How Can Addiction Counselling Help You?

What Are the Different Types of Addiction Counselling?

There are many different types and categories of addiction counselling. Depending on the nature of a person’s addiction, there will be different therapy options presented when they choose to get help. For all basic purposes, there are two “types” of counselling a person can receive to help overcome their addiction. This includes private or individual counselling and group counselling. Each are beneficial either used alone or in conjunction to help a person overcome their addiction.

Private/Individual Counselling

Talking to someone about your problems with drugs or alcohol in a private, confidential setting can be one of the most beneficial aspects in helping you overcome your addiction. When you see a counsellor or therapist in a one on one situation, it can help you uncover the underlying issues that are the cause of your addiction. There are private services for addiction counselling throughout the UK, and individual counselling is also in both inpatient and outpatient rehab settings.

When receiving counselling in any type of setting, it is important to be honest with your counsellor or therapist about the nature of your addiction. It’s not uncommon for addicts to lie about their drug or alcohol use because of the negative stigma that is attached to addiction. Lying about your addiction however, will only hinder the recovery process. Being upfront and honest with your therapist is the best way to overcome your addiction for good.

Group Counselling

Group counselling is done in a setting with several addicts sharing the experiences of their addiction. Sessions are conducted by a group leader and contain numerous benefits that help a person overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some of the benefits include:

• Offers a connection to others who share a similar experience
• Allows addicts the opportunity to see that they are not alone in their struggle
• Helps build positive relationships
• Offers education about addiction and coping skills for real-world situations
• Gives advice and offers tools on different ways to avoid relapse
• Gives addicts a sense of structure in attending these regular meetings
• Helps a person rebuild social skills and strengthens human interaction skills

Group counselling sessions will take place in several different settings including: private clinics, inpatient addiction programmes, outpatient treatment programmes, hospital centres, and more. We can help you find the best type of addiction counselling setting that fits your personal preferences and needs.

What Are the Stages of Group Counselling?

No matter where a person receives professional group addiction counselling, it will move forward in a general fashion. The stages of group therapy include:

1. In the first phase of group counselling, the individual will meet with the group leader and other patients for the first time. They will learn the process of the programme, discuss any rules, and introduce themselves to others.
2. The second phase of group counselling is when real change begins to happen. This is where different therapeutic approaches will be used by the group leader to help group members learn different approaches to thinking and behaviour associated with their addiction. Members will get to know each other through their personal stories and struggles with addiction. There is truly an opportunity for deep healing to take place during the second phase of group counselling. This will be the longest stage of a group treatment experience.
3. The last phase of group counselling is an adjustment period for group members to reflect on what they’ve learned and prepare to take these skills out into the real world. The bonds formed in group addiction counselling are often strong and this can be an extremely emotional time for group members. It is important to focus on the positive aspects people have gained, rather than be upset that it is almost over. The friendships made often last a lifetime, and the coping and behaviour skills a person is left with can make them see something similar with their sobriety.

Does Addiction Counselling Work?

Both individual and private addiction counselling can be of extreme benefit to people who are open to receiving help. A person’s willingness to talk to a professional counsellor or therapist about their problems can open the door to a world of understanding concerning their addiction. For people who want to get help, addiction counselling will certainly work. And it will work well.

On the other hand, someone who doesn’t want to talk (or believes they don’t need to talk) about their addiction problems with won’t benefit from counselling like they could. Addiction isn’t a magic cure-all for addiction. It can help tremendously, but if a person isn’t ready to receive the help they need, they are going to continue to use no matter how many counselling sessions they go to.

We Can Help You Find Addiction Counselling in the UK

We understand how difficult dealing with an addiction is. It can be a terrifying struggle that can feel impossible to endure. We believe that no one should have to suffer through their addiction alone. There are people who can help you overcome your addiction, no matter how serious your problems have become. There is a way out, and talking to a professional can help you find this way. We are connected with numerous services throughout London and Essex that offer private and group counselling opportunities.

How Much Does Addiction Counselling Cost?

The cost of addiction counselling will vary. Many believe that counselling is too expensive and will forgo considering their options because of this. This is very unfortunate because the truth is, there are addiction counselling options that fit a wide-range of financial situations. Some insurance carriers may even pay for counselling as part of a person’s plan. There are also some free addiction counselling services available through the NHS.

Please call us to discuss different payment options, as well as your different options regarding addiction counselling. We are here to make sure you get exactly the help you need to end your addiction for good. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have. All calls are confidential, and you will never feel as if you are being judged when calling us for help. We’re here to help because we’ve got first-hand experience in addiction, and truly know how hard it can be to overcome. It is possible, and we’re here to offer you all the options to make it so.