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Addictions Counsellors and Therapists

This page lists counsellors and therapists who specialise in addictions, including substance use and behaviour-related concerns. Browse the profiles below to learn about different approaches, languages and counsellor registration before contacting someone who seems right for you.

Understanding addictions and how they can affect you

What addictions can involve

Addictions cover a wide range of patterns in which a substance or behaviour becomes difficult to control and begins to interfere with daily life. You may be thinking of alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit substances, but addictions can also involve behaviours such as gambling, gaming, shopping or eating. For many people the experience is not simply about repeated use; it also includes cravings, changes in mood and thought patterns, and increasing difficulty in stopping despite negative consequences.

The broader impact on life

The effects of addictions often extend beyond the behaviour itself. Relationships can become strained, work or study may suffer, and your sense of wellbeing can erode. You might notice patterns of avoidance, secrecy, or frequent attempts to cut down that do not last. People living with addictions often describe cycles of relief followed by guilt or shame, and it is common for other areas of mental health such as anxiety or depression to be involved. Recognising how an addictive pattern affects your daily routine, finances, social life and emotional health is an important step in deciding whether to seek support.

Signs you or someone you care about may benefit from therapy

Behavioural and practical indicators

If your use of a substance or engagement in a behaviour is causing missed commitments, falling behind at work or study, legal or financial problems, or repeated arguments with people close to you, therapy may help you explore alternatives. You might be spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using or recovering from the behaviour, or making unsuccessful attempts to cut down. These practical changes often signal that patterns are becoming entrenched and that outside support could make a difference.

Emotional and relational signs

Therapy can also be worthwhile if you notice persistent cravings, rising anxiety when you try to stop, or a sense that the behaviour is used to cope with difficult feelings. You may be withdrawing from friends or social activities you once enjoyed, hiding aspects of your life, or feeling stuck in cycles of shame and self-criticism. If your physical health is affected, or if you are concerned about the safety of others because of your behaviour, seeking a conversation with a counsellor is a sensible step. A counsellor can help you explore the role the behaviour plays in your life and identify practical steps to reduce harm.

What to expect in therapy for addictions

Initial conversations and assessment

Early sessions typically focus on building trust, exploring your history and understanding the practical effects of the addictive behaviour. You will talk about what led you to seek help, what you hope to achieve and any immediate risks that need addressing. Counsellors will usually ask about your physical health, relationships, patterns of use and any other mental health concerns so that they can form a rounded view of your situation. You have the opportunity to discuss previous attempts to change and what felt helpful or unhelpful in those moments.

Working towards goals and measuring progress

Therapeutic work for addictions often involves setting specific, realistic goals that reflect what matters to you. Goals might focus on reducing frequency or harm, improving coping strategies, repairing relationships or building routines that support recovery. You and your counsellor may develop a plan with steps to manage cravings, handle triggers, and plan for setbacks. Sessions will usually combine reflective conversation with practical exercises, and you will be encouraged to try strategies between sessions so progress can be reviewed and adjusted. If you have other health needs, a counsellor who is registered with BACP, HCPC or NCPS can work with you or with other professionals to ensure a joined-up approach.

Common therapeutic approaches used for addictions

Psychological and behavioural approaches

There are a number of approaches that counsellors commonly use when working with addictions. You will find counsellors who list cognitive behavioural therapy among their approaches, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and developing practical skills to change them. Others list motivational interviewing among their approaches - a collaborative style that helps you weigh up ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change. Relapse prevention techniques are frequently included to help you recognise high-risk situations and plan responses.

Relational, trauma-informed and family-oriented work

For many people, addictive behaviour is closely linked to earlier life experiences and relationships. You may encounter counsellors who list trauma-informed practice among their approaches, which pays attention to how past distress affects current coping. Family or systemic approaches may be used when relationships play a central role in the pattern of use, supporting conversations about boundaries, communication and how family dynamics contribute to change. Group work is another common element and can offer peer support and a sense of shared experience; you will find descriptions of group-based options on some counsellors' profiles.

How online therapy works for addictions and tips for choosing the right counsellor

How online sessions typically run

Online counselling is widely used for addictions and can offer a flexible way to access help from home or another suitable location. Sessions usually take place via video call, phone or messaging, and the structure resembles face-to-face work: an initial assessment, followed by regular sessions with agreed goals. To get the most from online therapy you should choose a quiet, private space where you can speak without interruptions and consider using headphones for greater comfort. Make sure you and your counsellor agree on what to do between sessions and how to manage any crises or emergencies that may arise.

Choosing a counsellor who meets your needs

When you look through profiles consider several practical factors. Think about whether you prefer a counsellor who works mainly online or someone who offers local face-to-face appointments. Look for descriptions that explain experience with addictions and related issues such as mood or trauma, while remembering that profiles list approaches rather than guaranteeing specific qualifications in a modality. Check whether a counsellor is registered with recognised UK bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS, which indicates adherence to professional standards and ethical practice. Language, cultural understanding and therapeutic style matter too - some counsellors note if they work bilingually or with particular communities. Cost, session length and payment arrangements are also important practical considerations. Finally, trust your sense of connection: you are more likely to engage with therapy if you feel heard and respected, so choose a counsellor whose profile and initial conversations leave you feeling understood.

Deciding to explore counselling for addictions is a significant step. Therapy can help you gain clarity about triggers, develop new coping strategies and rebuild aspects of life that have been affected by the behaviour. Use the listings above to read counsellor profiles, reflect on the approaches that appeal to you, and reach out to start a conversation with someone whose practice feels appropriate for your situation.

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