A kinder way to look at addiction
Addiction counselling is talking things through with someone who gets it and will not shame you for it. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, gambling, smoking, food, or any other habit you cannot seem to put down, we start from a simple place: you are not a bad person, and you are not beyond help.
Most addictions are doing a job. They numb something, settle something, or fill a gap. We gently look at the why underneath, because once that makes sense, the hold it has on you starts to loosen. Del comes from a social-care background supporting people with addiction, so this is familiar ground for us, not a script.
We see people face to face here in Devon, and we work with people right across the South West, the UK and worldwide online. Nothing you say will surprise us or be judged. It is confidential, it is at your pace, and it starts whenever you are ready.
What addiction counselling can help with
Addiction shows up in lots of forms. Here are some of the things people come to us about.
Alcohol
Whether drinking has crept up on you or you already know it is a problem, we will help you understand it and make a real change.
Drugs
Support around recreational or prescription drugs, with no lectures and no judgement about where you are right now.
Gambling
Gambling can take hold quietly and cost a lot. We will help you look at what is driving it and find a way back.
Smoking & vaping
If you have tried to stop and it has not stuck, we will work with the habit and the feelings sitting underneath it.
Food & eating
A difficult relationship with food, bingeing or using food to cope is welcome here. We treat it with the same care as any addiction.
Other compulsive habits
Shopping, gaming, phones, or any behaviour that has started to run your life rather than the other way around.
How the sessions actually work
We start with a free 15-minute chat
Before anything else, you can have a free 15-minute call with us. It is a chance to see how it feels, ask anything, and decide if we are the right fit. No pressure, no commitment.
You can book that call, or simply send us a message on WhatsApp if that feels easier to start with.
In person in Devon, or online anywhere
You can see us face to face at our place in Teignmouth, Devon, or we can meet online by video or WhatsApp. Online works just as well, and it means you can work with us from anywhere in the world.
We look at the why, at your pace
Rather than only treating the habit, we gently get to what sits underneath it. We blend proven approaches around you as a person, so the work fits your life and goes at a speed that feels safe.
There is no set number of sessions you have to sign up for. We go week by week, and you stay in charge.
This might be the right support for you
You do not need to have hit rock bottom to ask for help. Addiction counselling might be right for you if any of this sounds familiar.
and it keeps pulling you back, and you are tired of doing it on your own.
and you want to talk to someone who will not judge you or make it worse.
your relationships, your work, your health, your money, or your peace of mind.
as a real addiction, but it has more of a hold on you than you would like.
and their drinking, drug use or gambling is taking a toll on you too.
not just stop the habit, so the change actually lasts this time.
Ready when you are
Take the first small step today with a free 15-minute call, or just message us on WhatsApp. Whether you are here in Devon or anywhere in the world, we would be glad to help.
Common questions about addiction counselling
If something is on your mind before getting in touch, here are the things people most often ask us.
What is addiction counselling, exactly?
It is regular, confidential time with a therapist who helps you understand your addiction and gently change your relationship with it. We look at the feelings and reasons underneath the habit, not just the habit itself, so the change has a better chance of sticking.
Will you judge me?
No. This is a completely non-judgemental space. Del has a social-care background supporting people with addiction, and we have heard a lot over nearly two decades. Whatever you are dealing with, you will be met with warmth and respect.
Do I have to give it up completely to come?
No. You do not need to have everything sorted or even have decided what you want yet. Plenty of people come to us still unsure. We will help you get clear on what you want and support you towards it at your own pace.
Can you help if it is someone else's addiction, not mine?
Yes. Living with or loving someone who is struggling can be exhausting and lonely. We support partners, parents and families affected by someone else's drinking, drug use or gambling, so you have somewhere to put it all down.
Can we do this online if I am not in Devon?
Yes. We see people face to face in Teignmouth, Devon, and we work with people across Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, Hampshire, the New Forest, the wider South West and worldwide by video or WhatsApp. Online sessions are private and work just as well.
How do I start?
Book a free 15-minute consultation, or send us a message on WhatsApp. It is a relaxed chat to see how it feels and ask anything you need to. There is no commitment and no pressure to carry on if it is not right for you.
Still have a question? We are happy to talk it through, with no pressure either way.
Devon-rooted, available wherever you are
We see people in person from our base in Teignmouth, Devon, and online right across the UK and the world. You do not need to live nearby, many of our clients meet us entirely over video or WhatsApp, from wherever feels comfortable. Tap an area to learn more.