Philosophy

Addiction destroys lives, rips through families, damages relationships, health, careers and opportunities. Its effects are always wide-ranging, often incalculable, and sometimes fatal.

Addiction is also a lonely place. It isolates people from all the social activities they used to enjoy. As addictions become even more entrenched, priorities fall by the wayside. Addiction is all that matters, regardless of the emotional and physical cost.

My philosophy is simple. So is my approach. As soon as the addict feels ready to ask for help, I will support, encourage and facilitate their journey on the road to recovery.

My therapy focuses on the client’s acceptance of their situation and awareness of the consequences of their addiction. I never judge, point the finger or insist that people act in a certain way. Instead, I encourage them to take responsibility for their own lives.

The seeds of recovery are often sown at the Initial Assessment meeting where, sensitively but firmly, I will reflect back the client’s own words about their powerlessness and unmanageability. This can lead to a crucial shift in perspective, allowing the healing process to begin – often immediately.

“Fooling others is a serious business, but fooling ourselves becomes fatal”

I never allow a client to believe they are intrinsically “bad”. Addiction is now widely regarded by addiction professionals as an illness, not a weakness or character flaw. My approach to treatment mirrors this philosophy.

As an addiction specialist, I don’t believe I have the right to instruct an alcoholic to stop drinking or a drug addict to stop using. Instead, I go deeper. I understand that alcohol, drugs or addictive behaviours may have become someone’s emotional anaesthetic, to help them cope with life. In therapy I will uncover and explore the hidden emotions, problems, resentments or other issues which may trigger the dependence.