Addiction Crabtree Counselling

What is Addiction?

Addiction is when we don’t have control over doing, taking or using something to the point that it becomes harmful to us.¹

Common addictions include smoking, drugs, alcohol and gambling. However, other addictions can include work, shopping, or even using our phones/social media. The effects of some addictions (e.g. drug and alcohol) can include serious psychological and physical effects as well as being harmful to work and relationships.¹

The causes of addiction are varied; with substance addiction (e.g. drugs and alcohol), the substances can change the way we feel physically and emotionally, stimulating the brains reward centre which creates the urge to use them again.²

This cycle becomes repeated as not having the substance creates an unpleasant withdrawal or ‘come down,’ therefore it is easier to continue with what you are doing or taking than to stop.

Addiction is thought to be influenced by genetics and environmental factors, including coping with unbearable pain, stress, poverty, unemployment and being around others with addictions.²

References:

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/addiction-what-is-it/ (accessed January 13th, 2022)

² https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/healthcare-counselling-and-psychotherapy-journal/april-2020/working-with-addiction/ (accessed January 14th, 2022)

How does Counselling help support overcoming Addiction?

The counselling relationship provides a safe, empathic non-judgemental space where you can explore your addiction; you may want to talk about how your addiction first started and how your addiction has affected your close relationships.

Counselling can help you face the painful reality of your situation and start to address the issues underpinning your addiction, developing awareness and acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings.²

What to expect during Counselling with Emma

During the first session, we will discuss our working agreement (we call this our ‘contract’) which includes what you hope to achieve from therapy and the direction you want therapy to take, limits of confidentiality, when and where counselling will take place and fees.

We will also agree whether your therapy needs are shorter-term (e.g. Six-weeks) or longer-term (e.g. six months) depending on your needs. We will work collaboratively, together exploring whatever it is you want to bring to each session.

We will always work at your pace so that you feel heard and respected for the unique individual that you are.

Book Consultation

Meet Emma Crabtree

Integrative Counsellor

I am a qualified BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered counsellor and member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS).

Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming, so I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation by phone to discuss your therapy needs and to establish whether I am the right counsellor for you.

Following this, if you would like to proceed with me, we can book a 50 minute counselling session either on Zoom, telephone or face to face. My working days are Mondays and Fridays.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

BSc Psychology (First class)
FdA Counselling (Distinction)
Registered Member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS)
BSc in Biomedical Science (2:1)
Volunteer Addiction Counsellor at Iceni, Ipswich (2019-2021)
Support worker, Suffolk Mind Waves Service (running groups for clients with Borderline Personality Disorder) (2017-2021)
Counsellor and Group Facilitator: Venta Programme, Iceni Ipswich for men who cause harm in intimate relationships (2021- present)
Appropriate Adult for Anglia Care Trust for those arrested with mental health difficulties or young people (2017-2019)
Youth Mentor at local Secondary School: Supporting vulnerable young people with emotional and academic support (2012-2017)