you’ve struggled with your situation for a long time without help. It takes courage to make that first step and I completely understand that so I'm here to make that as gentle as possible for you.
There are many reasons why you may be seeking help and it can feel like a big step to ask for it; for some it’s an opportunity to simply talk through recent events, process difficult emotions and be listened to in a safe, non-judgemental environment, often for the first time. Some want to work through trauma or loss, find better coping strategies for what can be a bit of an emotional roller-coaster or have a better understanding of treatments, options and how they can better manage their situation.
Very often many clients struggle with anxiety, depression or low mood, grief or isolation and loneliness so therapy is tailored towards your individual circumstances, your emotional needs and importantly, what you want to achieve by working with me.
Self help
It’s common not to want to share your situation with anyone you know but in doing so you can become isolated, may feel lost, alone and distressed. You may perhaps be struggling with low mood or anxiety, so having options, ones that are discrete if that’s what you need but give you some tools and coping strategies, are really important. If you need a few suggestions and ideas to get you started click here. You can also find a list of relevant helping organisations here.
Dependency support
There are many reasons why people develop an unhealthy dependency, and many forms of ‘addiction’; alcohol, substances, our phones, sex. Sometimes it creeps up gradually - an evening glass of wine that becomes a bottle for example, or a coping strategy to manage something else - trauma, stress, anxiety, neurodiversity, life changes, a toxic work environment.
Addiction, or dependency, often comes wrapped up in all sorts of difficult, complex emotions including guilt and shame. Often things have been said or done that are deeply distressing or shameful which can make acknowledging there’s a problem and then getting help, difficult. I work openly and non-judgementally with warmth and kindness, regardless of what has happened in the past. Depending on the nature of the dependency I use practical solutions to support both the substance or behaviour and the underlying causes.
Senior Leaders - with a corporate background I understand the pressures and processes necessary to become a business leader. That can often lead to stress, anxiety, burnout and unhelpful coping strategies. If this is you I offer a more tailored service which combines therapy & coaching - please see here for further details.
Anxiety support
Since Covid, and noticeably over the past year, I’ve seen a big increase in the number of people coming to me with anxiety. There are many reasons why we may feel anxious and for many it can be overwhelming. Understanding what it is, why it happens, where it comes from and finding practical strategies to manage it help you to move forward.
I offer a variety a range of services from one-to-one support (either face to face or virtually) to small groups (which are great for building your support network). If this is you, and you need support, get in touch.
Questions? Get in touch
There’s a wealth of information and resources on the internet, sometimes too much. Click here for just a few organisations that offer sources of help, advice and support; some focus on addiction, others offer broader mental health support.
