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Worried someone you love may have a drug problem? As an addiction psychotherapist in St Albans, I help families recognise the early signs of substance misuse—such as changes in mood, behaviour, health, and finances—so they can take supportive, informed action. Learn the key indicators and what steps you can take to guide your loved one toward recovery.

Beyond Relaxation: The Subtle Slide from Social Drinker to Dependence... Alcoholism. As an experienced psychotherapist specialising in addiction in St Albans, Hertfordshire, I often see clients whose relationship with alcohol started innocently enough. They weren't looking to "drown their sorrows" or become dependent; they were simply looking for a key - a social lubricant, a confidence boost, or a temporary escape from difficult feelings. The initial stages of what can becom

As a qualified and registered psychotherapist, I frequently work with individuals who experience Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's a condition often misunderstood, extending far beyond the stereotypical image of a hyperactive child. In adults, ADHD can manifest in a myriad of ways, impacting daily life, relationships, and self-perception.

Addiction is a complex and challenging condition, and it's something I see frequently in my psychotherapy practice. While the immediate focus initially focuses on the substance itself -be it alcohol, drugs, or a particular behavior - it's crucial to understand that addiction very rarely exists in a vacuum.

As we move into the later stages of our lives, we often face a mix of emotions.

Cocaine. What begins as a "party drug" often morphs into a relentless addiction, dragging individuals down an extremely dark and treacherous path. As a psychotherapist specialising in addiction, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of cocaine addiction too many times. In this blog, we'll delve into the insidious nature of cocaine addiction, how it ensnares its victims, and most importantly, how to break free from its grip. The Deceptive Allure: For many, the journ

Maybe you or someone you know values their independence and might seem a bit reserved in relationships? Here's what they might do: Be Guarded with Their Emotions: They don't wear their heart on their sleeve. You won't often see them gushing with affection or expressing deep emotions. Fear of Getting Too Close: They're cautious about getting too close to others, especially in romantic relationships. They might keep a bit of an emotional distance. Self-Sufficiency: They really

Behaviors of An Anxiously Attached Person

Relationships can get rather worn and need a bit of maintenance from time to time. Here are a few ideas A regular date night… This might sound very obvious, but all too often couples complain to me that they don’t do things together any more. The reason? Because they don’t do things together anymore! It may be just going for a walk, or a full on night out, with a meal, the theatre and a nightclub afterwards. Interestingly both of the couple will often arrange nights out eithe

Covid-19 has had a big impact on people’s mental health, with stress and anxiety becoming increasingly common. However we often fail to recognise and manage it, brushing it under the carpet, or we try to have a postive approach to life and don’t deal with it. A way to ground yourself to the present moment is by being mindful, which helps you to move past unhealthy emotions.  One mindfulness technique is the 3-3-3 rule:  First sit comfortably, feet on the floor, then breathe s

Sigmund Freud first described the psyche as having 3 parts. The 'Id' , the 'Ego' and the 'Super Ego' The Id is to do with wants and desires, for example, wanting a bar of chocolate. The Super Ego however sees that the Id is suggesting eating the chocolate, and says 'You shouldn't have that chocolate, it's fattening', or 'If you are hungry, have an apple'. The Ego mediates between the two, listening to both the Id and the Super Ego, and then should decide whether or not to ea

Tips for inner peace.

Men and women should not consume more than 14 units a week on a regular basis A unit is approximately 1 small glass of wine, 1/2 pint of beer or 25ml of spirits. In the UK approximately 35% of adults drink more than this recommended limit, with 6-9% being alcohol dependant. Most alcoholics only seek help when they start having negative consequences due to their drinking... t he alcohol starts costing more than money . This may be relationship problems, problems at work, or

Simple ways to take off the heat