ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM

​​​​​​We specialise in Dual diagnosis addiction practice which is a comprehensive approach to treating addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. It recognizes that addiction and mental health issues often go hand in hand and that addressing both is essential for a successful recovery. 

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According to this theory, substance abuse and mental health disorders are intertwined and can fuel each other's symptoms. Therefore, treating them as separate conditions is not effective. Dual diagnosis addiction theory aims to identify the underlying causes of both conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both simultaneously. 

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This approach involves a combination of therapy, medication management, and social support to help individuals manage their addiction and mental health symptoms. The goal is to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of an individual's well-being and helps them achieve a lasting recovery. 

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"I had been struggling with food addiction for several years, I had seen multiple counsellors and doctors during that time and never made progress. My time with Ed has been totally different to previous experiences. With an approach that allowed me to understand the root of my problem and highlighted exactly what steps I needed to take before it all began to fall in place. I now have found  a totally different perspective around myself, through food and within myself. Ed has a great mix of a friendly and professional attitude that makes opening up and being honest much easier to do. I am so thankful for the lessons Ed has taught me and I could not recommend him enough."​

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The psychotherapy focused approach offered by Edward has evolved over 25 years of clinical practice with all manner of personal issues and conditions effecting mental health.

With addiction in particular, residential rehab is largely the only option available. Whilst the benefits of detox and safety to clients are clear when they are away in a managed environment, the considerable limitation is that it does not address the complex set of patterns, stresses, demands, conflicts etc that drive the behavioural and are situated in the home environment. These associations are key to understanding and resolving the addiction itself and require an active exploration of context in order to appreciate how the addiction operates in every day life.  This allows for the condition to be seen as a system driven by learned behaviours and adaptive processes responding to environmental factors, both present and historical. This is what is referred to as a 'Bio-psycho-social' treatment approach. 

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The bio-psycho-social approach to addiction recovery views substance use as complex, resulting from interacting biological (genetics, brain chemistry), psychological (trauma, mental health, coping skills), and social (family, culture, peers, environment) factors, requiring holistic, tailored treatment addressing all these areas for lasting wellness, not just focusing on abstinence. It moves beyond a simple "brain disease" model to integrate therapies, nutritional support, and social/spiritual connections for a comprehensive recovery journey. 

The treatment methodology which has evolved prioritises a practical forward looking system which seeks to genuinely identify the factors which are driving the behaviour as well as to treat the behaviour and the individual simultaneously in the environment where it is occurring.

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In order to be able to achieve this effectively it is necessary for someone to be ready for change and to want a less complex and chaotic life, to be ready to give up the pain and despair of addiction and the unhappiness which it brings. 

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"I found Edward a great help when I was dealing with depression and anxiety, and a crisis brought to the surface by alcohol. He helped me to find my way again without being in any way judgemental or prescriptive. I particularly liked the fact that his sessions were relaxed  - for someone who finds it hard to talk about personal matters, I found myself able to talk openly and without fear, even when I was at my most anxious.  His therapeutic technique was effective for me, both when I started and was in need of urgent help, as well as later on when things had settled down. I never felt talked down to, and his therapy was gentle and intuitive. I also appreciated that Edward was flexible in terms of sessions - I was able to take breaks, and to fit  around my work and home commitments. I am grateful to Edward and I  recommend his approach to therapy wholeheartedly."