Addiction Counselling in South West London
You might have a variety of reasons for seeking therapy. I tend to work with depression, anxiety and questions of meaning. But I am open to talk with anyone to see if we might be a good fit for working together.
My approach is existential, which means I am primarily interested in understanding your experience rather than labelling or medicalising it.
I am particularly interested in how we understand ourselves and the world we find ourselves a part of. Often, when someone comes to therapy, that sense of understanding feels inadequate, or confused.
You might have a variety of reasons for seeking therapy. I tend to work with depression, anxiety and questions of meaning. But I am open to talk with anyone to see if we might be a good fit for working together.
My approach is existential, which means I am primarily interested in understanding your experience rather than labelling or medicalising it.
I am particularly interested in how we understand ourselves and the world we find ourselves a part of. Often, when someone comes to therapy, that sense of understanding feels inadequate, or confused.
I provide supportive and empathic therapy, focusing on you as a unique individual with your own experiences in a wide range of areas including low mood, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, lack of confidence and feelings of worthlessness.
I am Richard Schafer, a professionally trained registered counsellor (MBACP). I practice in London, Clapham SW4. In 2003 I qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor and began private practice in 2004. I also spent over 12 years working in the field of talking therapies as a clinical lead within statutory sector therapeutic residential settings.
I am a long term registered member (No. 107865 ) of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their code of conduct & ethics.
I provide supportive and empathic therapy, focusing on you as a unique individual with your own experiences in a wide range of areas including low mood, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, lack of confidence and feelings of worthlessness.
I am Richard Schafer, a professionally trained registered counsellor (MBACP). I practice in London, Clapham SW4. In 2003 I qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor and began private practice in 2004. I also spent over 12 years working in the field of talking therapies as a clinical lead within statutory sector therapeutic residential settings.
I am a long term registered member (No. 107865 ) of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their code of conduct & ethics.
I have a deep understanding and knowledge of Addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as many other common addictions like gambling, sex, and shopping.
I work face-to-face in Clapham/Balham. I can also work with you remotely (on Zoom or over the phone), as well as providing a walk-and-talk service in local parks. I am trained in many different approaches to work with therapeutically. Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, I can tailor my approach to what I feels best.
I have a deep understanding and knowledge of Addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as many other common addictions like gambling, sex, and shopping.
I work face-to-face in Clapham/Balham. I can also work with you remotely (on Zoom or over the phone), as well as providing a walk-and-talk service in local parks. I am trained in many different approaches to work with therapeutically. Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, I can tailor my approach to what I feels best.
My approach is built on creating a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for you to explore the issues that trouble you, without fear of judgment or rejection. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, one that facilitates greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, and more fulfilling relationships with others and with life itself. My aim is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your challenges, helping you move toward healing and positive change.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and work with you in a way that feels right for you.
My approach is built on creating a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for you to explore the issues that trouble you, without fear of judgment or rejection. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, one that facilitates greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, and more fulfilling relationships with others and with life itself. My aim is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your challenges, helping you move toward healing and positive change.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and work with you in a way that feels right for you.
I specialise in depression, anxiety, lacking in purpose or meaning, addiction, negative core beliefs, suicidal ideation, intensity of emotions, exploring vulnerability, self worth and feeling lost in life.
Counselling is an open, curious exploration of our inner world and the largest part of what makes therapy successful is the relationship. I believe in cultivating a compassionate, creative, empathetic space filled with depth and connection. My aim is to hold people in the vulnerability of their emotions as we collaboratively work towards healing.
I specialise in depression, anxiety, lacking in purpose or meaning, addiction, negative core beliefs, suicidal ideation, intensity of emotions, exploring vulnerability, self worth and feeling lost in life.
Counselling is an open, curious exploration of our inner world and the largest part of what makes therapy successful is the relationship. I believe in cultivating a compassionate, creative, empathetic space filled with depth and connection. My aim is to hold people in the vulnerability of their emotions as we collaboratively work towards healing.
I specialise in working with clients struggling with the following:
- Anxiety-related issues
- Depression
- Addictions ( alcohol, drugs, sex addictions, pornography, gambling, food & eating, gaming, social media and work)
- Financial therapy
- Christian counselling
The counselling journey is never the same but in most cases, it starts with helping the client pinpoint their current challenges and struggles and get clarity on their patterns of thinking and behaving. We will define what “better life” looks like, understand how these patterns came to be, as well as what needs to change for things to improve in your life.
I specialise in working with clients struggling with the following:
- Anxiety-related issues
- Depression
- Addictions ( alcohol, drugs, sex addictions, pornography, gambling, food & eating, gaming, social media and work)
- Financial therapy
- Christian counselling
The counselling journey is never the same but in most cases, it starts with helping the client pinpoint their current challenges and struggles and get clarity on their patterns of thinking and behaving. We will define what “better life” looks like, understand how these patterns came to be, as well as what needs to change for things to improve in your life.
I also have connections with Addiction and Trauma centres in the U
I offer short or long term work depending on the needs or availability of both individuals or couples. I have a particular focus on Attachment Theory, so I aim to help everybody improve all of their relationships. I also sat on the board of The Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals for 9 years, so have a deep understanding of addiction problems.
I also have connections with Addiction and Trauma centres in the U
I offer short or long term work depending on the needs or availability of both individuals or couples. I have a particular focus on Attachment Theory, so I aim to help everybody improve all of their relationships. I also sat on the board of The Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals for 9 years, so have a deep understanding of addiction problems.
You may be struggling with Grief, Trauma or Addiction, seeking understanding with Neurodiversity, or difficult relationship patterns.
I am deeply committed to your healing, well-being and the development of you as a whole person: body, mind and spirit. I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist, I'm therefore trained in lots of different approaches, modalities and techniques, Including EMDR. I offer therapy for adults & adolescents, I also offer therapy from a Christian perspective.
You may be struggling with Grief, Trauma or Addiction, seeking understanding with Neurodiversity, or difficult relationship patterns.
I am deeply committed to your healing, well-being and the development of you as a whole person: body, mind and spirit. I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist, I'm therefore trained in lots of different approaches, modalities and techniques, Including EMDR. I offer therapy for adults & adolescents, I also offer therapy from a Christian perspective.
I am licensed in the UK with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am an Integrative therapist that uses various approaches in therapy.
I am licensed in the UK with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am an Integrative therapist that uses various approaches in therapy.
I also have specialised experience of working with people with addiction issues, as well as those working in the creative fields.
I'm a qualified, BACP-registered therapist who works with adults (18+) in-person in West London and online. Often, they're dealing with anxiety, depression or problematic relationships. In many cases, they're trying to manage feelings which are keeping them from moving forward in life or being as productive and fulfilled as they'd like to be.
Sometimes it's as simple as realising that something just doesn't feel quite right. Or a sense that their emotions, behaviours and mindset are not serving them as well as they could.
I also have specialised experience of working with people with addiction issues, as well as those working in the creative fields.
I'm a qualified, BACP-registered therapist who works with adults (18+) in-person in West London and online. Often, they're dealing with anxiety, depression or problematic relationships. In many cases, they're trying to manage feelings which are keeping them from moving forward in life or being as productive and fulfilled as they'd like to be.
Sometimes it's as simple as realising that something just doesn't feel quite right. Or a sense that their emotions, behaviours and mindset are not serving them as well as they could.
I’m comfortable with a range of issues from anxiety, relationship issues, young persons issues, sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood, addiction and substance abuse issues, chronic and terminal illness, bereavement, depression, existential issues, diaspora, trauma, life transitions, neurodiversity, identity, self esteem or whatever it is you need to bring.
When life feels overwhelming and there is no one you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, fears and feelings with; it’s time to seek out someone to provide the safety to work through them in a nurturing space. I make myself available with empathy and experience. Sometimes experiences from the past can contaminate the way we move through the world. Through my capacity to hold emotional pain in the space between us, we can co-create a new way of being. In essence, the safety and empathy I provide clients allows them to be in the Here and Now whilst holding lightly the There and Then.
I’m comfortable with a range of issues from anxiety, relationship issues, young persons issues, sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood, addiction and substance abuse issues, chronic and terminal illness, bereavement, depression, existential issues, diaspora, trauma, life transitions, neurodiversity, identity, self esteem or whatever it is you need to bring.
When life feels overwhelming and there is no one you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, fears and feelings with; it’s time to seek out someone to provide the safety to work through them in a nurturing space. I make myself available with empathy and experience. Sometimes experiences from the past can contaminate the way we move through the world. Through my capacity to hold emotional pain in the space between us, we can co-create a new way of being. In essence, the safety and empathy I provide clients allows them to be in the Here and Now whilst holding lightly the There and Then.
Maybe a relationship keeps going wrong, or a decision you can’t settle, or you’re not quite sure who you are or who you’re becoming. You don’t need to arrive at therapy with a diagnosis or even a clear explanation of what’s wrong. I work with teenagers, young adults and adults around identity and self-worth, relationships and the patterns within them, and the choices and changes that shape where life goes next.
Some of what we explore is recent: this week, this argument, this crossroads. Some of it runs deeper. I’ll listen, challenge and, once we’ve built trust, work together to find a way forward.
Maybe a relationship keeps going wrong, or a decision you can’t settle, or you’re not quite sure who you are or who you’re becoming. You don’t need to arrive at therapy with a diagnosis or even a clear explanation of what’s wrong. I work with teenagers, young adults and adults around identity and self-worth, relationships and the patterns within them, and the choices and changes that shape where life goes next.
Some of what we explore is recent: this week, this argument, this crossroads. Some of it runs deeper. I’ll listen, challenge and, once we’ve built trust, work together to find a way forward.
I worked closely with relationship and behaviour this has led me in the direction of being a author of 'breaking the myth of addiction which describes the relationship of the substance user and the behaviour that underpins it.
I am a Gestalt Therapist who works with all parts of self-linking and connecting each one so you can become your whole self. My work consists of behavioural patterns, childhood trauma, relationships, anxiety Trans-generational patterns, stagnation. psycho-education and the two sides of self that causes conflict. I specialises working with exploration creativity and discovery. Together we work with the relational relationship finding a happy medium.
I worked closely with relationship and behaviour this has led me in the direction of being a author of 'breaking the myth of addiction which describes the relationship of the substance user and the behaviour that underpins it.
I am a Gestalt Therapist who works with all parts of self-linking and connecting each one so you can become your whole self. My work consists of behavioural patterns, childhood trauma, relationships, anxiety Trans-generational patterns, stagnation. psycho-education and the two sides of self that causes conflict. I specialises working with exploration creativity and discovery. Together we work with the relational relationship finding a happy medium.
Hello, my name is David and I am an experienced therapist offering a safe, non-judgmental space to work through whatever it is that is troubling you. However big or small your problems may seem, you deserve to be listened to, and talking to a professional who is outside of your social and family circle can be an effective way of exploring your thoughts and feelings in a safe and respectful environment. If you are feeling stuck in your life and are experiencing low moods, anxiety or self-worth issues, please get in touch so we can get to work on making a positive change.
Hello, my name is David and I am an experienced therapist offering a safe, non-judgmental space to work through whatever it is that is troubling you. However big or small your problems may seem, you deserve to be listened to, and talking to a professional who is outside of your social and family circle can be an effective way of exploring your thoughts and feelings in a safe and respectful environment. If you are feeling stuck in your life and are experiencing low moods, anxiety or self-worth issues, please get in touch so we can get to work on making a positive change.
I am a chartered psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and an accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) practitioner and Fellow of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). I am also a registered Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) practitioner with the Metacognitive Therapy Institute (MCT-I). In my practice I focus on developing a collaborative and client centred understanding of presenting problems together with tailor-making treatment programmes using either CBT or MCT. I have over 25 years experience working as a clinician.
I am a chartered psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and an accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) practitioner and Fellow of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). I am also a registered Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) practitioner with the Metacognitive Therapy Institute (MCT-I). In my practice I focus on developing a collaborative and client centred understanding of presenting problems together with tailor-making treatment programmes using either CBT or MCT. I have over 25 years experience working as a clinician.
I am currently working at the South London and Maudsley hospital a leading mental health service in London, where I support individuals with a wide range of difficulties including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, addiction, low self-esteem, PTSD, and other complex mental health needs.
My experience spans working with clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups and I place strong emphasis on building a safe, trusting and collaborative relationship. I believe that when clients feel genuinely heard and supported without judgement, they are better able to explore their own thoughts and feelings and experience personal growth.
I am currently working at the South London and Maudsley hospital a leading mental health service in London, where I support individuals with a wide range of difficulties including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, addiction, low self-esteem, PTSD, and other complex mental health needs.
My experience spans working with clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups and I place strong emphasis on building a safe, trusting and collaborative relationship. I believe that when clients feel genuinely heard and supported without judgement, they are better able to explore their own thoughts and feelings and experience personal growth.
Sophie Liddiard
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
South West London, London SW17
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked in mental health for 10+ years and have developed a specialism in addiction, however addiction tends to be one part of a bigger picture and has meant I have worked in depth with trauma, relationships, violence, loss & bereavement, suicidal thoughts & many more.
I created Empower U Therapy because I am passionate about helping people recognise their strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives. Empowerment is at the heart of my work, and I strive to foster this throughout our sessions.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of approaches, allowing me to tailor our work to your individual needs and experiences. Whether you are looking to make positive changes, develop greater self-awareness, process difficult experiences, or simply have a safe space to talk, therapy can provide valuable support.
I am committed to supporting you throughout your journey.
I have worked in mental health for 10+ years and have developed a specialism in addiction, however addiction tends to be one part of a bigger picture and has meant I have worked in depth with trauma, relationships, violence, loss & bereavement, suicidal thoughts & many more.
I created Empower U Therapy because I am passionate about helping people recognise their strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives. Empowerment is at the heart of my work, and I strive to foster this throughout our sessions.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of approaches, allowing me to tailor our work to your individual needs and experiences. Whether you are looking to make positive changes, develop greater self-awareness, process difficult experiences, or simply have a safe space to talk, therapy can provide valuable support.
I am committed to supporting you throughout your journey.
I am a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist who works in the London Victoria area. My training underlines my belief that sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling insecure or lacking in confidence, making it difficult to form or sustain healthy relationships or cope with everyday life. Talking this through with a psychotherapist can help you to understand and value yourself more. It is not the job of a psychotherapist to tell you what to do but to offer you different perspectives and a different experience of relating.
I am a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist who works in the London Victoria area. My training underlines my belief that sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling insecure or lacking in confidence, making it difficult to form or sustain healthy relationships or cope with everyday life. Talking this through with a psychotherapist can help you to understand and value yourself more. It is not the job of a psychotherapist to tell you what to do but to offer you different perspectives and a different experience of relating.
I also work with adults facing emotional and relational challenges, including developmental trauma, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, codependency, addiction and recovery.
My approach is integrative, relational and trauma-informed, drawing on psychodynamic, attachment-based, CBT and somatic approaches. With children and young people, I use developmentally appropriate, creative and play-based ways of working, adapting therapy to each child and collaborating with parents and carers.
I also work with adults facing emotional and relational challenges, including developmental trauma, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, codependency, addiction and recovery.
My approach is integrative, relational and trauma-informed, drawing on psychodynamic, attachment-based, CBT and somatic approaches. With children and young people, I use developmentally appropriate, creative and play-based ways of working, adapting therapy to each child and collaborating with parents and carers.
Counselling can help you to explore and work through emotional difficulties you may be experiencing that could be affecting your thoughts and behaviours. It is a space for you to share things that you may be finding difficult to talk to your friends and family about. These difficulties may be from your past that are now causing problems in your present or from a more recent trauma you have experienced in your life such as a relationship break-up, loss of someone close to you or difficulties with getting to sleep or sleep not feeling like sleep anymore, but feeling more like an escape.
Counselling can help you to explore and work through emotional difficulties you may be experiencing that could be affecting your thoughts and behaviours. It is a space for you to share things that you may be finding difficult to talk to your friends and family about. These difficulties may be from your past that are now causing problems in your present or from a more recent trauma you have experienced in your life such as a relationship break-up, loss of someone close to you or difficulties with getting to sleep or sleep not feeling like sleep anymore, but feeling more like an escape.
See more therapy options for South West London, London
Nearby Addiction Counsellors Searches for South West London, London
- Central London
- East London
- North London
- North West London
- South East London
- South London
- West End
- West London
Nearby Searches for South West London, London
- Central London
- East London
- North London
- North West London
- South East London
- South London
- West End
- West London
Addiction Counsellors
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.