Therapists for Addictions

On this page you can browse counsellors and therapists who specialise in addictions across the UK. Each profile notes approaches, registration such as BACP or HCPC, languages and focus areas. Use the listings below to find a practitioner whose experience matches your needs.

Understanding addictions and how they can affect you

Addictions can take many forms - from alcohol and drug use to behaviours such as gambling, compulsive use of technology, or problematic eating patterns. For you or someone close to you, the experience of addiction often goes beyond the immediate act of using or engaging. It can change daily routines, strain relationships, affect work or studies, and alter how you see yourself. People living with an addiction frequently describe cycles of relief followed by regret, a growing need for the activity or substance to feel the same effect, and difficulty cutting down despite wanting to do so.

The way addiction affects someone is shaped by their life story, environment, mental health, and available supports. You might notice changes in mood, sleep, appetite or energy, or find that activities you used to enjoy lose their appeal. Financial pressures, legal or housing problems, and social isolation are common consequences. Recognising that these patterns are happening is often the first step toward finding help. Therapy does not promise quick fixes, but it offers a space to examine the role the behaviour plays in your life and to develop alternative ways of coping.

Recognising signs you might benefit from help

You may be considering whether therapy is appropriate for you. Sometimes the signs are obvious - increasing frequency or quantity of use, missed responsibilities, or harm to relationships. Other times the indicators are more subtle, such as persistent thoughts about the activity, using as a way to manage uncomfortable feelings, or unsuccessful attempts to cut down. If you notice that you spend more time and energy on the behaviour than you intended, or if it causes distress, these are valid reasons to explore professional support.

Family members and friends often spot changes before the person directly affected does. If someone close to you expresses concern about your behaviour, this can be an important prompt to seek support. You may also notice emotional signs such as anxiety, shame, low mood, or increased irritability tied to the behaviour. While many people try to manage on their own, therapy can help you identify triggers, understand patterns, and develop practical strategies to change behaviour in ways that suit your life.

What to expect in addictions therapy sessions

The initial stages - assessment and goals

Early therapy sessions typically start with a careful assessment. Your therapist will ask about history, patterns of behaviour, the impact on daily life, any physical or mental health concerns, and your goals for change. This is a collaborative process - you and the therapist will work together to clarify what you want to achieve, whether that is reducing use, stopping entirely, repairing relationships, or managing urges and triggers more effectively.

Within-session work and practical planning

In ongoing sessions you can expect a mix of reflection and practical work. Therapists often help you map patterns around cravings and identify high-risk situations. You may discuss strategies to reduce harm, build coping skills for cravings, and create short-term plans for difficult moments. Therapy can also explore underlying issues such as trauma, loss, or mood difficulties that may be linked with the behaviour. Over time you and your therapist will review what is working and adjust approaches to fit your circumstances.

Common therapeutic approaches therapists list for addictions

Therapists on this page describe a range of approaches they use when working with addictions. You will find counsellors and therapists who list cognitive behavioural approaches, which focus on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and help you develop alternative coping strategies. You may also come across practitioners who list motivational approaches - methods designed to increase your motivation for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening commitment.

Some therapists list systemic or family approaches that look at how relationships and social contexts influence behaviour, and others note psychodynamic or trauma-informed ways of working that explore deeper emotional patterns. There are therapists who list relapse prevention techniques and those who mention working with mindfulness or acceptance-based approaches to help you tolerate urges without acting on them. When browsing profiles, pay attention to how therapists describe their focus and whether they mention working with specific populations or co-occurring mental health issues. Remember that a therapist listing a particular approach does not alone mean they hold formal accreditation in it - profiles reflect how practitioners choose to describe their work.

How online therapy works for addictions and practical considerations

Format and session structure

Online therapy for addictions typically mirrors face-to-face work in structure, with regular sessions that may last 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions can take place via video call, telephone, or messaging, depending on what a therapist lists in their profile. You can expect to discuss your goals, review progress, and practice strategies during these appointments. Some people find online sessions easier to fit around work or family life, while others prefer in-person contact; think about the setting in which you feel most able to speak openly.

Privacy and setting

When you choose online therapy, it is important to plan a personal setting where you can talk without interruption. Consider where you will be during sessions, how to manage household members or children, and whether earphones help you focus. While technology makes it possible to connect from different locations, reliable internet or phone access is a practical factor to check. You might also want to think ahead about what to do if you experience a strong urge or crisis between sessions, and discuss this with your therapist so you have a clear plan.

Tips for choosing the right addictions therapist for you

When choosing a therapist, consider the areas of focus and the way they describe their work. Some therapists list experience with particular substances or behaviours, certain age groups, or work with families; others emphasise a harm reduction approach or abstinence as a goal. Look for profiles that mention registration with BACP, HCPC or NCPS if professional registration is important to you. These registers indicate that practitioners follow professional standards and codes of practice in the UK, which can help you compare backgrounds.

It is useful to prioritise practical factors that matter to you - the therapist's approach, whether they offer online or in-person sessions, languages spoken, and how they present their therapeutic values. First contacts or initial consultations can be a chance to get a feel for how you relate to someone. Consider asking about how they work with relapse, how they involve family members if relevant, and how they measure progress. Trust your sense of fit - the relationship you form with a counsellor or therapist is one of the most important elements of successful work.

Finally, think about safety and support beyond therapy. If your situation involves physical health risks, legal issues, or immediate danger, look for local services that can provide urgent help and consider informing a healthcare professional. Therapy is often most effective alongside other supports you may use, whether that is medical care, peer groups, or community services. Use the listings below to compare approaches, registration and focus so you can choose a practitioner who aligns with your preferences and goals.