Addiction Counselling in North West London, London

Photo of Cai Dafydd Tomos - Sensing Self Therapy, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Sensing Self Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW10
If you have found your way to this page, there is every possibility that you are looking for help in some way. Life challenges us in unexpected ways and sometimes we might need more support to find our way through. You may be feeling a loss of meaning, or experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addiction or grief. Or you may be ready to continue with your own journey of self-awareness. I strongly believe that there is a wisdom and resilience in each person, but it can often be hidden. The therapeutic relationship is key to recovering our resources.I integrate Psychotherapy and body-centred approaches to healing.
If you have found your way to this page, there is every possibility that you are looking for help in some way. Life challenges us in unexpected ways and sometimes we might need more support to find our way through. You may be feeling a loss of meaning, or experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addiction or grief. Or you may be ready to continue with your own journey of self-awareness. I strongly believe that there is a wisdom and resilience in each person, but it can often be hidden. The therapeutic relationship is key to recovering our resources.I integrate Psychotherapy and body-centred approaches to healing.
020 3389 9807 View 020 3389 9807
Photo of Yael Stobezki, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Yael Stobezki
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW6
I have worked in the Addiction field for many years, and also facilitated Art-Therapy groups for 15 years.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with experience of 35 years and a practice in London, NW6. I work with individuals seeking counselling for a variety of reasons including relationship issues, addictions,anger management, anxiety and depression, bereavement, life-transitions, panic attacks, post natal depression, blocked creativity, low self esteem/assertiveness and stress. I provide a safe and confidential, emphatic and non-judgmental environment in which we can together explore your issues and gain an understanding of your experience and the best way to change what can be changed.
I have worked in the Addiction field for many years, and also facilitated Art-Therapy groups for 15 years.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with experience of 35 years and a practice in London, NW6. I work with individuals seeking counselling for a variety of reasons including relationship issues, addictions,anger management, anxiety and depression, bereavement, life-transitions, panic attacks, post natal depression, blocked creativity, low self esteem/assertiveness and stress. I provide a safe and confidential, emphatic and non-judgmental environment in which we can together explore your issues and gain an understanding of your experience and the best way to change what can be changed.
020 3870 3442 View 020 3870 3442
Photo of Christina Johnson, MSc, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Christina Johnson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North West London, London NW1
Are you currently impacted by anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, phobia, addiction, overeating, grief , or anger ? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, hopeless or living in fear and anxiety ? Are you struggling to deal with family members ? Would you like support with life transitions, career choices or relationship issues ?
Are you currently impacted by anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, phobia, addiction, overeating, grief , or anger ? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, hopeless or living in fear and anxiety ? Are you struggling to deal with family members ? Would you like support with life transitions, career choices or relationship issues ?
020 3856 4075 View 020 3856 4075
Photo of Anita Andrews, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor
Anita Andrews
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW7
I have both a personal and academic interest in addiction and have extensive experience and knowledge in this area.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and Life Coach. Additionally, I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, holding a PhD in Addiction Psychology. I am passionate about supporting people who are struggling to overcome addictive behaviour, mental health challenges, or who simply need a safe space to talk through their difficulties. I feel deeply inspired by the resilience, adaptability and capacity for change shown by individuals when faced with difficult circumstances. My aim is to listen to you attentively, compassionately and without judgement.
I have both a personal and academic interest in addiction and have extensive experience and knowledge in this area.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and Life Coach. Additionally, I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, holding a PhD in Addiction Psychology. I am passionate about supporting people who are struggling to overcome addictive behaviour, mental health challenges, or who simply need a safe space to talk through their difficulties. I feel deeply inspired by the resilience, adaptability and capacity for change shown by individuals when faced with difficult circumstances. My aim is to listen to you attentively, compassionately and without judgement.
020 4538 2613 View 020 4538 2613
Photo of Shane Tanner, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Shane Tanner
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW6
I have also worked in rehabs supporting people with alcoholism and addiction & other difficulties, while witnessing how aftercare continues to support well-being & sobriety in creating a balance for self-care.
Hi, I'm Shane, a humanistic therapist in NW6. I am trained as a Person-centered / Pluralistic Counsellor / Psychotherapist and am a registered MBACP Counsellor & Psychotherapist. Finding a moment for yourself may be difficult, - glad to see you were able to arrive and that you’ve made it this far – I feel it’s such a brave move to reach out for help. As humans I feel we are able to find a strength and resilience which allows us to be the best versions of ourselves. This may mean asking for some guidance, in a warm safe space to explore what’s coming up for you. I'm here to hold whatever you share without judgement and with empathy
I have also worked in rehabs supporting people with alcoholism and addiction & other difficulties, while witnessing how aftercare continues to support well-being & sobriety in creating a balance for self-care.
Hi, I'm Shane, a humanistic therapist in NW6. I am trained as a Person-centered / Pluralistic Counsellor / Psychotherapist and am a registered MBACP Counsellor & Psychotherapist. Finding a moment for yourself may be difficult, - glad to see you were able to arrive and that you’ve made it this far – I feel it’s such a brave move to reach out for help. As humans I feel we are able to find a strength and resilience which allows us to be the best versions of ourselves. This may mean asking for some guidance, in a warm safe space to explore what’s coming up for you. I'm here to hold whatever you share without judgement and with empathy
020 3835 2657 View 020 3835 2657
Photo of Toby Burton - Toby Burton, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Toby Burton
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW5
I am a psychotherapist and addiction specialist with 27 years experience of working in addiction. I work in the short and long-term, on a weekly, fortnightly and ad-hoc basis with young and older adults to help them with addiction and the issues that underlie their dependence, including anxiety, anger, depression and relational difficulties.
I am a psychotherapist and addiction specialist with 27 years experience of working in addiction. I work in the short and long-term, on a weekly, fortnightly and ad-hoc basis with young and older adults to help them with addiction and the issues that underlie their dependence, including anxiety, anger, depression and relational difficulties.
020 3984 9514 View 020 3984 9514
Photo of Jonathan Feld, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Jonathan Feld
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW2  (Online Only)
Overwhelmed with low mood, anxiety, trauma, or depression? Troubled by worries and intrusive thoughts impacting your personal and work life, or dealing with alcoholism and addiction? Are you struggling to cope, I'm here to help. My approach is evidence-based integrative therapy & psycho-education, rooted in diverse psychological theories and addiction psychology. We'll use cognitive behavioural, motivational, and person-centred therapies to guide you towards a more fulfilling life with your family, friends, & in your career. Begin your journey with a complimentary 20-minute online introductory session. Let's enhance your well-being.
Overwhelmed with low mood, anxiety, trauma, or depression? Troubled by worries and intrusive thoughts impacting your personal and work life, or dealing with alcoholism and addiction? Are you struggling to cope, I'm here to help. My approach is evidence-based integrative therapy & psycho-education, rooted in diverse psychological theories and addiction psychology. We'll use cognitive behavioural, motivational, and person-centred therapies to guide you towards a more fulfilling life with your family, friends, & in your career. Begin your journey with a complimentary 20-minute online introductory session. Let's enhance your well-being.
020 3856 4003 View 020 3856 4003
Photo of Valia Tzoka, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Valia Tzoka
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW10
I have personal experience to support you in your road of recovery, if you are working any 12-step programme and I can work with any addiction including but not limited to people, food, alcohol, substances, work.
I am a BACP Accredited Gestalt therapist who works holistically and creatively, accompanying you in getting to know and accept all sides of yourself and live a joyous life. I believe that every symptom that manifests in our body (physical, emotional or spiritual) is not separate from our whole existence. Gestalt is a german word that the closest translation is "whole" or "pattern" and as a Gestalt therapist I work with the whole person. I am a long-term yoga and meditation practicioner and I bring my knowledge and experience of the link between mind and body into my sessions.
I have personal experience to support you in your road of recovery, if you are working any 12-step programme and I can work with any addiction including but not limited to people, food, alcohol, substances, work.
I am a BACP Accredited Gestalt therapist who works holistically and creatively, accompanying you in getting to know and accept all sides of yourself and live a joyous life. I believe that every symptom that manifests in our body (physical, emotional or spiritual) is not separate from our whole existence. Gestalt is a german word that the closest translation is "whole" or "pattern" and as a Gestalt therapist I work with the whole person. I am a long-term yoga and meditation practicioner and I bring my knowledge and experience of the link between mind and body into my sessions.
020 7046 0523 View 020 7046 0523
Photo of Melisa Adams, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Melisa Adams
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1  (Online Only)
I help individuals with a wide range of issues, I work with addiction (gambling, porn, spending, internet, drugs, and alcohol).
We are told how important exercise is for our physical well-being, your mental health is no different. Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms. So, maintaining good mental health can positively influence physical health. Therapy changes lives and for that reason, if you are unhappy, stressed, and not sure what to do, you need to remember that life is short, and you deserve to live the life you want. Put yourself first and do what makes you happy! I will help you become your own therapist, providing you with healthy tools and support tailored for you.
I help individuals with a wide range of issues, I work with addiction (gambling, porn, spending, internet, drugs, and alcohol).
We are told how important exercise is for our physical well-being, your mental health is no different. Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms. So, maintaining good mental health can positively influence physical health. Therapy changes lives and for that reason, if you are unhappy, stressed, and not sure what to do, you need to remember that life is short, and you deserve to live the life you want. Put yourself first and do what makes you happy! I will help you become your own therapist, providing you with healthy tools and support tailored for you.
01302 490114 View 01302 490114
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW3  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 3984 8581 View 020 3984 8581
Photo of Beverley Beckett. Addiction Complex Trauma Adhd And Relationships, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Beverley Beckett. Addiction Complex Trauma Adhd And Relationships
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, registered with the BACP and NCPS.
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, registered with the BACP and NCPS.
07401 263192 View 07401 263192
Photo of Aimee Griffin, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Aimee Griffin
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1
I bring experience in trauma, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and relationships.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I am dedicated to providing confidential and supportive therapy services in Belgravia, London. In our sessions, I create a safe, empathic, non-judgmental space where we can explore what brings you to therapy without fear of criticism. With face-to-face and online sessions, I offer a personalised approach tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. Grounded in psychodynamic theory, my approach considers how present-day problems may be linked to early life experiences which allows us to explore the root causes of your distress. My training includes working with children, adolescents, couples.
I bring experience in trauma, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and relationships.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I am dedicated to providing confidential and supportive therapy services in Belgravia, London. In our sessions, I create a safe, empathic, non-judgmental space where we can explore what brings you to therapy without fear of criticism. With face-to-face and online sessions, I offer a personalised approach tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. Grounded in psychodynamic theory, my approach considers how present-day problems may be linked to early life experiences which allows us to explore the root causes of your distress. My training includes working with children, adolescents, couples.
020 3948 4024 View 020 3948 4024
Photo of Simon Ziff, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Simon Ziff
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW2
I am a qualified and experienced therapist. I specialise in helping my clients who are experiencing problems relating to drug addiction, alcohol dependency, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and childhood trauma and other addictions. I offer a warm and empathetic approach in a comfortable and intimate environment. Life can bring its struggles which, for many can lead to the above issues. The impact of our behaviour and anxiety often tips from being manageable to suddenly interfering with daily life, affecting you, your work and the people around you. If you can relate to any of these situations, then let me help.
I am a qualified and experienced therapist. I specialise in helping my clients who are experiencing problems relating to drug addiction, alcohol dependency, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and childhood trauma and other addictions. I offer a warm and empathetic approach in a comfortable and intimate environment. Life can bring its struggles which, for many can lead to the above issues. The impact of our behaviour and anxiety often tips from being manageable to suddenly interfering with daily life, affecting you, your work and the people around you. If you can relate to any of these situations, then let me help.
07793 816181 View 07793 816181
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW8  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6792 View 020 4538 6792
Photo of Mark dempster - markdempstercounsellingltd, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
markdempstercounsellingltd
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1
I am a highly experienced Senior Accredited Addiction Counsellor, Traumatologist and Author with sixteen years personal experience of drug, alcohol and gambling addiction and over twenty years professional experience working with addictions. As seen on breakfast TV and radio I can help you break addictive patterns of behaviour. I have been there myself and know the exit route. I have helped many people recover and lead happy, successful lives. I am aware through personal and professional experience that the routes of addiction, are often found in trauma. As a traumatologist i can provide effective trauma processing therapy alongside
I am a highly experienced Senior Accredited Addiction Counsellor, Traumatologist and Author with sixteen years personal experience of drug, alcohol and gambling addiction and over twenty years professional experience working with addictions. As seen on breakfast TV and radio I can help you break addictive patterns of behaviour. I have been there myself and know the exit route. I have helped many people recover and lead happy, successful lives. I am aware through personal and professional experience that the routes of addiction, are often found in trauma. As a traumatologist i can provide effective trauma processing therapy alongside
020 3893 3018 View 020 3893 3018
Photo of Thomas Brosnan, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Thomas Brosnan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW10
My name is Thomas Brosnan and I am a Psychotherapist and Behaviour Change Expert. I specialise in Addiction and Relationships where for over 20 years now, I have supported the most amazing and beautiful people, because that’s what I believe we all are, to see what’s true about their experience of life.
My name is Thomas Brosnan and I am a Psychotherapist and Behaviour Change Expert. I specialise in Addiction and Relationships where for over 20 years now, I have supported the most amazing and beautiful people, because that’s what I believe we all are, to see what’s true about their experience of life.
020 8059 4365 View 020 8059 4365
Photo of Jennifer Cawley, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jennifer Cawley
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW3
In that time, I've helped people move through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, separation, addiction.
I see therapy as a way to better understand the narratives of our lives and the stories we believe about ourselves. These may have been created as a result of early experiences, the society and culture we live in, or any other reason we're yet to discover. Therapy is a chance to explore your narrative in a confidential and creative space. Sometimes it's a case of reclaiming your story perhaps after a shock event, sometimes it's about redefining your story if life feels like it has drifted off course. Either way, therapy can help you confront whatever problems you have with confidence and the results can be life changing.
In that time, I've helped people move through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, separation, addiction.
I see therapy as a way to better understand the narratives of our lives and the stories we believe about ourselves. These may have been created as a result of early experiences, the society and culture we live in, or any other reason we're yet to discover. Therapy is a chance to explore your narrative in a confidential and creative space. Sometimes it's a case of reclaiming your story perhaps after a shock event, sometimes it's about redefining your story if life feels like it has drifted off course. Either way, therapy can help you confront whatever problems you have with confidence and the results can be life changing.
01843 264834 View 01843 264834
Photo of Hannah Chrystal
Hannah Chrystal
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW3  (Online Only)
I hold a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, Level 5 Diploma in sex/love addiction therapy, Level 4 Certificate in treating Eating Disorders, I managed the Amy Winehouse Foundations addiction center (Amy's Place) for 5 years which supports young women.
I work with addiction, compulsive behaviors and trauma. I can support you to look at behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, relationships patterns and sex addictions. Any activity taken to an excess which the person starts to find is taking over their life at a cost of other things in life such as friends, family, work may be looked at in a similar way. I can guide you to look into reasons why certain coping mechanisms began and support you to make desired changes. I can also support you to look at symptoms of complex trauma (CPTSD) Anxiety, Depression, attachment and relational issues.
I hold a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, Level 5 Diploma in sex/love addiction therapy, Level 4 Certificate in treating Eating Disorders, I managed the Amy Winehouse Foundations addiction center (Amy's Place) for 5 years which supports young women.
I work with addiction, compulsive behaviors and trauma. I can support you to look at behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, relationships patterns and sex addictions. Any activity taken to an excess which the person starts to find is taking over their life at a cost of other things in life such as friends, family, work may be looked at in a similar way. I can guide you to look into reasons why certain coping mechanisms began and support you to make desired changes. I can also support you to look at symptoms of complex trauma (CPTSD) Anxiety, Depression, attachment and relational issues.
020 3962 1275 View 020 3962 1275
Photo of Emma Corker, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Emma Corker
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1
I am a qualified Group Analyst and Psychotherapist, working with groups, couples, and individuals. I have extensive experience working in the NHS, the voluntary sector and in further education, particularly in the areas of sexual health, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health. A group analytic group meets weekly for 90 minutes in a confidential and a containing space. Over time, you will experience the benefits of exploring with other group members the issues that burden you and are causing you distress. We look at your past, as a means of exploring and understanding how it has shaped your present.
I am a qualified Group Analyst and Psychotherapist, working with groups, couples, and individuals. I have extensive experience working in the NHS, the voluntary sector and in further education, particularly in the areas of sexual health, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health. A group analytic group meets weekly for 90 minutes in a confidential and a containing space. Over time, you will experience the benefits of exploring with other group members the issues that burden you and are causing you distress. We look at your past, as a means of exploring and understanding how it has shaped your present.
020 3835 4807 View 020 3835 4807
Photo of Denise Reeves, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Denise Reeves
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
North West London, London NW1
Having experience working with addiction and trauma, alongside talking therapy, I often introduce art materials to explore the unconscious.
Hello there, you may be looking for support in working through a difficult period of your life, perhaps relationships are causing you anxiety or you find yourself in problematic reoccurring situations. Do you suffer from a sense of sadness, or any form of addiction. Childhood trauma related issues, family dynamics, loss, grief or noticing the unmanageability of parts of your life. As a qualified integrative psychotherapist, counsellor, art psychotherapist & mentor, I have trained in EMDR 1, 2 & 3. I offer a confidential space for us to explore & support your needs at your speed. You may feel unworthy, we are looking to reframe that.
Having experience working with addiction and trauma, alongside talking therapy, I often introduce art materials to explore the unconscious.
Hello there, you may be looking for support in working through a difficult period of your life, perhaps relationships are causing you anxiety or you find yourself in problematic reoccurring situations. Do you suffer from a sense of sadness, or any form of addiction. Childhood trauma related issues, family dynamics, loss, grief or noticing the unmanageability of parts of your life. As a qualified integrative psychotherapist, counsellor, art psychotherapist & mentor, I have trained in EMDR 1, 2 & 3. I offer a confidential space for us to explore & support your needs at your speed. You may feel unworthy, we are looking to reframe that.
020 3095 7356 View 020 3095 7356

See more therapy options for North West London, London

Addiction Counsellors

What is the best therapy for addiction?

Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?

The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.