Why we do what we do and how…?

Western Counselling deploys an Integrative Approach to supporting people who suffer from various addictions, incorporating 12 Step solution focussed philosophy, with a whole range of traditional and innovative counselling approaches.

We aim to build with our clients, an open, honest and respectful relationship whereby clients feel safe enough to disclose their feelings about themselves and their experiences without judgement.

Western Counselling understands that a dependency on alcohol, drugs, food or sex is an attempt to avoid, control or “fix” feelings. Through the use of a person-centred supportive relationship, clients are able to express previously unacceptable, shameful or traumatic unexplored material that may have otherwise been managed or displaced with alcohol, drugs etc.

Many of our clients have originated from dysfunctional family systems and have brought with them into the treatment environment irrational expectations and self-defeating attitudes and behaviour that needed to be challenged with CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or re-parenting techniques. Whereas others who have suffered traumatic experiences have benefitted from a more psychodynamic approach to help them explore the negative effects of their past on their ability to develop a healthy relationship with themselves and others throughout their subsequent life.

We believe addiction to be a progressive and potentially lethal illness that cannot be completely eradicated or cured, however, can be arrested and managed by means of a therapeutic programme and a daily, life-long commitment to recovery.

The goal of therapy at Western Counselling is to help our clients build a realistic and positive relationship with themselves, free from guilt and shame, that minimises their need to “fix” their feelings with their chosen drug of choice, whilst helping them to take responsibility for past actions and future choices.