Addiction Counselling

Addiction Counselling in Clondalkin, Online and by Phone

Addiction is a common problem in our world today. I previously worked in a residential addiction service for nearly 12 years. In my current work, the most common addictions are cocaine, porn, and alcohol.
Prevail provides a safe and therapeutic space to deal with the personal trauma of being addicted and trying to achieve permanent positive change.

What Approaches are used in Addiction Therapy?

It is completely the client’s choice if they want to be abstain from their addiction or to manage it to a level which they believe is appropriate for them. I have found in my professional practice that the harm reduction approach is not what the majority of clients want. Also, clients find that trying to accommodate their addiction to so-called social norms doesn’t work.

My primary approach in addiction work is based on the Wheel of Change model. Watch a short video here
I chose this model because it emphasises the willingness to change as the motivator to conquer addiction.
This is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. Learn more about CBT here

Prevail is supportive of clients who are engaged in a 12 step approach to addiction abstinence but I do not provide a 12 step programme.

How can Counselling for Addiction help?

Counselling provides the space where a client can fail in. Slips and even full relapse are a regular part of controlling addictive impulses. In my work I assess where the client is at with their desire to change and what type of change they are looking to make. Prevail does not aim to convince anyone of what they should do.

However appropriate challenge is useful. If a client is not achieving goals, they will benefit from having a discussion about this.
Looking at what is holding them back, identifying new approaches or resources that may be needed is helpful.
Such accountability is key to positive change from addictive habits.

Specific Aspects of Addiction Counselling

My role in addiction work is to provide support for the client’s overall addiction recovery programme. I am conscious that my support, though valuable, is only one hour a week. Prevail encourages clients with addiction issues to receive support outside of the sessions.
The 12-step sponsor model is a very good example of how clients can avail of peer-led support and accountability. Community-based support, available on a reasonable basis, seven days a week, is a huge help in achieving addiction therapy goals.

There is debate as to how much addiction counselling is the same for all the different addictions. I take the view that each clients presentation is unique to them and their individual presentation determines the approach I take. So yes Prevail treats each addiction seperatley, but the overall change model I use is the same across all clients regardless of their addiction.

Frequently asked questions about Addiction Counselling

  • Addiction Counselling is for people who feel their addictive behaviours are beyond their control.
    When their addiction is negatively affecting their relationships and work.

  • Addiction counselling can be challenging. You are being asked to make dificult changes in your thoughts, and behaviours.
    The greatest challenge is to overcome the sense of failure and despair when a slip can lead to a relapse.
    It is important to remember that you can always restart your journey towards being addiction free.

  • Yes it depends.
    It depends on if you are availing of other support such as a 12 Step group and a sponsor.
    It depends on how commited you are to being addiction free.
    If these factors are present therapy is mostly supportive and can be done within a 10 sessions.
    If not more may be required.

    It maybe that you will want to keep a counselling relationship over time to maintain accountability. These sessions maybe monthly or more.

Book with Prevail for Addiction Counselling

To book an addiction counselling session with James, click here:

Book