Addiction
I have over ten years experience of working with clients with addictions at Blenheim CDP London as well as within my own private practice.Addictions result in a difficulty in controlling certain repetitive behaviours to the extent that they have harmful consequences. They are the result of powerful compulsions which are often put in place out of a need to escape from upsetting emotions/situations. Compulsions can trigger a self-perpetuating process, which can cause pain and suffering not only for those addicted, but also for their friends and family.
Addictions can develop in many ways- drinking alcohol, taking drugs, eating, gambling, having sex and using the Internet. Often addictions begin as an activity that makes one feel emotional or physical pleasure. These feeling of pleasurable can trigger a powerful urge to carry out the activity again to recreate this 'high'. This can develop into a repetitive cycle that becomes very hard to break.
Counsellng and psychotherapy aims to address the underlying uncomfortable feelings that are being avoided and covered up by the addiction,by exploring painful and difficult feelings the client can gain a greater awareness of their emotional needs and their behaviour. This awareness can empower the individual to make changes that may have otherwise not been possible.
