Substance Use Counselling in Manchester
I believe that creating a safe, supportive space is key to placing the therapeutic relationship at the heart of our sessions, in order for you to feel heard, accepted and understood. I support clients in an empathic and non-judgemental way with difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship challenges and self-esteem, and have particular experience supporting individuals affected by substance misuse and addiction.
I believe that creating a safe, supportive space is key to placing the therapeutic relationship at the heart of our sessions, in order for you to feel heard, accepted and understood. I support clients in an empathic and non-judgemental way with difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship challenges and self-esteem, and have particular experience supporting individuals affected by substance misuse and addiction.
Are things that have happened in your life preventing you living as you deserve to? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or feeling numb and disconnected from others? Do you find you're reaching for alcohol, drugs, food, damaging relationships to try to feel better? Or did you grow up with a parent struggling in this way? You don't need to have suffered an obvious trauma or adversity to be be feeling fearful, despairing or battling with a low sense of self worth. Modern life is hard and the pressures sometimes difficult to navigate.
Are things that have happened in your life preventing you living as you deserve to? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or feeling numb and disconnected from others? Do you find you're reaching for alcohol, drugs, food, damaging relationships to try to feel better? Or did you grow up with a parent struggling in this way? You don't need to have suffered an obvious trauma or adversity to be be feeling fearful, despairing or battling with a low sense of self worth. Modern life is hard and the pressures sometimes difficult to navigate.
I’m a Person-Centred therapist, and I bring not only my training but also a wealth of life experience with over two decades of addiction recovery to the work I do. My calm, friendly nature helps create a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable opening up and exploring whatever has brought you to therapy. Sessions take place in a private,calm, welcoming setting, and if it feels easier, I also offer the option to connect online.
I’m a Person-Centred therapist, and I bring not only my training but also a wealth of life experience with over two decades of addiction recovery to the work I do. My calm, friendly nature helps create a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable opening up and exploring whatever has brought you to therapy. Sessions take place in a private,calm, welcoming setting, and if it feels easier, I also offer the option to connect online.
Choosing a therapist can be a stressful process, and it's difficult to decide which kind of therapy to try. Many people find it helpful to work with a therapist who has trained in more than one therapy, who can switch to a different therapy when needed, and who can tailor sessions according to your needs. My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
Choosing a therapist can be a stressful process, and it's difficult to decide which kind of therapy to try. Many people find it helpful to work with a therapist who has trained in more than one therapy, who can switch to a different therapy when needed, and who can tailor sessions according to your needs. My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
You may appear to be coping well on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained on the inside. You might be autistic or neurodivergent, living with chronic illness, or experiencing anxiety, low mood, or burnout after years of pushing through and prioritising others. You may want space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and feel understood without having to explain or justify yourself. Your goal may be clarity, emotional safety, and a more manageable way of living.
You may appear to be coping well on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained on the inside. You might be autistic or neurodivergent, living with chronic illness, or experiencing anxiety, low mood, or burnout after years of pushing through and prioritising others. You may want space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and feel understood without having to explain or justify yourself. Your goal may be clarity, emotional safety, and a more manageable way of living.
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
Hello and a warm welcome!
I'm Jo, an Integrative Therapist offering counselling and psychotherapy services from two comfortable locations in Manchester City Centre and Chorlton.
I work with adults on a wide range of issues. I have specialist training in attachment and trauma, addictions, childhood trauma, fostering and adoption, somatic approaches, EMDR, transactional analysis and CBT.
I am here to support you through difficult periods in life, relationship/family challenges, depression, anxiety, low mood, life changes /transitions. We can co creatively explore what's causing you to not feel like yourself.
Hello and a warm welcome!
I'm Jo, an Integrative Therapist offering counselling and psychotherapy services from two comfortable locations in Manchester City Centre and Chorlton.
I work with adults on a wide range of issues. I have specialist training in attachment and trauma, addictions, childhood trauma, fostering and adoption, somatic approaches, EMDR, transactional analysis and CBT.
I am here to support you through difficult periods in life, relationship/family challenges, depression, anxiety, low mood, life changes /transitions. We can co creatively explore what's causing you to not feel like yourself.
I am a highly qualified and experienced consultant psychotherapist and supervisor with 20 years experience and recognised clinical expertise in the treatment and assessment of a wide range of mental health problems (including: depression, anxiety, personality disorders and psychosis), problematic behaviours and addictions. My guiding aim is to help each client to the point where they no longer require therapy or medication, and can cope skilfully and independently with life’s challenges, and understand how the past can impede our ability to cope with the present.
I am a highly qualified and experienced consultant psychotherapist and supervisor with 20 years experience and recognised clinical expertise in the treatment and assessment of a wide range of mental health problems (including: depression, anxiety, personality disorders and psychosis), problematic behaviours and addictions. My guiding aim is to help each client to the point where they no longer require therapy or medication, and can cope skilfully and independently with life’s challenges, and understand how the past can impede our ability to cope with the present.
You’re outwardly functioning, maybe even thriving — but inside, something doesn’t feel quite right. You might find yourself overthinking after interactions, second-guessing decisions, or carrying a quiet sense that you’re not fully yourself. Many of the people I work with are very good at adapting — but privately feel like they’re performing rather than really living. I work with people who’ve spent years saying “I’m fine” while feeling disconnected from themselves, from others, or from the life they want to live. Therapy can be a space to understand those patterns and explore who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.
You’re outwardly functioning, maybe even thriving — but inside, something doesn’t feel quite right. You might find yourself overthinking after interactions, second-guessing decisions, or carrying a quiet sense that you’re not fully yourself. Many of the people I work with are very good at adapting — but privately feel like they’re performing rather than really living. I work with people who’ve spent years saying “I’m fine” while feeling disconnected from themselves, from others, or from the life they want to live. Therapy can be a space to understand those patterns and explore who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.
You might be managing your feelings alone; maybe through work, music, exercise, meditation. Maybe feeling uneasy with how you’re coping or about what’s going on. Possibly feeling lost, disconnected, or struggling to find joy. Considering how past and present experiences have impacted where you are now, and when it’s feeling okay to, it can be about what where you’d like to be in the future. It’s okay if you can’t see next steps yet. Whether you have anxiety, overwhelm, or are having the opposite and feeling very little, this can be worked with at a pace that is safe and suitable. We work together to figure this out.
You might be managing your feelings alone; maybe through work, music, exercise, meditation. Maybe feeling uneasy with how you’re coping or about what’s going on. Possibly feeling lost, disconnected, or struggling to find joy. Considering how past and present experiences have impacted where you are now, and when it’s feeling okay to, it can be about what where you’d like to be in the future. It’s okay if you can’t see next steps yet. Whether you have anxiety, overwhelm, or are having the opposite and feeling very little, this can be worked with at a pace that is safe and suitable. We work together to figure this out.
At any stage in life, we can experience changes or moments where it becomes difficult to cope with our thoughts and feelings. This can result in feeling stuck and not knowing how to process what we're experiencing. What can make this more difficult is knowing who or how to open up to others or feeling like what you're experiencing is too much for someone to understand. Having a therapist allows you to share all parts of you, parts that are accepted wholeheartedly without shame or judgement, which may not feel possible even with those you feel closest to.
At any stage in life, we can experience changes or moments where it becomes difficult to cope with our thoughts and feelings. This can result in feeling stuck and not knowing how to process what we're experiencing. What can make this more difficult is knowing who or how to open up to others or feeling like what you're experiencing is too much for someone to understand. Having a therapist allows you to share all parts of you, parts that are accepted wholeheartedly without shame or judgement, which may not feel possible even with those you feel closest to.
Hi, I'm Gareth from Purple Rain Counselling. I am an integrative counsellor providing support for people with any kind of mental health issue. I offer specialist help for depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement and supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. By listening to you, we will develop our sessions together to help you achieve your desired goals and give you the coping skills you need.
Hi, I'm Gareth from Purple Rain Counselling. I am an integrative counsellor providing support for people with any kind of mental health issue. I offer specialist help for depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement and supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. By listening to you, we will develop our sessions together to help you achieve your desired goals and give you the coping skills you need.
If you are struggling to deal with issues affecting your sense of well being, worrying about it more than you think is healthy and looking for someone to help you, I'm a counsellor who can assist you to find a way out. I have a background in relational therapy with a lived experience of trauma, depression/anxiety and can offer a unique and friendly service that is rooted in understanding and listening.
I am currently training in Eco-Therapy, working in/with nature to effect positive change and can offer this service if requested.
If you are struggling to deal with issues affecting your sense of well being, worrying about it more than you think is healthy and looking for someone to help you, I'm a counsellor who can assist you to find a way out. I have a background in relational therapy with a lived experience of trauma, depression/anxiety and can offer a unique and friendly service that is rooted in understanding and listening.
I am currently training in Eco-Therapy, working in/with nature to effect positive change and can offer this service if requested.
Hi there, my name is Srab and thank you for visiting my page. Is life frustrating and getting you down? Are you experiencing frequent burn out, stress, worry, anxiety, depression and confusion? Do you feel stuck in your work, relationship or marriage? Do you find yourself repeating self-destructive addictive behaviours to alcohol, drugs, food or gambling? Maybe your relationships have become damaged or broken and now there is a breakdown of trust. Are you finding hard to cope with a divorce, loss of employment, bereavement or illness? If so, you have found the right page. I am here to help you
Hi there, my name is Srab and thank you for visiting my page. Is life frustrating and getting you down? Are you experiencing frequent burn out, stress, worry, anxiety, depression and confusion? Do you feel stuck in your work, relationship or marriage? Do you find yourself repeating self-destructive addictive behaviours to alcohol, drugs, food or gambling? Maybe your relationships have become damaged or broken and now there is a breakdown of trust. Are you finding hard to cope with a divorce, loss of employment, bereavement or illness? If so, you have found the right page. I am here to help you
I understand that sometimes it’s not easy and things aren’t always how we would like them to be, but simply talking to someone can bring relief and be the first step towards positive change. I am committed to providing you with support, free of judgement and full of empathy for every stage of your journey. As a qualified counsellor I am enthusiastic about humanistic approaches. I embrace the idea that we have wisdom and capabilities to overcome hardships and live a more fulfilling life, given the right support and environment.
I understand that sometimes it’s not easy and things aren’t always how we would like them to be, but simply talking to someone can bring relief and be the first step towards positive change. I am committed to providing you with support, free of judgement and full of empathy for every stage of your journey. As a qualified counsellor I am enthusiastic about humanistic approaches. I embrace the idea that we have wisdom and capabilities to overcome hardships and live a more fulfilling life, given the right support and environment.
I recently celebrated 25 years as a CBT therapist. I am now also qualified in EMDR In. addition my therapy practice I have taught CBT for many years. I was programme director for post graduate CBT training at Manchester and Lancaster Universities, I have lectured at most UK universities and also abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Holland and Brazil. I have been widely published on the relationship between negative life events and psychological distress including as a first author in The British journal of Psychiatry
I recently celebrated 25 years as a CBT therapist. I am now also qualified in EMDR In. addition my therapy practice I have taught CBT for many years. I was programme director for post graduate CBT training at Manchester and Lancaster Universities, I have lectured at most UK universities and also abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Holland and Brazil. I have been widely published on the relationship between negative life events and psychological distress including as a first author in The British journal of Psychiatry
Many LGBTQ+ people grow up feeling different, misunderstood, unsafe, or emotionally disconnected from themselves. I work with clients exploring issues connected to shame, identity, relationships, anxiety, trauma, self worth, addiction, recovery, and the long term impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Many people come to therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck in painful patterns, or constantly questioning their own worth and place in the world.
Many LGBTQ+ people grow up feeling different, misunderstood, unsafe, or emotionally disconnected from themselves. I work with clients exploring issues connected to shame, identity, relationships, anxiety, trauma, self worth, addiction, recovery, and the long term impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Many people come to therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck in painful patterns, or constantly questioning their own worth and place in the world.
With my brother diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia nearly 30 years ago, I have personal experience of the family sacrifices and struggles related to the pain and stigma of mental illness. Having since, committing my life to the improvement of people’s emotional fitness and mental resilience, with support from organisations such as SANE and MIND, my own journey has allowed me to discover the true benefits of therapy first-hand. Personal therapy is proving invaluable for people to manage certain difficult or crisis situations in their lives and so transform their problems into major opportunities for personal growth.
With my brother diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia nearly 30 years ago, I have personal experience of the family sacrifices and struggles related to the pain and stigma of mental illness. Having since, committing my life to the improvement of people’s emotional fitness and mental resilience, with support from organisations such as SANE and MIND, my own journey has allowed me to discover the true benefits of therapy first-hand. Personal therapy is proving invaluable for people to manage certain difficult or crisis situations in their lives and so transform their problems into major opportunities for personal growth.
There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.
There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.
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How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.