Addictive behaviour occurs when a person has no control over doing, taking or using something to the extent where it is could be harmful to them and the need for it has taken over their life.
Most people associate addiction with drugs, alcohol, smoking and gambling, but other behaviours can become addictive such as work, shopping, solvents or sexual activity.
Being addicted and seeking that "mental high" can lead to an addiction that becomes out of control, when more of it is needed. The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage relationships, work and a person's physical and mental health.
Addiction is treatable and whatever it is, there are ways to help. The first step is to talk about it with someone who understands.
Addiction Therapy
As a therapist I work with the client to identify addictive behaviours, the causes of these behaviours, and a plan to combat their addictive behaviour.
Sometimes addictive behaviour is easy to identify. Often there are primary addictions (the reason for coming to counselling), and then lesser addictions that are not as noticeable but will still cause problems if left untreated.
Unresolved traumas are a common reason for addictive behaviour, such that addiction and trauma counselling are often intertwined. However there are other reasons why people become addicted to a substance, behaviour or habit.
Determining the cause of addictions is a major element of treatment. Treating the historical cause of the addiction increases the chance of stopping the addiction and preventing a relapse.
My Approach
I offer both counselling and psychotherapy and can do one-to-one work or work with couples.
I am trained in Person-Centred Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Shapiro, 1987 therapy and have been a Registered Mental Nurse since 1984.
My experience is with all aspects of mental health with specialisms in trauma.
I have professional indemnity insurance and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP Registered Member: 402271), EMDR UK (Membership No.: BO600) and registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council UK (89i2564e).
To read more about me and what I offer, please take a look at my about me page.
Contact Me
Contact me to start your journey with Evolve Therapy:
Preston, Lancashire
I offer sessions in both counselling and psychotherapy on a one-to-one basis or for couples. This can be done face-to-face at my premises in Preston, online via Zoom or by telephone.
The latter options allow me to reach clients further afield throughout Lancashire, Cumbria and the North West, including: Accrington, Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bowness, Burnley, Chorley, Fleetwood, Garstang, Kendal, Heysham, Lancaster, Leyland, Lytham, Kirkham, Morecambe, Ormskirk, Over Wyre, Poulton, Preston, Southport, St Annes, Warrington, Windermere and more.
I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become. - Carl Jung
