CBT & Addiction Support

Research suggests that the best outcomes in addiction recovery often come from a combined approach. Many people benefit most from a mix of:
  • Attendance at a treatment centre (where appropriate)
  • Support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.)
  • Individual counselling
In this sense, individual counselling can be one part of a wider recovery plan — but I want to be very clear: you do not need to be attending a treatment centre or a support group in order to start counselling.
You can begin with counselling alone, and we can explore other supports at a pace that feels right for you. I will support your choices without judgement.
If you would like information on treatment centres, I’m happy to share recommendations only at your request. I’ve also built up a network of former clients who attend 12-step support groups, and where appropriate, I may be able to help you connect with someone who understands what it’s like to take that first step.

How I Understand Addiction

My broad view of addiction is that it’s often not really about the substance or behaviour itself.
For example:
  • Alcohol addiction isn’t simply about a “love of alcohol”
  • Gambling addiction isn’t really about a “love of horses” or betting
More often, it’s about the mood shift — the temporary relief, escape, or emotional lift that happens during the behaviour. When something reliably changes how we feel (even briefly), we naturally want to repeat it.
Over time, though, the consequences can begin to outweigh the benefits. When that happens, it may be time to seek support through CBT-based addiction counselling.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) helps you understand the patterns behind the addiction — your triggers, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours — and supports you in building healthier, more sustainable coping strategies.

My Experience (Professional Honesty)

I believe it’s important to be open about my experience across different areas of addiction:
  • Extensive experience supporting people with alcohol-related difficulties
  • Significant experience with gambling and sexual addiction
  • Reasonable experience with drug addictions, including dependency on prescription medication
  • No experience treating anorexia or bulimia

Alcohol: Earlier Support Can Make a Big Difference

In my clinical experience, alcohol-related harm often begins at much lower levels of drinking than many people expect. People can start experiencing serious consequences well before reaching what might traditionally be labelled “alcoholism”.
You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to benefit from support. If alcohol is causing problems in your life, relationships, mood, work, or health, it’s valid to seek help now.

CBT and Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction has received increased attention in recent years, including through films such as Shame. Like other addictions, it can involve compulsive behaviour, secrecy, shame, and difficulty stopping despite negative consequences.
The goal of treatment is not necessarily abstinence — particularly for someone in a committed relationship — but rather the development of healthy sexual practices, boundaries, and self-control.
CBT is commonly used in the treatment of sexual addiction. It helps you recognise the thoughts, feelings, and situations that lead to compulsive sexual behaviour, and supports you in developing alternative ways of thinking and responding. Over time, building a healthier relationship with sex becomes a key part of relapse prevention.