Addiction Counselling is a specialised form of counselling that sees problematic use of a substance or behaviour as a symptom of deeper, underlying issues.  Put simply, any form of addictive behaviour is a way of ‘numbing out’ and avoiding what is really going on. Anyone struggling with an addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, gambling, or time online in any area, can be seen  individually, with a partner or with family members. The goals of counselling for addiction are:

• To work on improving self-esteem and self-worth;
• To learn better ways to manage stress, difficult feelings and emotions.
• To put strategies in place for coping with  substance or behavioural triggers.
• To develop practical skills for dealing with cravings.
• To assist the individual with rebuilding trusting relationships with others.
• To become responsible and compliant with other treatment plans.

DO ADDICTION COUNSELLORS WORK WITH FAMILIES?

Yes, addiction counsellors specialise in assisting family with the significant struggle of caring for a loved one who has an addiction. Family members are often remarkable in their ability to carry on despite the worry, fear and stress brought into their lives by the addiction of another. Such family members often find themselves moving from worry and concern to anger and frustration until they eventually find themselves exhausted or even in despair because of the addiction in their family member. Addiction does not only damage the health and wellbeing of those addicted but also has a significant impact on others. Addiction counsellors have the skill, training and compassion to assist family members in such distress and will provide important therapeutic support for everyone affected.

Riadhna Holahan

Areas of Speciality: Problematic Substance Use/ Addiction, General Counselling. Riadhna also works with adolescents.

Available Online and in Person?  YES

I am an experienced, Psychotherapist with a passion for working collaboratively with my clients, empowering them to enhance their quality of life. I specialise in addiction of all kinds and related issues for both adults and adolescents and their families. I have also worked in Community Mental Health for many years.   I will help you learn the deep value of self-compassion, understanding and awareness to improve your situation and reduce your reliance on the current behaviours which negatively impact your life, your work and your relationships.

To contact me directly and arrange an appointment, please email me at riadhnaholahan(at)gmail.com

EMDR THERAPY FOR ADDICTION There is a clear link between addiction and trauma, with those suffering many traumatic events highly likely to develop addictive behaviour.  Addictive behaviours and substances often provide a short-lived soothing impact on stress arising from past trauma that the brain is unable to fully process.  While they can temporarily soothe, addictions cannot in any way tackle the underlying problem of past trauma. EMDR, on the other and, can truly relieve the impact of traumas that feed addictions of all kinds.

Aneta Maliszewska-Billingham

Areas of Speciality: EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, CBT, Mindfulness and Workplace Stress