Substance Use Counselling in Merchant City, Glasgow

I have a broad range of experience in complex mental health, substance use, mood disorder, eating issues and issues related to life adjustment and relational issues.
Since I gained my SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork - a Cognitive Behavioural Approach. I wanted to provide the best service to my client so I followed this on with extensive further training within CBT where I achieved my accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP). Throughout my work as a CBT practitioner I have acquired a broad and varied experience, starting my career working in drug and alcohol units, delivering substance misuse motivational work, group work and one to one sessions.
I have a broad range of experience in complex mental health, substance use, mood disorder, eating issues and issues related to life adjustment and relational issues.
Since I gained my SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork - a Cognitive Behavioural Approach. I wanted to provide the best service to my client so I followed this on with extensive further training within CBT where I achieved my accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP). Throughout my work as a CBT practitioner I have acquired a broad and varied experience, starting my career working in drug and alcohol units, delivering substance misuse motivational work, group work and one to one sessions.

I'm your mojo-returner! I'm an EMCC Accredited Senior Coach Practitioner, Accredited Coach Supervisor, and BACP Accredited Therapist, with over a decade, and thousands of hours of experience, in supporting extraordinary people, just like you, to make significant changes in their lives. Ready to crush your goals? DM me for transformative coaching and therapeutic consultancy for creative entrepreneurs and senior executives. More than just coaching, this flexes and shifts with YOUR needs.
I'm your mojo-returner! I'm an EMCC Accredited Senior Coach Practitioner, Accredited Coach Supervisor, and BACP Accredited Therapist, with over a decade, and thousands of hours of experience, in supporting extraordinary people, just like you, to make significant changes in their lives. Ready to crush your goals? DM me for transformative coaching and therapeutic consultancy for creative entrepreneurs and senior executives. More than just coaching, this flexes and shifts with YOUR needs.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let's Talk. Life can be full of unexpected twists and turns, leaving us feeling lost, anxious, or simply unsure of how to navigate challenging times. Whether you're dealing with a significant loss, relationship difficulties, or a personal crisis, you're not alone. In our sessions, we'll work together to: Understand your unique experiences: Explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Identify your goals: Discover what's truly important to you and create a personalised plan for moving forward.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Let's Talk. Life can be full of unexpected twists and turns, leaving us feeling lost, anxious, or simply unsure of how to navigate challenging times. Whether you're dealing with a significant loss, relationship difficulties, or a personal crisis, you're not alone. In our sessions, we'll work together to: Understand your unique experiences: Explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Identify your goals: Discover what's truly important to you and create a personalised plan for moving forward.

Do you find it difficult to talk to those closest to you about your issues and concerns? Perhaps you don’t want to burden them or feel worried that they might judge or not understand what you are going through? I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to understand more about yourself and your relationships with others. As an integrative counsellor, I work with a variety of therapeutic approaches and methods, and combine them to suit the needs of each individual client.
Do you find it difficult to talk to those closest to you about your issues and concerns? Perhaps you don’t want to burden them or feel worried that they might judge or not understand what you are going through? I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to understand more about yourself and your relationships with others. As an integrative counsellor, I work with a variety of therapeutic approaches and methods, and combine them to suit the needs of each individual client.

How will you feel when you come to therapy? Nervous, anxious or scared probably. These feelings are natural but I provide a safe space where you can be your authentic self and feel heard during the difficult times.
I won't 'fix' you but you will leave our sessions feeling different because of the work we do together.
I have worked on myself over the years and this means that I too am able to being my authentic self.
I won't use jargon ot try to be the expert. The sessions are yours and I will work with you to reach your goals and enriches your life.
How will you feel when you come to therapy? Nervous, anxious or scared probably. These feelings are natural but I provide a safe space where you can be your authentic self and feel heard during the difficult times.
I won't 'fix' you but you will leave our sessions feeling different because of the work we do together.
I have worked on myself over the years and this means that I too am able to being my authentic self.
I won't use jargon ot try to be the expert. The sessions are yours and I will work with you to reach your goals and enriches your life.

Hello, My name is Jeremy Sachs and I am an Integrative Psychotherapist. This means I am trained in multiple models of psychological care so I can respond to your needs in a flexible and friendly way. I work with individuals to help them better understand their experience, be that distressing issues from the past or challenges they are currently facing. Feel free to visit my website for free resources and additional information about my practice.
Hello, My name is Jeremy Sachs and I am an Integrative Psychotherapist. This means I am trained in multiple models of psychological care so I can respond to your needs in a flexible and friendly way. I work with individuals to help them better understand their experience, be that distressing issues from the past or challenges they are currently facing. Feel free to visit my website for free resources and additional information about my practice.

Leeanne McKenna
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified Verified
Merchant City, Glasgow G2
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that each person is unique and the expert of their own lived experience. As an integrative counsellor, I understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I will work collaboratively with you to identify your preferences and goals, drawing on different theories and methods that are most helpful for you. I take a strengths-based approach, identifying and building on your existing skills and resourcefulness to bring about change. I will seek to co-create a respectful therapeutic relationship that provides the safety you need to explore the experiences that brought you to counselling.
I believe that each person is unique and the expert of their own lived experience. As an integrative counsellor, I understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I will work collaboratively with you to identify your preferences and goals, drawing on different theories and methods that are most helpful for you. I take a strengths-based approach, identifying and building on your existing skills and resourcefulness to bring about change. I will seek to co-create a respectful therapeutic relationship that provides the safety you need to explore the experiences that brought you to counselling.

Dr Ailsa Thomson
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Merchant City, Glasgow G2
At different times in our lives we go through challenges that can affect how we feel and have a negative impact on us. We all have unique ways of dealing with situations. At these times, many people find it helpful to explore, in a safe space, how they are feeling with somebody else.
At different times in our lives we go through challenges that can affect how we feel and have a negative impact on us. We all have unique ways of dealing with situations. At these times, many people find it helpful to explore, in a safe space, how they are feeling with somebody else.

Hello, I’m David. A very warm welcome to my page. Life can be really tough and challenging, particularly in these current uncertain times. Our tricky minds are often good at allowing us to become overwhelmed by our thoughts and emotions and this can make us stuck in certain behaviours and struggling to make sense of things. You may find yourself feeling anxious, low in mood or feeling stuck but not sure how to change things. Whatever may be going on for you, it can really help to have someone to talk to impartially to give you the space to talk through your difficulties, gain valuable insights and work towards your goals.
Hello, I’m David. A very warm welcome to my page. Life can be really tough and challenging, particularly in these current uncertain times. Our tricky minds are often good at allowing us to become overwhelmed by our thoughts and emotions and this can make us stuck in certain behaviours and struggling to make sense of things. You may find yourself feeling anxious, low in mood or feeling stuck but not sure how to change things. Whatever may be going on for you, it can really help to have someone to talk to impartially to give you the space to talk through your difficulties, gain valuable insights and work towards your goals.

Counselling Psychology Scotland
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Dr David Cunningham, an experienced HCPC-registered Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Director of Counselling Psychology Scotland. I am committed to offering evidence-based psychological support to help you navigate life’s challenges. With over six years of experience in third-sector organisations and the NHS, I have helped clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, bereavement, cancer, addiction, suicidal thoughts, and gender identity issues. My approach focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship by integrating a person-centred approach and cognitive therapy.
Hi, I'm Dr David Cunningham, an experienced HCPC-registered Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Director of Counselling Psychology Scotland. I am committed to offering evidence-based psychological support to help you navigate life’s challenges. With over six years of experience in third-sector organisations and the NHS, I have helped clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, bereavement, cancer, addiction, suicidal thoughts, and gender identity issues. My approach focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship by integrating a person-centred approach and cognitive therapy.

Ajay Lamba has delivered psychotherapy in NHS hospitals and private practice, which has provided a wealth of experience with people from diverse backgrounds and all age groups. His academic and work career has been focused on helping people achieve their goals of recovery by relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, from mild to severe psychological difficulties.
Ajay Lamba has delivered psychotherapy in NHS hospitals and private practice, which has provided a wealth of experience with people from diverse backgrounds and all age groups. His academic and work career has been focused on helping people achieve their goals of recovery by relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, from mild to severe psychological difficulties.
Meet Our Substance Use Counsellors

Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when dealing with anxiety, depression, or the impact of past trauma. If you're struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, addiction, or a variety of other challenges, I’m here to help. I offer a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your experiences and develop strategies for healing and empowerment. With a professional history in trauma-focused and supportive roles, I have particular expertise in helping women who have experienced domestic abuse or interpersonal violence.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when dealing with anxiety, depression, or the impact of past trauma. If you're struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, addiction, or a variety of other challenges, I’m here to help. I offer a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your experiences and develop strategies for healing and empowerment. With a professional history in trauma-focused and supportive roles, I have particular expertise in helping women who have experienced domestic abuse or interpersonal violence.

A warm welcome to you, At some point in our lives all of us will experience mental health difficulties that bring us to a place where we need to find care and support from another person to help us work through them. You do not have to be on your own whilst you are experiencing a challenging time in your life. I have experience of working with many different people from a variety of backgrounds bringing a wide range of issues. At the core i am interested in you as a person and together I can help you work through the difficulties you are facing.
A warm welcome to you, At some point in our lives all of us will experience mental health difficulties that bring us to a place where we need to find care and support from another person to help us work through them. You do not have to be on your own whilst you are experiencing a challenging time in your life. I have experience of working with many different people from a variety of backgrounds bringing a wide range of issues. At the core i am interested in you as a person and together I can help you work through the difficulties you are facing.

I am an experienced psychotherapist with over seventeen years experience of working with adults with a wide range of issues and problems. The therapeutic relationship is the most important process in helping each and every individual client make the changes they wish to achieve when working with me. Every person is unique and I will tailor my approach to help every client achieve their goals. I have extensive training to Post Graduate Masters level. I am an Accredited Practitioner. I have a sincere willingness to help every client make a success of their therapy journey.
I am an experienced psychotherapist with over seventeen years experience of working with adults with a wide range of issues and problems. The therapeutic relationship is the most important process in helping each and every individual client make the changes they wish to achieve when working with me. Every person is unique and I will tailor my approach to help every client achieve their goals. I have extensive training to Post Graduate Masters level. I am an Accredited Practitioner. I have a sincere willingness to help every client make a success of their therapy journey.

Alison Litster - Therapy With Alison
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Changing anything starts with the decision to try! That's not always easy, especially if psychological issues persist. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to effectively address this as a specialised psychological approach. My extensive experience in psychological and psychiatric care assures you of a confidential & professional ear at all times. You have everything to gain by putting yourself first! Don't overthink it, ask and get supported to gain a fresh perspective to feel better within yourself.
Changing anything starts with the decision to try! That's not always easy, especially if psychological issues persist. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to effectively address this as a specialised psychological approach. My extensive experience in psychological and psychiatric care assures you of a confidential & professional ear at all times. You have everything to gain by putting yourself first! Don't overthink it, ask and get supported to gain a fresh perspective to feel better within yourself.

Are you struggling with substance or alcohol use, trauma and/or despair? Utilising my neuroscience and addictions academic and professional background, I will support you to not just survive but regain control of your life one day at a time. My approach aims to go beyond only listening to the issues you may have by using analysis and solutions to give the support you need. While this approach is based on you gaining more knowledge about yourself, I also highly value patients being as comfortable as possible in the sessions as well.
Are you struggling with substance or alcohol use, trauma and/or despair? Utilising my neuroscience and addictions academic and professional background, I will support you to not just survive but regain control of your life one day at a time. My approach aims to go beyond only listening to the issues you may have by using analysis and solutions to give the support you need. While this approach is based on you gaining more knowledge about yourself, I also highly value patients being as comfortable as possible in the sessions as well.

Looking for a counsellor is already a brave step. My hope for you, is that we can explore whats distressing you, what’s maintaining it and how we can bring about positive change. Anxiety, Low Mood and Relationship struggles amongst others, are all issues we can face at various times in our life. Understanding ourselves better and how to best cope can begin to alleviate the discomfort felt in emotional distressing times. Therapy provides a safe space to explore what's keeping you stuck, what's driving it and how to unlock yourself from thinking and behaviours that no longer serve you.
Looking for a counsellor is already a brave step. My hope for you, is that we can explore whats distressing you, what’s maintaining it and how we can bring about positive change. Anxiety, Low Mood and Relationship struggles amongst others, are all issues we can face at various times in our life. Understanding ourselves better and how to best cope can begin to alleviate the discomfort felt in emotional distressing times. Therapy provides a safe space to explore what's keeping you stuck, what's driving it and how to unlock yourself from thinking and behaviours that no longer serve you.

From time to time, life (experiences and circumstances) throws us off-course. Many a times, we can resolve the problems independently, however, sometimes we find ourselves struggling with a whole host of emotions that can make us feel trapped, sad, confused, hopeless or helpless thereby rendering us unable and/or incapable of managing out day to day lives.
From time to time, life (experiences and circumstances) throws us off-course. Many a times, we can resolve the problems independently, however, sometimes we find ourselves struggling with a whole host of emotions that can make us feel trapped, sad, confused, hopeless or helpless thereby rendering us unable and/or incapable of managing out day to day lives.

At Yorkhill Childrens’ Hospital, Cross House Paediatic Unit and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I helped children and adults manage illness, pain and invasive treatments. In Maternity & Neonatal Services, I supported couples during pregnancy, after traumatic birth and loss and supported families with babies in SCBU and ICU. I've worked in Adult Services, both in community mental health services and alongside the medical profession in hospitals. I worked for more than six years at the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery and Burns unit supporting individuals with poor body image, changes in functioning due to illness or injury and PTSD.
At Yorkhill Childrens’ Hospital, Cross House Paediatic Unit and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I helped children and adults manage illness, pain and invasive treatments. In Maternity & Neonatal Services, I supported couples during pregnancy, after traumatic birth and loss and supported families with babies in SCBU and ICU. I've worked in Adult Services, both in community mental health services and alongside the medical profession in hospitals. I worked for more than six years at the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery and Burns unit supporting individuals with poor body image, changes in functioning due to illness or injury and PTSD.

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with years of experience in the NHS, private sector and third sector. I offer a flexible therapeutic approach and support people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, PTSD/complex trauma, addictions, career stress, bereavement, chronic health conditions, compulsions and relationship difficulties.
I have a special interest in trauma and the ways in which it can shape us throughout our lives, impacting our wellbeing, relationships and families.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with years of experience in the NHS, private sector and third sector. I offer a flexible therapeutic approach and support people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, PTSD/complex trauma, addictions, career stress, bereavement, chronic health conditions, compulsions and relationship difficulties.
I have a special interest in trauma and the ways in which it can shape us throughout our lives, impacting our wellbeing, relationships and families.
Nearby Substance Use Counsellors Searches for Merchant City, Glasgow
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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.