Addiction & Counselling FAQs, Brighton & Hove

If you find it hard to cut down, feel guilty about your use, or your relationships and work are being affected, counselling can help. Seeking support early makes recovery easier.

I support people facing alcohol, drug, gambling, food and behavioural addictions, as well as those affected by a loved one's addiction.

Counselling can be one‑to‑one or with couples, and can involve family members where helpful. We explore underlying causes, build coping strategies, and support relapse prevention. Where needed, I can also signpost you to detox or medical services.

Yes. I provide specialist support for people struggling with alcohol, drugs, gambling or other compulsive behaviours. Addiction is often linked to the deeper issue of unmet needs that cause stress, trauma and painful emotional recall.

In therapy we look at both the immediate habits and the underlying causes, so recovery becomes sustainable rather than a constant battle of willpower. That "white‑knuckling" is exhausting and tends to drive us back into the arms of our chosen coping strategy. I'll help you end that repetitive cycle, if you're willing to give it a go.

Addiction often develops as a way of coping with anxiety or low mood caused by unmet needs we carry within. Alcohol, for example, might temporarily ease anxious thoughts, but over time it can worsen depression and affect sleep. My approach looks at the whole picture, not just the behaviour, but the emotions, thoughts and relationships that fuel it, and especially the unmet needs that have been buried and all but forgotten in the conscious mind. We work with these using Human Givens methods including Molar Memories, Sub‑Threshold Trauma and the Affect Bridge.

Yes. Addiction, anxiety and depression can all place enormous strain on relationships, often leading to conflict, distance and mistrust. Therapy is a safe place to explore communication patterns, rebuild trust, and find healthier ways of connecting, whether with a partner, family or friends.

I work integratively, drawing from many approaches depending on your needs and what resonates with you. These include Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational therapy and hypno‑informed techniques. I also use Human Givens approaches, including the Rewind Technique, a powerful, effective way to de‑condition trauma memories so they no longer terrify or cause distress. This flexible approach lets us address both short‑term coping and long‑term healing.

I offer sessions in Hove, Brighton & Hove, as well as online therapy via secure video call. Many clients choose a blend of both, depending on their schedule and comfort level.

It's normal to feel unsure before starting. That's why I offer a free 15‑minute consultation, so you can get a sense of me and ask any questions. You're under no obligation, it's simply a chance to see if this feels like a good fit.

This depends on your goals. Some people come for short‑term work (6-12 sessions) to focus on specific behaviours or challenges; others choose longer‑term therapy to explore patterns more deeply. We'll discuss your needs and agree a pace that feels right. I also offer 90‑minute and 120‑minute sessions, should you'd like more time.

Yes. Everything you share is treated with strict confidentiality. As a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), I follow their professional and ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and safety.