Addiction Counselling
At The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group, we offer supportive, confidential counselling and therapy services tailored to your specific challenges. Our experienced therapists will work with you to explore the underlying causes of problem behaviours and help you build healthier, more sustainable coping strategies.
Who Can Addiction Counselling Help?
Do you suspect that you are engaging in a problem behaviour? If you are considering seeking professional help but unsure if it is right for you, please answer the questions below. You may also take our online test.
- Do you miss time from work because of your behaviour?
- Is your behaviour having a negative impact on your family and relationships?
- Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your behaviour?
- Does your behaviour help you escape from worries and problems?
- Does your behaviour make you feel better in the short term and worse in the longer term?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to one of the questions above or more, it is possible that you are suffering from an addiction and would benefit from our counselling services.
Common Signs You May Need Counselling for Addiction
Addiction isn’t always obvious. It can develop gradually and affect many areas of life. You may find yourself relying on a substance or behaviour to cope with stress, hiding the extent of your use, or struggling to cut back despite negative consequences. Other signs include mood swings, withdrawal from loved ones, declining performance at work or school, and feelings of shame or guilt.
If any of this resonates with you, seeking addiction therapy can help you understand what’s driving the behaviour and support you in making lasting, positive change.
The Emotional Impact of Problem Behaviours
Often, addiction is rooted in emotional distress and can result in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-worth. Over time, using substances or engaging in problem behaviours to cope can create a cycle of temporary relief followed by deeper emotional pain. This ongoing struggle can impact relationships, work, and your sense of identity.
Therapy for addiction is designed to help you break this cycle by addressing underlying emotional triggers and building healthier ways to manage difficult feelings. This, in turn, provides you with the tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Why Choose The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group?
At The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group, we offer discreet, non-judgemental support for individuals facing addiction or problem behaviours. Our experienced therapists and psychologists use evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help you understand your patterns, regain control, and develop new coping strategies.
We recognise that addiction is often a symptom of deeper emotional struggles, and our addiction therapist takes the time to explore these with care and compassion. With both face-to-face and online sessions available, we offer flexibility and a personalised approach that fits your needs.
Supporting You
How Does Treatment for Problem Behaviours Work?
As part of our addiction therapy in London, we take a structured yet personalised approach to treating problem behaviours. Below, we outline the key steps in the therapeutic process and what you can expect at each stage.
Step 1
In your first couple of sessions, your therapist will ask you questions to enable them to understand why your symptoms have developed and what approach will bring you the quickest and most enduring relief.
Step 2
The second step is to identify the problem that you are using the addiction to escape from and find another way of managing it that isn’t harmful.
Step 3
If the behaviour isn’t something that can be eliminated completely (e.g. food, shopping, exercise), your therapist will then help you find a way of engaging in the behaviour that is under your control and doesn’t lead to physical or emotional harm.
Step 4
Finally, your therapist will teach you how to boost your confidence and self-esteem and eliminate self-criticism and self-doubt. This will help prevent you from slipping back into addictive patterns of behaviour in the future.
Find Your Best Course of Action
What to Expect After Completing Counselling for Addiction
Addiction counselling not only helps reduce harmful behaviours but also supports long-term emotional recovery. After completing therapy, many individuals report improved self-awareness, better emotional regulation, and stronger personal relationships. You’ll learn tools to manage triggers and setbacks and gain confidence in making healthier choices. Perhaps most importantly, therapy can help rebuild your self-esteem and sense of purpose.
While recovery is a journey, counselling offers a strong foundation for lasting wellbeing, helping you move forward with clarity, balance, and renewed resilience.
Chris, Richmond
Prices
Explore our therapy prices and registered private health insurance providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop the behaviour before starting counselling?
No. You don’t need to stop before beginning therapy. Addiction counselling can support you at any stage, whether you’re considering change, actively working to stop, or aiming to prevent relapse.
Is counselling for addiction confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential and handled with the utmost care and discretion. The only exception is if there’s a risk of serious harm to you or others, in which case safeguarding procedures may apply.
How do I know if I need help?
If a behaviour feels difficult to control and is negatively affecting your wellbeing, relationships, or responsibilities, it may be time to search “addiction therapist near me” online and seek expert support. Therapy can help you explore what’s driving the behaviour and offer tools to regain control.
What types of addiction do you support?
We work with a wide range of problem behaviours, including substance misuse, gambling, compulsive sexual behaviours, food issues, self-harm, and more. Our therapy is tailored to the specific nature of your challenges.
Can I access therapy online?
Yes. We offer both in-person and secure online addiction counselling to make our services as flexible and accessible as possible. You can choose the format that suits your lifestyle, schedule, and preferences.
More Reading On This Subject
For more information related specifically to alcohol abuse or gambling addiction, please visit our dedicated pages:
Counselling for Alcohol Problems
Counseling for Gambling